SEQUIM — Anticipated reconstruction on West Fir Street is on hold again.
City of Sequim officials report the anticipated January start date to reconstruct the road from Sequim Avenue to Fifth Avenue for 18 months is awaiting federal and state approval.
“It’s probably realistic to look at April (to start),” said David Garlington, Sequim Public Works director.
By the end of this week, he anticipates final plans and construction estimates will be ready for the State Department of Transportation to review per grant requirements.
Once that step is complete, city staff plan to advertise the $4.5 million to $5 million reconstruction project.
“Indications from the state show it should be a quick turnaround and come through in January,” Garlington said.
“If we can advertise by the end of January for four to six weeks, and go through the process and paperwork, then we’ll probably start in April.”
City officials look to redo the bumpy stretch near the main Sequim School District campus by reconstructing water, sewer and irrigation lines and adding stormwater lines while reconstructing the pavement.
One of the impacts for drivers and residents includes Fir Street becoming a one-way, one lane westbound roadway during construction.
Garlington said it will be up to contractors what sections they start with and shut down during the year-and-a-half of work.
“The intent is to keep Fir Street open as much as possible,” he said.
Drivers can use Second, Third and Fourth Avenue intersections to turn.
For more information about the Fir Street project, call Sequim Public Works at 360-683-4908.
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Matthew Nash is a reporter with the Olympic Peninsula News Group, which is composed of Sound Publishing newspapers Peninsula Daily News, Sequim Gazette and Forks Forum. Reach him at mnash@sequimgazette.com.
