PORT TOWNSEND — Paving on Upper Sims Way should be finished this week, if the weather cooperates as expected, winding down a project intended to provide a new gateway to the city.
The project, which began last fall, includes roundabouts at the intersections of Howard and Thomas streets, with a landscaped area in between.
Paving begins at 6 a.m. each day, except today, when it “could be a little later,” according to Public Works Director Ken Clow.
Paving will be done on one lane at a time, so traffic will be routed into the other lane.
This is expected to cause extended delays in both directions, so the city encourages motorists to plan for these delays or use Discovery or Mill roads as alternate routes.
Two stages
The paving requires two stages: initial and final.
The initial paving is for leveling purposes and involves a thin layer of asphalt.
The final paving involves a thicker layer, according to Clow.
The initial paving will occur today and Tuesday, with the outbound lane the first day and the inbound lane the next.
The process will repeat for the final paving.
Each stage will take about a day.
In all cases, the paving begins at Howard Street and moves east toward Thomas Street.
Schedules are subject to the weather, but clear conditions are expected this week.
Clow said the project will use approximately 5,500 tons of asphalt.
After the paving is completed, about 130 trees will be planted on the median strip and along the right of way.
Clow said the landscaping is scheduled for completion in mid-July, although that schedule could change.
The trees are currently stored in a fenced area adjacent to the Howard Street roundabout.
A “We Survived” event meant to promote local businesses is planned for 11 a.m. July 16 to commemorate the completion of the $7.1 million project.
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Jefferson County Reporter Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at charlie.bermant@peninsuladailynews.com.
