Friday, September 30, 2011

Briefing No. 32
Pioneer Way Reconstruction Project

September 29, 2011

Good evening,

Based on conversations with a number of downtown merchants, we know that the City staff, City officials and contractors are not the only people keeping a close eye on the weather forecast these days. With final paving and striping scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday this week, everyone we talked with seemed to be hoping that we might get lucky and string together two dry days in late September. That hope did not go unrewarded. While these paving days clearly caused some significant disruptions, the work was completed under sunny skies and it is terrific to have most of the major street work behind us. Many thanks to everyone for your patience during final paving.

The project, minus the block between Ireland and Ilwaco, is now less than a week from “substantial completion” as defined in our contract with Strider Construction. Work beyond this date, including final landscaping, bringing down the power lines and poles, punchlist corrections (including fixing damage to private property) and completing the archaeology block will obviously continue until everything is complete. The downtown merchants are busy planning “Pioneer Way Celebrates” on October 15. Activities include a fun run on the new street, food, music, poker walk, ribbon cutting, balloons, chalk art (weather permitting) and “a sweet taste of Pioneer Way.” Watch for ads in local newspapers for details.

Construction Work

□ The landscaping subcontractor completed topsoil application and irrigation testing most planter islands and is set to begin putting in the new plants. The first trees should arrive in their new locations beginning tomorrow and likely continuing on Saturday.

□ Final paving and striping for the entire project minus the archaeological block was completed on Wednesday and Thursday.

□ Puget Sound Energy, Frontier Communications and Comcast are all working on the street pulling wire and installing equipment in the new underground power and communications network.

□ Strider Construction continued to work on installing the “amenities,” including handrails, landscaping, streetlights, planters, benches, bike racks, tree grates, permanent signs and streetside restoration.

The Archaeological Work

□ City officials and the City’s consulting archaeological firm, Northwest Archaeological Associates (NWAA), are expecting the State to issue a revised excavation permit on Monday, October 3. With that expectation, NWAA is planning to begin work on Tuesday inside the archaeological enclosure to remove the top 10” or so of dirt to allow the street to be completed. This material will be screened for human remains and other cultural materials with any new discoveries set aside for reburial.

□ Archaeological monitoring is continuing whenever Strider or one of their subcontractors performs any excavation work.

Scheduled Gatherings/Events

AM TUESDAY COFFEES
Every Tuesday morning – 9:00 to 10:00 am
Pioneer Way Information and Construction Office
Have a cup and pastry, hear what’s on the schedule for that week

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 15
Pioneer Way Celebrates!
Lots of Merchant-Sponsored Activities on the new street and sidewalks
Fun Run, Food, Music, Poker Walk, Chalk Art (weather permitting), Sidewalk Sale and Much More
Ribbon Cutting at Dock and Pioneer, 12-2


Key City Contact People

Larry Cort
Project Manager
360 914-7107
lcort@oakharbor.org

Joe Stowell
Project Engineer
360 279-4520
jstowell@oakharbor.org


Rhonda Severns
City Utilities
360 914-7256
rhseverns@oakharbor.org

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Construction Alert No. 20
Pioneer Way Reconstruction Project

September 27, 2011

Final Paving Tomorrow and Thursday - Details

Assuming the weather forecast for tomorrow is reasonably accurate (dry and warming), the paving crew will arrive tomorrow morning to lay down the final layer of asphalt from end to end with the obvious exception of the block between Ireland and Ilwaco Streets. The work is scheduled from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm both Wednesday and Thursday. This Alert contains the most current information we have on how this work will progress.


* PLEASE NOTE *
For those merchants with breakables on shelves, we would ask that you please pay special attention to securing them as the vibration of the steamroller can work these items off a shelf pretty quickly. Thanks!


WEDNESDAY

1. Pioneer Way will be closed to traffic and parking beginning at 7:00 am between Ireland and Ely Streets.

2. The paving crew will start with the side streets at Hathaway and Dock Streets.

3. Next up will be the parking areas between Ireland and Dock Streets. The striping subcontractor will apply the parking space lines while the asphalt is still warm.

