The Washington state Department of Transportation is proposing a substantial repaving project of state Route 291 that tentatively is expected to start next spring.

Al Gilson, spokesman for the state agency, says the project will entail resurfacing about 11 miles of road on state Route 291, from Division Street to the Stevens County line. The eastern stretch of that road, from Division Street to Nine Mile Road, is Francis Avenue.

Gilson says the project is still in the design phase, and the state expects to seek bids for the project by January. He says a cost estimate hasn't been finalized.

The project is divided into two parts, with one part involving improving the stretch from Division Street to west Lowell Avenue, where Seven Mile and Nine Mile roads converge, and the other involving improvements between Lowell Avenue and the Stevens County line, Gilson says. He says he's unsure whether work on both parts of the project would occur simultaneously or whether the work will be done in phases.

A temporary night construction noise-variance request that the state has submitted to the city of Spokane says the project likely will require about 30 days of 24-hour construction, involving grinding and paving, within city limits. The request also calls for the improvement of curb ramps at about 20 intersections, installing signs, replacing traffic signals, and making other safety improvements as needed.

This request is required to be sent out to all properties within 400 feet of the proposed project inside city limits.