PORT TOWNSEND — The city of Port Townsend is moving forward with a plan to rehabilitate Water Street, which is just one of $13.8 million in capital projects the city is considering in the next two years.
According to the project description from the city Public Works Department, the Water Street Enhancement project will run from the Port Townsend ferry landing and along Water Street to Taylor Street.
Starting in January, the city began applying for permits for the project and will be in the process of getting permits and designing the finished product until August, according to the Public Works Department’s current schedule.
The city plans to open up the project to bids in September and construction is scheduled to begin in January 2018. Under the current schedule, the city hopes to have construction completed by June 2018 so as to not impede the tourist season too much.
The project will be funded partially through grants. The city currently does not have a cost estimate for the overall project since it is still in the planning phase.
However, the city was awarded $690,000 from the state Transportation Improvement Board for a new road surface and new access ramps. The city also kicked in a $1 million bond to cover updates to the water, sewer and stormwater systems as well as pay for “community priorities.”
According to the project website, the city felt the community was pushing for streetscape enhancements, and pedestrians and bike safety features.
With the city funds, the project will also include wider sidewalks and bike lanes along with utility replacements and resurfacing the cracked roadway.
There will also be $957,000 of funding available from the water, sewer and stormwater utility funds.
According to the project website, the city decided to combine these projects in order to cut costs and limit disruption to businesses along Water Street, which is the main street through downtown and the only access to much of the waterfront.
The Water Street Enhancement Project is only one of five that the city is eyeing in the next two years. The current capital project budget also funds updates to the water treatment facility and reservoir and the Howard Street Extension, which broke ground in August.
According to the Howard Street project update, stormwater and utility trenches are currently being dug and curbing is being installed. The Howard Street project was expected to be completed in nine months but wet winter weather delayed the project.
The city is also planning for future projects, which include a regional stormwater system for Howard Street and a pedestrian walkway over state Highway 20 from Logan Street to Hancock Street.
More information on all of these projects can be found at www.cityofpt.us under Capital Projects.
________
Jefferson County Editor/Reporter Cydney McFarland can be reached at 360-385-2335, ext. 55052, or at cmcfarland@peninsuladailynews.com.
Starting in 2018, Port Townsend’s Water Street will undergo a major enhancement project that includes updated utilities, a new road surface and more safety for pedestrians and bikers. (Cydney McFarland/Peninsula Daily News)