4. The pavers will then move back to Ireland Street and lay the driving lane as far as the western side of Dock Street. Once again, the striping crew will apply stop bars and crosswalks on the warm asphalt.

5. Once past Dock Street, the crew will first pave the parking areas as far as Ely Street, and then pull back to Dock to pave the driving lane to just west of Ely. Striping follows as before.

6. Pioneer Way between City Beach and Ely Street will be closed when the crew reaches Ely, probably sometime during early to mid-afternoon.

7. The pavers will finish the day using the same parking areas first and driving lane second sequence as before. They estimate that paving will conclude for the day just short of the City Beach Street intersection.

8. Segments of Pioneer Way will be re-opened for traffic once the inspector has determined that the asphalt and striping have cured sufficiently to support heavier vehicles.

THURSDAY

1. Again starting at 7:00 am with a detour at City Beach Street, the crews will pave and stripe the intersection first thing in the morning.

2. Once the intersection is complete, the paving contractor will re-mobilize to the east end of the project between Ilwaco and Midway. This section of the street will be closed at that time which the contractor estimates will be around 10:30 or 11:00 am.

3. The first paving will occur within the parking spaces next to Whidbey Coffee, move to the side street at Jensen Street, then to the parking spaces just east of the archaeological enclosure and in front of My Fathers House Thrift Store.

4. The crew will then pave the driving surface between the archaeological enclosure and Midway Boulevard.

5. As needed, asphalt patches will be placed in those private parking lots which were disturbed during construction.

6. In common with the Wednesday paving, this east section of Pioneer Way will be re-opened for traffic once the inspector has determined that the asphalt and striping have cured sufficiently to support heavier vehicles.

City staff and Strider’s flaggers will be out in force to assist with getting customers where they need to go and to help facilitate deliveries to shops up and down the street. If you are a merchant and need help tomorrow or Thursday, please do let one of us know so we can provide assistance.


Key City Contact People

Larry Cort
Project Manager
360 914-7107
lcort@oakharbor.org

Joe Stowell
Project Engineer
360 279-4520
jstowell@oakharbor.org

Rhonda Severns
City Utilities
360 914-7256
rhseverns@oakharbor.org

Friday, September 23, 2011

Briefing No. 31
Pioneer Way Reconstruction Project

September 23, 2011

Good afternoon,

The base layer of paving was completed last Monday night and into Tuesday morning over all remaining gravel surfaces except those in the immediate vicinity of the archaeological work. The final finishing layer from City Beach Street to Midway Boulevard is scheduled during daylight hours next week for Wednesday and Thursday, September 28 and 29, weather permitting. As noted in yesterday’s Construction Alert, these two days are likely to be amongst the most disruptive to vehicle traffic since the project began, not only due to the paving but also to the need to apply the striping and other pavement markings while the asphalt is still warm. Flaggers will be in place and drivers should expect detours.

Also, please be aware that the contractor intends to work Saturdays at least until the substantial completion deadline of October 6. Tomorrow’s work will concentrate on installing the street furniture, landscaping and irrigation.

Construction Work

□ The landscaping subcontractor completed topsoil application within several more planter islands and is set to begin putting in the new plants.

□ The Filterra stormwater vaults were activated on Wednesday, complete with the bamboo plants that will assist with removing impurities from street runoff. Obviously, drainage cannot get to the vaults until the final asphalt is in place next week.

□ Puget Sound Energy and Frontier Communications are both working on the street pulling wire through the new underground power and communications network. Signal “loops,” the in-street wires that trigger traffic light control at the Midway and City Beach intersections, were installed last week.

□ Strider Construction continued to work on installing the “amenities,” including handrails, landscaping, streetlights, planters, benches, bike racks, tree grates, permanent signs and streetside restoration.

□ Final paving over the full length of the project should occur next Wednesday and Thursday, depending on weather. This work will include patching of private parking lots disturbed during construction.

The Archaeological Work

□ City officials and the City’s consulting archaeological firm, Northwest Archaeological Associates (NWAA), met with State and Tribal officials on September 15 to determine how to handle the additional human remains that were discovered within several of the test pits. The City expects to receive the revised excavation permit next week and the archaeologists will return to begin removing the top 10” or so to allow the street to be completed.

