PORT TOWNSEND — Work has begun on the Jefferson Street Sidewalk Extension project intended to make the area more walkable, increase parking spaces and provide a pedestrian-friendly link from uptown to downtown.
Project Manager Laura Parsons, a Port Townsend civil engineer, said construction will continue until the end of the year, depending on weather conditions. Work will be done by crews from Seton Construction, Inc., of Port Townsend.
Scott Studeman, city Public Works inspector, said the initial work is being done this week to prepare for the construction phase of the project.
Foreman Jason White said his crew will clear brush, set up erosion control on the bank, and post signs for traffic control, he said.
During construction, Adams Street will be closed to vehicles between Franklin and Jefferson streets.
Parsons said construction will occur between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. weekdays. Traffic on Jefferson Street will be one lane with flaggers directing traffic.
To avoid delays, she suggests using Lawrence and Monroe streets as alternative routes into the downtown area during construction.
The new sidewalk will begin at the top of the Haller Fountain steps near the intersection of Jefferson and Taylor streets and will include a small plaza area.
It will extend along the south side Jefferson Street, ending at an improved intersection at Quincy and Washington streets, with ADA ramps at each corner, Parsons said.
A new sidewalk also is planned from the northwest corner of the intersection to the Bishop Hotel along Washington Street.
New light poles will be added to illuminate the intersection for vehicles and pedestrians.
Beehive catch basins and rain gardens will be installed to help filter street water runoff, and the crosswalks will be re-striped in the “continental style,” as was done on Water Street.
“The idea is to make it all look similar to what was done at Tyler and Water Streets this year,” Parsons said.
About 20 parking spots will be added from the top of the hill on Jefferson Street to the base of the hill at the intersection.
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Jefferson County Editor/Reporter Jeannie McMacken can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at jmcmacken@peninsuladailynews.com
