PORT ANGELES — West Railroad Avenue was partially reopened this week after having been closed since October in a move that puts the esplanade construction project ahead of schedule, the city planning director said.
Construction crews hauled away barriers that had closed the road to traffic and blocked access to local businesses for more than eight months.
The road, new parking spots and the north sidewalk now are open for public use.
North Oak Street remains closed, and the previously open east sidewalk also is closed.
“We are excited to see the project move forward ahead of schedule,” said Nathan West, city director of community and economic development.
There is no exact timeline for the reopening of Railroad and Oak as through streets, but the project is expected to be completed later this summer, West said.
The $3.9 million esplanade project improved the sidewalks along the south side of West Railroad Avenue and will add a concrete promenade extending over the water on the north side of Railroad.
Platforms, which will allow pedestrians to stand over the water, are expected to arrive this week, West said.
Other work remains to be done before the esplanade can open.
That work includes adding benches, artwork and lighting.
Several parking spots at the west end of the street, near Railroad’s intersection with Oak, are marked for no-parking so local traffic can turn around.
The opening of the street allows customers to park in front of businesses on that block and increases the number of parking spots on the street.
“I’m happy to see Railroad open,” said Greg Scherer, owner of Pacific Rim Hobby at 138 W. Railroad Ave.
Access to Scherer’s shop had been limited since October, when the city closed West Railroad Avenue for the esplanade project.
Scherer said he expects a transitional time for his customers, as they relearn to use Railroad instead of Oak to get to his business.
“Now, cars can get to the parking lot from a paved street. That’s great,” he said.
Tom Curry, owner of Barhop Brewing, which moved to its 124 W. Railroad Ave. location in December, said business has been good despite the closed road.
“The city has done a good job,” Curry said, also praising Primo Construction employees for their thoughtfulness in working with businesses affected by the construction.
When delivery trucks couldn’t get near the business, construction crew members carried supplies as much as a block and a half to his business, he said.
Reporter Arwyn Rice can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 5070, or at arwyn.rice@peninsuladailynews.com.