□ Archaeological monitoring is continuing whenever Strider or one of their subcontractors performs any excavation work.

Scheduled Gatherings/Events

AM TUESDAY COFFEES Every Tuesday morning – 9:00 to 10:00 am
Pioneer Way Information and Construction Office
Have a cup and pastry, hear what’s on the schedule for that week

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 15 Pioneer Way Celebrates!
Lots of Merchant-Sponsored Activities on the new street and sidewalks
Fun Run, Food, Music, Chalk Art (weather permitting), Sidewalk Sale and Much More
Ribbon Cutting at Dock and Pioneer

Key City Contact People

These are your go-to City staff for issues connected to the construction project:

Larry Cort
Project Manager
360 914 7107
lcort@oakharbor.org

Joe Stowell
Project Engineer
360 279-4520
jstowell@oakharbor.org

Rhonda Severns
City Utilities
360 914-7256
rhseverns@oakharbor.org


Other Places for Information

Pioneer Way Web Page - http://www.oakharbor.org/page.cfm?pageId=379

Pioneer Way Project Blog - http://pioneerway.blogspot.com/
Construction Alert No. 19
Pioneer Way Reconstruction Project

September 22, 2011

Final Paving Next Week – Prepare for Detours

Weather permitting, the paving crew will return to town next Wednesday and Thursday (September 28 and 29) to lay down the final layer of asphalt from end to end with the obvious exception of the block between Ireland and Ilwaco Streets. In addition to placing the final 2 inches of asphalt on the driving lane and parking areas, the pavers will patch private parking lots that were disturbed during construction. While the asphalt is still warm, Strider will apply the permanent striping to the new surface, include parking areas, stop bars and pedestrian crossings. All in all, it adds up to a significant step forward toward the final design of Pioneer Way.

Unfortunately, while this work will bring us much closer to substantial completion, the actual paving days themselves will likely be very disruptive to vehicular traffic. Strider is still working through final details on the sequence of work, traffic control and detour routes, but it is safe to conclude that access into and out of downtown will be severely affected. To the extent possible, blocks will be opened for traffic once the street is ready, but the need to add striping will necessarily lengthen the amount of time when the street is closed.

City staff and Strider’s flaggers will be out in force to assist with getting customers where they need to go and to help facilitate deliveries to shops up and down the street. If you are a merchant and know that you have a delivery scheduled on one of the paving days, please do let us know so we can plan ahead to provide assistance. Likewise, for those merchants with breakables on shelves, we would ask that you pay special attention to securing these items as the vibration of the steamroller can work a glass vase onto the floor pretty quickly.

As more is learned about how the order of paving, we will issue a follow-up construction alert. In the meantime, please let one of us know if we can help you prepare.

Key City Contact People

Larry Cort
Project Manager
360 914-7107
lcort@oakharbor.org

Joe Stowell
Project Engineer
360 279-4520
jstowell@oakharbor.org

Rhonda Severns
City Utilities
360 914-7256
rhseverns@oakharbor.org

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Construction Alert No. 18
Pioneer Way Reconstruction Project

September 21, 2011

What’s With the Little Bamboo Plants?

In the past hour, we have had two merchants ask about the bamboo plants that have just been “planted” on Pioneer Way so it may be time for a quick construction alert. First, please rest assured that the bamboo plants are not a last minute substitution for the Chanticleer Pear trees that we expect to arrive next week. The bamboo has, in fact, been planted inside the Filterra stormwater vaults and will perform a valuable function in helping to filter impurities that enter the drainage system when it rains. The bamboo species was selected because it is a very hardy and efficient plant that draws up water through its root structure. From an environmental perspective, these vaults are considered to be one of the best techniques available for cleaning stormwater runoff before it reaches Puget Sound. The maximum height will be about 4 feet. Maintenance is fairly simple and will be performed by our Public Works staff.

Feel free to give us a shout if you would like further information.

