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Construction will start next month to improve traffic flow along one of the most heavily traveled streets in Vancouver.

An average of 39,000 vehicles a day use the half-mile-long section of Mill Plain Boulevard near Interstate 205, from Northeast 104th Avenue east to Chkalov Drive.

Last month, the Vancouver City Council awarded a $3.65 million contract to Rotschy Inc. of Vancouver to improve traffic flow and safety. The overall project, including design and right-of-way acquisition, is expected to cost $10.1 million.

The project has been part of the city’s transportation improvement program since 2001. Upcoming construction includes:

• Lengthening the I-205 onramp on the south side of Mill Plain Boulevard to provide more queuing room for drivers traveling east on Mill Plain Boulevard and turning south onto the freeway.