The City of Port Angeles with Interwest Construction Inc. will soon commence the first of a two-phase project to redevelop the Race Street Corridor. The work, set to begin February 21st and last through the end of the year, will implement 3,400 linear feet of improvements, bolstering pedestrian safety and providing new opportunities for multi-modal travel within the community.
The Race Street Corridor, which extends from the Port Angeles Waterfront to the Olympic National Park, is one of the City’s most active arterials.
“Our goal is to make this corridor safer for pedestrians, bicyclists, drivers, transit users and others,” says City Engineer Jonathan Boehme.
Following completion of the two-phase improvement project, Race Street will connect the Olympic Discovery Trail and the Port Angeles Waterfront to the Olympic National Park Visitor Center via a new shared-use trail.
Construction efforts will first focus on Race Street between East 8th Street and Olympus Avenue, south of the Olympic National Park Visitor Center. The $4.9 million grant-funded project will include:
- Installation of a shared-use trail for pedestrians and other non-motorists
- Enhancements to pedestrian safety, including ADA ramp and crossing upgrades to reduce crossing times, traffic calming measures, curb extensions, pedestrian lighting, sidewalk widening and access improvements
- Concurrent water line replacement to upgrade the aging water utility main and connections running within the Race Street right-of-way
- Placement of stormwater infrastructure and conveyance
- New landscaping features and pavement
Additional segments will be completed in the future as part of Phase Two.
Typical project working hours will be Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Work may occur outside of these hours on occasion. During these times, traffic within the construction zone may be reduced to one lane. Other potential impacts include:
- Possible traffic delays
- An increase in commute times
- Temporary sidewalk closures
- Installation of temporary traffic signs, message boards, and other safety equipment
Please be careful when driving or walking through or near the construction area. Residents should drive slowly, be on the alert, and follow directions given by Traffic Control personnel and signage.
Residents can stay up-to-date on the Race Street Improvement Project by visiting the City website: www.cityofpa.us/cityprojects.
Phase One Construction Zone
Race Street Shared-Use Trail Conceptualization