PORT ANGELES — Crews will begin an asphalt overlay of East Lauridsen Boulevard on Monday.
Drivers are encouraged to use alternative routes during the two-month city project.
“Now is the time to start thinking about selecting alternate traffic routes, giving yourself extra travel time to accommodate for possible traffic delays, and implementing safe driving practices through construction zones,” city officials said.
The Port Angeles City Council awarded a bid to Lakeside Industries of Port Angeles to remove the existing road surface and replace it with new asphalt between Lauridsen Court and the Lincoln Street intersection.
The $933,105 project also entails 16 new sidewalk ramps to meet Americans with Disabilities Act accessibility standards and improved pedestrian, bicycle and vehicle safety.
Safety elements include pedestrian islands at designated crosswalks, dedicated left turn lanes at Peabody Street and traffic-calming islands between Vine and Albert streets.
A 5-foot-wide bicycle lane will be installed on both sides of Lauridsen Boulevard.
The work is scheduled to be completed the week of Sept. 23.
“We plan to keep Lauridsen Boulevard open to traffic throughout the project. However, motorists are encouraged to use alternate routes around the work zone,” city officials said.
“Please note that, as with all projects, dates may change and work may be extended depending on weather, progress and conditions.”
Updates on the Lauridsen Boulevard overlay will be posted on the city’s website, www.cityofpa.us.
As part of its July 2 vote to award a contract to Lakeside, the City Council rejected an $89,850 additive bid to install flashing crosswalk signals on Lauridsen Boulevard.
Public Works Director Thomas Hunter told the council that a city crew will install the crosswalk beacons at a later date to save costs.
The flashing beacons will be similar to those on Race Street near Civic Field.
The city received a $539,744 state grant to help pay for the Lauridsen Boulevard overlay, Hunter has said.
The city will cover the remaining cost with voter-approved Transportation Benefit District funding.
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Reporter Rob Ollikainen can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 56450, or at rollikainen@peninsuladailynews.com.
