A construction project in Rock Island, Illinois will require crew members to conduct some blasting before they start.
Before installing a new relief sewer along 6th Avenue in Rock Island, the contractor will have to blast sections of the area to get through underlying bedrock.
The blasting was expected to begin Friday, April 10, 2015 between 6th Street and 7th Street. Blasting could continue until the project is finished.
Before blasting the area, blasting signs will be set up and the area will be secured with warning signs. A flagger will stop traffic on each end of the road that will be affected by each blast. A horn will also sound three long notes before each blast shot; one long note will sound afterward.
“In addition, it will be necessary to turn off all 2-way radio and cell phones during blasting operations,” according to a statement from the City of Rock Island. Public Works Director Randall Tweet said this would be as a precaution for those who are close to the area.
Tweet also noted that all the blasts will take place underground but some nearby buildings could be shaken. Blast vibration specialists will ensure that all seismic readings are within safe limits. Property owners nearby have been notified of the work in the area.
Because of the construction, travel delays may occur around the area. Be sure to follow detour signs posted and watch for trucks entering and leaving construction zones.