PACKET: BOCC Special Meeting with WSDOT at Thu, Feb 23, 10:00 AM

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WSDOT Summer 2023 Construction Schedule and Impacts (Olympic Region)

Topic Summary

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) Olympic Region presented its 2023 construction schedule, focusing on major projects affecting Jefferson County and the Olympic Peninsula. Key projects include the SR 104 Hood Canal Bridge Center Lock Rehabilitation, the construction of multiple roundabouts (Kearney Street, Paradise Bay, SR 19/SR 104), and numerous fish barrier removal projects. This heavy construction schedule through 2025 is necessary to maintain infrastructure, improve safety, and connect fish habitats, but it is expected to cause significant traffic delays, especially during the summer.

Key Points

  • Overall Goal: The construction is necessary to keep the transportation system in a state of good repair, improve highway resiliency, reduce collisions, maintain Hood Canal Bridge operability, and connect habitat for fish and wildlife.
  • Duration: Heavy construction is expected each summer season (summer to fall) through 2025.
  • Traffic Impact: Travelers should expect significant delays, back-ups between Sequim and the Hood Canal Bridge, and are encouraged to travel during non-peak periods.
  • General Traveler Expectations: Projects will utilize various traffic control measures, including around-the-clock lane closures, shifted travel lanes, alternating one-lane traffic, reduced speed limits, and potential detours.
  • Specific North Peninsula Projects (2023):
    • SR 104 Hood Canal Bridge Center Lock Rehabilitation: Requires full closure to all land traffic for up to four weekends and intermittent closures during up to 14 nights.
    • SR 104 Paradise Bay (Shine Road Roundabout): Requires shifted lanes; intermittent lane closures; short-term closure of SR 104 access from Shine Road for approximately two weeks. Work will remain one lane in each direction "as much as possible."
    • SR 104/SR 19 Roundabout: Requires shifted lanes, temporary lane closures, and a short-term closure of SR 104 access on SR 19 over a three-week period.
    • SR 20/Kearney St Intersection Roundabout: Requires temporary detours lasting a few weeks each around the work zone.
    • US 101 Elwha River Bridge Replacement: Approximate two-week closure at the project's end to connect lanes to the new bridge, utilizing a detour via SR 112, SR 113, and Little River Road.
    • SR 112 Pyth River Emergency Repairs: Expected delays of less than 15 minutes over several weeks due to single lane closures.
  • Fish Barrier Removal Projects (2023): Multiple projects are planned on US 101, SR 104, SR 20, SR 19, and SR 116. One specific project involves an estimated 25-day detour via Center Road during the construction of the North and South Tributary culverts.
  • Maintenance Work: Roadway preservation activities planned for Summer 2023 on US 101 and SR 104 will involve single lane closures and alternating one-lane traffic during daytime hours, causing traveler delays.

Financials

None specified.

Alternatives

None specified.

Community Input

Various organization representatives commented on the construction plan: - Centrum – Rob Berman - Finn River – Andrew Byers - Department of Emergency Management – David Codier: Requested consideration of mitigation options and East Jefferson Fire and Rescue Chief Bret Black requested an Incident Management Team (IMT). - Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce – Arlene Alen - Jefferson Transit – Nicole Gauthier - PT Councilmember Ben Thomas - Port of Port Townsend – Eron Berg - Jefferson Healthcare – Jake Davidson - Olympic Music Festival – Emilie Baker - Sheriff Joe Nole - Ferry question: Staff noted mitigation options are being considered.

The North Olympic Peninsula Tourism Commission provided a table listing major event dates from May to September 2023, urging WSDOT to "AVOID HOOD CANAL BRIDGE CLOSURE" during these events, which have potential attendance impacts ranging from 400 to 50,000 visitors, including: - May 20-21: Port Townsend Rhody Festival (2,500 attendees) - July 21-23: Sequim Lavender Festival (25-30k attendees, 75% out of town) - Aug 29-Sept 1: Port Townsend THING Festival (10k attendees, 50% out of town) - Sept 8-10: Port Townsend Wooden Boat Festival (25-30k attendees, 15k-20k out of town)

Timeline

  • Future:
    • Spring 2023: WSDOT will begin needed projects across the north coast of the Olympic peninsula.
    • Summer 2023: Hood Canal Bridge Center Lock repairs will occur.
    • Summer to Fall (through 2025): Heavy construction is expected each construction season.
    • 2024: Several 2023 projects continue; new projects starting include Fish Barrier Removal on US 101/SR 116 (North Olympic Peninsula) and on US 101—SR 109 Grays Harbor, Jefferson and Clallam Counties.

Next Steps

WSDOT Regional Administrator Steve Roark answered questions posed by the Commissioners and staff. The immediate next steps include WSDOT continuing to share information and considering mitigation options (including the request for an Incident Management Team). WSDOT encourages travelers to stay informed using the WSDOT website, travel map, app, and email subscriptions.

Sources

  • Steve Roark - Olympic Region Administrator (WSDOT)
  • Cara Mitchell - Interim Regional Communications Manager (WSDOT)
  • MaryLou Shannon - Assistant Regional Manager for Construction (WSDOT)
  • Monte Reinders - Jefferson County Public Works Director
  • Willie Bence - Emergency Management Director
  • David Codier - Emergency Management staff member
  • Chief Bret Black - East Jefferson Fire and Rescue (EJFR)
  • Nicole Gauthier - Jefferson Transit Manager
  • Ben Thomas - City of Port Townsend Councilmember
  • Andrew Byers - Finn River General Manager
  • Jake Davidson - Jefferson Healthcare
  • Eron Berg - Port of Port Townsend Executive Director
  • Rob Berman - Executive Director of Centrum
  • Arlene Alen - Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce Director
  • Emilie Baker - Olympic Music Festival
  • Sheriff Joe Nole
  • North Olympic Peninsula Tourism Commission (Provided Major Event Dates data)

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