Lane closures this week on Bowlin Road

Lane closures are scheduled on West Bowlin Road later this week for a sealcoating project.

The work will occur on the 1.75-mile stretch of Bowlin between White and Parker Road and Mirage Road.

The work began Monday between Anthony Boulevard and Mirage Road with traffic controls scheduled to be in place through Wednesday. The eastbound lane – between White and Parker and Anthony Boulevard – is scheduled to be closed Thursday with the westbound lane closed Friday. Striping of the roadway is set for Monday, March 15.

The project is being done by Sunland Asphalt between the hours of 7 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Sealcoating is a routine pavement maintenance service used to protect pavement from sun and oxidation, water, motor oil and gasoline, according to the Sunland web site. The process seals in the vital oils of the asphalt mix, applies a uniform black color and makes it easier to rid the surface of dirt and debris.

The city paved Bowlin Road between White and Parker and Anthony Boulevard last summer. The project, which also included construction of a crossing over the Santa Cruz Wash, was paid for with nearly $1 million in Highway User Revenue funds.

The wash crossing was considered vital for public-safety access to the eastside subdivisions. Fire, police and medical personnel previously had to drive miles around to reach homes.

Bowlin is a four-lane road, except for the new two-lane stretch.

Just east of White and Parker, Bowlin will provide access via Robert Frost Drive to the new municipal library set to open soon. A section of White and Parker at Bowlin is also being widened ahead of the library opening.

The long-range Area Transportation Plan sees a four-lane arterial between Hartman and White and Parker by 2030.