PORT TOWNSEND — One of the two brick columns at the entrance to Fort Worden State Park that was damaged over the summer is expected to be replaced later this month.
Jeannie McMacken, Fort Worden Public Development Authority spokesperson, said that apparently a vehicle had sheared off the column.
“We don’t exactly know what occurred, but we suspect a commercial vehicle couldn’t make the turn,” said Brian Hageman, park manager, according to McMacken’s press release.
State Parks plans to remove the hazard and move the entrance gate back from the road, allowing larger vehicles more turning radius room, McMacken said.
Because it is a historic feature, it has to go through a review process before any preservation/replacement is completed, McMacken said.
Hageman said the City of Port Townsend now requires a right turn out of the Fort’s entrance to eliminate traffic flow through the residential area on Cherry Street.
This has been difficult for some larger commercial and recreational vehicles.
It is believed moving the entrance will ease the concern, McMacken said.
