PORT ANGELES — An open house on the Eighth Street bridges replacement project is planned for Oct. 4.
The one thing city officials want the public to know is that it expects both bridges to be closed during construction, which is a change from the original plan, said Jim Mahlum, city traffic engineer.
It will be the contractor’s choice, but when the project last was put out to bid, all eight contractors wanted to close both bridges at once, he said.
“When people were interviewed door to door they wondered why we didn’t plan to close both at once last time,” Mahlum said.
“It’s an inconvenience either way, but knowing they are closed down you can plan better.”
The open house will be from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. in council chambers, City Hall, 321 E. Fifth St.
It will include exhibits and an opportunity for comment on issues relating to construction of the new Eighth Street bridges over Valley and Tumwater creeks.
The exhibits will include information about traffic revisions, detour routes and construction scheduling with potential effects on residents and businesses.
A short presentation will begin at 6 p.m. to discuss the project details.
The public will have an opportunity to talk informally with project staff and provide written and verbal comments.
The city has planned since 2003 to replace the twin narrow bridges that have towered over Valley and Tumwater creeks for more than 70 years.
The City Council selected a slant-leg design for the new bridges in March 2004, saying it wanted a signature architectural landmark for the city.
In June 2004, steel instead of concrete was chosen for the building material, but the project had to be redesigned and rebid after the low bid came in almost 50 percent above the $20 million budget.
The redesigned project — which will consist of concrete spans with five or six concrete piers over each of the valleys — could go out to bid in late January.
Mahlum said the bid opening could be at the end of March with construction beginning possibly in May or June, although that could change.
Action before construction
Before construction begins, new traffic signals and detour signs will be installed.
That will also be discussed at the meeting, Mahlum said.
Comments will be summarized and included on the project Web site at www.cityofpa.us/bridges.htm.
Comments and questions should be directed to Gary Kenworthy, deputy director of engineering services, at 360-417-4803 or bridges@cityofpa.us.
