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Operators union strike halts regional paving; Spokane Valley monitors Wellesley and school access
Summary
Public Works Director Robert Blagan updated council on an operators union (Local 302) strike that began the previous week, which has paused paving work regionally and left the Wellesley project short of final paving for the Aug. 27 school opening.
Public Works Director Robert Blagan told the Spokane Valley City Council that operators union Local 302 went on strike last Tuesday, and the stoppage has halted many paving projects across Eastern Washington.
Blagan said the city completed late‑night paving on some segments (Sixteenth, Bowdish and Thorpe roads) before the strike began, but Wellesley Road could not be completed and remains on the project critical path. He said the city is working with the prime contractor on contingency options, including seeking subcontractors not on strike and planning temporary traffic markings and pedestrian accommodations with East Valley High School for the first day of school on Aug. 27.
Blagan warned that each additional day without the final paving raises the risk of not meeting the school start date and complicates scheduling for the first football games in early September. He said the city is in daily communication with the contractor and school administration and is developing temporary measures that could include interim striping and temporary crosswalks until the final lift of pavement can be placed.
No formal action was required; staff said they will continue to update council and coordinate with the school district and contractor as the situation evolves.
