Construction on Arnold Ave set to start Published March 18, 2010 By Brandice J. Armstrong Tinker Public Affairs TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Starting April 15, Tinker's second heaviest-traveled road is scheduled to undergo a 200-day construction project. Arnold Avenue will be worked on in four phases. Plans include repairing the road between "F" Avenue and Air Depot Boulevard, adding turn lanes, widening the road and rebuilding intersections. "The primary reason for the construction is safety," said Mark Nabywaniec, 72nd Civil Engineering project manager for Civil Design and Construction. "The traffic lanes are not wide enough to safely run four lanes. And, we are rebuilding the intersection at Arnold and "H" Avenues because the heavy trucks are just tearing up the pavement. "We haul half-million dollar engines on these roads and most of us are grateful none have been damaged transiting this rough road," Mr. Nabywaniec said. Mr. Nabywaniec said each construction phase will take 40 to 55 days and work will be performed by Bell Contracting, Inc. of Missouri. As part of the construction, Bell Contracting will lay down asphalt that has a 20-year design life and concrete that has a 35-year design life. To alleviate traffic during the $2.23-million project, Mr. Nabywaniec said he's designed four different traffic patterns through the construction to keep access open to facilities. "Drivers need to be patient, follow traffic signs and allow more time to get to the Base Exchange, commissary, Burger King and BX gas station, especially during lunch hours," Mr. Nabywaniec said. "Projects like this test everyone's patience but the reward will be a bigger, better and safer roadway for everyone."