Key City Contact People

Larry Cort
Project Manager
360 914-7107
lcort@oakharbor.org

Joe Stowell
Project Engineer
360 279-4520
jstowell@oakharbor.org

Rhonda Severns
City Utilities
360 914-7256
rhseverns@oakharbor.org

Monday, September 19, 2011

Briefing No. 30
Pioneer Way Reconstruction Project

September 16, 2011

Good morning,

Over the past week and into next week, the vast majority of the hard surfaces (asphalt and concrete) will have been placed over the full length of the project with the obvious exception of the archaeology block between Ireland and Ilwaco Streets. The unpaved street sections east of Dock, the asphalt patches on Dock between Pioneer and Bayshore, and the City Beach Street intersection will all be paved on Monday night starting about 6 pm. Final paving and striping is tentatively scheduled for the week of September 26.

The State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation (DAHP) convened a meeting yesterday with Tribal and City officials to discuss how to proceed with the archaeological work on Pioneer Way between Ireland and Ilwaco. In a very productive meeting, it was agreed that the archaeologists can move ahead to remove approximately the top 10” of dirt by hand in the primary discovery area where asphalt will eventually be placed. Ten inches is the depth needed to actually build the street. All human remains and cultural artifacts encountered within this 10” layer will be removed and eventually reburied along with the resources recovered earlier.

Once the south lane excavation is complete, Strider will construct the street to allow traffic to begin using this lane. Archaeological work will then move to the northern half of the street to again remove the top 10” in the parking space area using the same artifact recovery protocol. Once the north side work is complete, all barriers will come down and Strider will complete construction of this block. All of this work is subject to a revised permit from DAHP which should be issued by the end of next week. By that time, we should also have a good estimate of how long the archaeological work will take and when the street work can be wrapped up. We will supply this information when we receive it.

Construction Work

□ Phase 1 - The landscaping subcontractor completed topsoil application within several more planter islands near Dock Street. The concrete subcontractor completed filling the sidewalks gaps around the power poles.

□ Phase 1 – Beginning around noon on Monday, Strider will begin removing the damaged surface at City Beach Street. Every effort will be made to preserve one-way traffic through this area but delays are likely. This intersection will be paved on Monday night.

□ Phase 2 – Sidewalks were completed last week between Dock and Ireland and between Ilwaco and Midway and work is underway to cut the decorative grid pattern within these areas.

□ Phase 2 – Work began last week to prepare the street base between Dock and Ireland and between Ilwaco and Midway in anticipation of paving on Monday night, September 19.

□ Phase 2 – Irrigation and electrical work kept pace with the sidewalk installation, including on the north side of the archaeological enclosure.

□ Phases 1 and 2 – Strider will again be working tomorrow (Saturday) to complete preparations for the Monday night paving. .

□ Phases 1 and 2 - Starting next week and continuing for the two weeks following, work will concentrate on installing the “amenities,” including handrails, landscaping, streetlights, planters, benches, bike racks, tree grates, permanent signs and streetside restoration.

The Archaeological Work

□ City officials and the City’s consulting archaeological firm, Northwest Archaeological Associates (NWAA), met with State and Tribal officials on September 15 to determine how to handle the additional human remains that were discovered within several of the test pits. See above for the results of this meeting.

□ Archaeological monitoring is continuing whenever Strider or one of their subcontractors performs any excavation work.

Question of the Week

Q. Why have the contractors paved the sidewalks right up to the power poles? Aren’t these poles going to be pulled out when the wires come down?

A. Yes, the poles will be pulled out once all the customers on the street are connected to the new underground system. However, in all likelihood, it will be at least several months before everyone is hooked up and it was felt that paving the sidewalk around each pole would be safer and provide a cleaner all-weather surface. Once the time arrives to remove the poles, the concrete will be sawcut on the incised grid lines, the poles will be removed and the square then patched to match the rest of the sidewalk.

