PORT TOWNSEND — A ditch on the south side of Taylor Street was covered with corrugated steel this week, paving the way for the pouring of concrete and the completion of the new sidewalk.
The concrete pouring will begin this week, and the sidewalk will be ready to use Friday in time for the 77th annual Rhododendron Festival’s events Friday, Saturday and next Sunday, said City Engineer Dave Peterson.
The festival begins Monday and has events Wednesday through next Sunday, with the Grand Parade on Saturday.
“At this point, we are hoping to get it all done,” Peterson said.
“We realize that it’s been a long haul and it’s impacting people, but everyone’s on board to get this thing finished up.”
Peterson said the city had the choice of allowing access to all businesses to remain open at all times or to close some access for brief periods.
It chose the latter option because it would get the permanent sidewalks open more quickly.
“In the long run, it’s better to get it open sooner,” Peterson said.
“There will be less overall impact.”
As a result, access to the four businesses on the street — The Baker Block Building, Kitsap Bank, Lehani’s Restaurant and Hanazono Asian Noodle — will be restricted Monday morning and Wednesday or Thursday during the pouring of the concrete.
While the sidewalk will open this week, Taylor Street won’t open for vehicle traffic until mid-June, Peterson said.
Street paving could take place as soon as the end of May, he said.
After that, utility wires will be pulled through newly installed underground conduits, and the existing utility poles will be removed.
The closure of Taylor Street between Washington and Water streets has complicated downtown traffic patterns, which will get a little bit worse this week.
At 3 p.m. Monday, the intersection of Taylor and Washington streets will be closed to through-traffic for two days for crosswalk painting.
Cars will be able to drive on Washington Street from each direction but will need to turn around when they reach Taylor Street.
Other portions of the sidewalk on Water Street and the east side of Taylor Street are slated for completion the week of May 21.
“Everything depends on the weather,” Peterson said.
“But there is a good forecast for next week, and hopefully, we’ll be able to finish Taylor Street in time for Rhody.”
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Jefferson County Reporter Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at charlie.bermant@peninsuladailynews.com.
