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/