Scheduled Gatherings/Events

AM TUESDAY COFFEES Every Tuesday morning – 9:00 to 10:00 am
Pioneer Way Information and Construction Office
Have a cup and pastry, hear what’s on the schedule for that week

Key City Contact People

These are your go-to City staff for issues connected to the construction project:

Larry Cort
Project Manager
360 914 7107
lcort@oakharbor.org

Joe Stowell
Project Engineer
360 279-4520
jstowell@oakharbor.org

Rhonda Severns
City Utilities
360 914-7256
rhseverns@oakharbor.org

Other Places for Information

Pioneer Way Web Page - http://www.oakharbor.org/page.cfm?pageId=379

Pioneer Way Project Blog - http://pioneerway.blogspot.com/
Construction Alert No. 17
Pioneer Way Reconstruction Project

September 14, 2011

Paving Monday Night, September 19 – Expect Detours

Strider Construction has confirmed that the paving crew plans to work from about 6:00 pm on Monday evening to about 7:00 am on Tuesday morning. This effort will include repaving the City Beach Street/Pioneer Way intersection, patching Dock Street between Pioneer and Bayshore and paving Pioneer Way from Dock to Ireland and from Ilwaco to Midway. While most of the retail shops and offices will be closed by then, we recognize that many restaurants and bars will still be open and that downtown residents must still be able to get to their homes. Every effort will be made to get people to their destinations using a combination of signs and flaggers although some inconvenience should be expected. The newly paved streets should be ready for use on Tuesday morning.

In order to prepare the City Beach Street intersection for paving, Strider crews will begin removing the existing asphalt starting around noon on Monday. They hope to be able to stage the work so that one-way traffic will be maintained through the intersection. Flaggers will obviously be in place but this may be an excellent afternoon to avoid this intersection if you can.

Key City Contact People

Larry Cort
Project Manager
360 914-7107
lcort@oakharbor.org

Joe Stowell
Project Engineer
360 279-4520
jstowell@oakharbor.org

Rhonda Severns
City Utilities
360 914-7256
rhseverns@oakharbor.org

Friday, September 9, 2011

Briefing No. 29
Pioneer Way Reconstruction Project

September 9, 2011

Good afternoon,

With the first week of September weather just about ideal for construction and a promising forecast for dry days next week, Strider Construction has every intention of taking advantage of these conditions. By the end of next week, merchants, customers and other visitors to Pioneer Way should be able to walk on new sidewalks in all blocks except between Ireland and Ilwaco where the archaeology work is ongoing. As noted last week and as part of their accelerated completion schedule, the contractor will be working tomorrow (Saturday) from about 7 to 3 to make sure that they are ready for several days of concrete pouring next week, including filling the gravel sidewalk gaps in Phase 1. Tentatively, Strider is also planning to work next Saturday, September 17.

The contractor’s schedule calls for the paving subcontractor to be here on September 19 and 20. Not only are they expected to pave Phase 2 outside the archaeology area, but we will see repair and patching of the City Beach Street intersection and the Dock Street trench between Pioneer and Bayshore. Traffic detours and/or delays will be in place during most of these two days as the paving work is underway.

Construction Work

□ Phase 1 - The landscaping subcontractor completed topsoil application within the planter islands near City Beach Street and at the foot of Ely Street. Next up will be the large planter beds near Dock Street and the gradual placement of street furniture between City Beach and Dock.

□ Phase 1 – As noted above, Strider will be working tomorrow (Saturday) to remove the gravel within the temporary sidewalk patch areas in preparation for concrete early next week. In conjunction with this work, there may be brief traffic and parking interruptions as the crew moves from one location to the next.

□ Phase 2 – Sidewalks were completed between Dock and Hathaway early in the week and work is underway to cut the decorative grid pattern within this section. East of the archaeological enclosure, sidewalks will be about 70% complete by the end of today. Except for the archaeological block, all sidewalks should be in place by the middle of next week.

□ Phase 2 – Work began today to prepare the street base between Dock and Ireland in anticipation of paving on September 19 and 20. This effort will continue into next week both east and west of the archaeological enclosure area.

□ Phase 2 – Irrigation and electrical work kept pace with the sidewalk installation, including on the north side of the archaeological enclosure.

The Archaeological Work

□ City officials and the City’s consulting archaeological firm, Northwest Archaeological Associates (NWAA), are anxiously awaiting a September 15 consultation meeting between State, Tribal and City officials to determine how to handle the additional human remains that were discovered within several of the test pits. This meeting should help determine how much archaeological work is still required between Ireland and Ilwaco Streets.

