If you cross Western Avenue on your way to school in the morning, you’ve probably well noticed that the street has been completely upturned by some construction to the pipeline by the Metropolitan Water District. The project started in late November 2023, and is expected to continue through the next six months, at least until May 2024.

The main change from this is that the entire middle of Western is now blocked off. The street is still usable, but it’s recommended that you avoid the areas where work is being done, as it’s been narrowed down to one lane on both sides and can get pretty congested. If you’re trying to get to school and normally take Western, you can turn onto 238th, 235th, or 223rd street instead and avoid the traffic. Just note if you’re going northbound, you cannot turn left onto 235th. 

If you live nearby and are concerned about the noise you might receive, there’s no need to worry. Most of the work is being done underground, limiting the loud noises construction often brings. Work is being done 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with the intention of being finished as soon as possible in order to return traffic back to normal.