□ Archaeological monitoring is continuing whenever Strider or one of their subcontractors performs any excavation work.

Scheduled Gatherings/Events

AM TUESDAY COFFEES Every Tuesday morning – 9:00 to 10:00 am
Pioneer Way Information and Construction Office
Have a cup and pastry, hear what’s on the schedule for that week

Key City Contact People

These are your go-to City staff for issues connected to the construction project:

Larry Cort Joe Stowell Rhonda Severns
Project Manager Project Engineer City Utilities
360 914-7107 360 279-4520 360 914-7256
lcort@oakharbor.org

Joe Stowell
Project Engineer
360 279-4520
jstowell@oakharbor.org

Rhonda Severns
City Utilities
360 614-7256
rhseverns@oakharbor.org

Other Places for Information

Pioneer Way Web Page - http://www.oakharbor.org/page.cfm?pageId=379

Pioneer Way Project Blog - http://pioneerway.blogspot.com/

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Briefing No. 28
Pioneer Way Reconstruction Project

September 1, 2011

Good morning,

While there remains a great deal of uncertainty about when the block between Ireland and Ilwaco Streets will be cleared for construction following the archaeological work, the remainder of the project appears to be tracking strongly toward a revised substantial completion date of October 6 (assuming decent weather during the next five weeks). “Substantial completion” is different from “physical completion” but does include all underground utilities, sidewalks, final paving, striping, handrails, irrigation and signs. It is also very likely that much of the landscaping and street furniture will be installed during this period. Thus, while there will still be work to do after October 6, including completing the Ireland to Ilwaco block and removal of the overhead lines and poles once all the individual property conversions are complete, Pioneer Way should be in good shape as we head deeper into autumn.

Also, please note that the window cleaners will be on the street tomorrow (Friday).

Construction Work

□ Within Phase 1, work continued to complete the irrigation installation and testing. Late this week, the landscaping subcontractor is expected to bring in topsoil and remove the pedestrian barricades around the planting areas. Removal of the two flawed sidewalk panels in front of the Casual House and the Pioneer Project Office should occur during the week of September 6.

□ Efforts within Phase 2 were all about concrete. Between Dock and Ireland Streets, Strider crews stayed one step ahead of S & S Concrete as most of this two block stretch welcomed new sidewalks this week. This work will continue into next week before the concrete subcontractors will move to the east end of the project to begin pouring sidewalks between Ilwaco and Midway Boulevard. With the archaeological work suspended temporarily (see below), City crews reduced the size of the enclosure which will allow Strider enough room to complete the retaining wall across from Whidbey Coffee.

□ Looking ahead to the week of September 12, detail work will continue within Phase 1, especially within the planting areas and on the sidewalks. Most of the work in Phase 2 will be concentrated east of Ilwaco where the current schedule calls for sidewalks to be completed between Midway and the archaeology enclosure. Paving for Phase 2 (except for Ireland to Ilwaco) is currently scheduled for the week of September 19.

The Archaeological Work

□ The City’s consulting archaeological firm, Northwest Archaeological Associates (NWAA), in cooperation with Tribal representatives, wrapped up all currently authorized work on Tuesday within the south half of Pioneer Way. The next step will be a consultation meeting between State, Tribal and City officials to determine how to handle the additional human remains that were discovered within the test pits. The State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation has scheduled this meeting for mid-September.

□ Archaeological monitoring will continue whenever Strider or one of their contractors performs any excavation work.

Scheduled Gatherings/Events

AM TUESDAY COFFEES Every Tuesday morning – 9:00 to 10:00 am
Pioneer Way Information and Construction Office
Have a cup and pastry, hear what’s on the schedule for that week

Key City Contact People

These are your go-to City staff for issues connected to the construction project:

Larry Cort
Project Manager
360 914-7107
lcort@oakharbor.org

Joe Stowell
Project Engineer
360 279-4520
jstowell@oakharbor.org

Rhonda Severns
City Utilities
360 914-7256
rhseverns@oakharbor.org


Other Places for Information

Pioneer Way Web Page - http://www.oakharbor.org/page.cfm?pageId=379

Pioneer Way Project Blog - http://pioneerway.blogspot.com/