Construction Alert No. 10
Pioneer Way Reconstruction Project
June 20, 2011
Latest News on the Archaeological Remains
Since the last project briefing on Friday afternoon, a team of two from the Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation (DAHP) has visited Oak Harbor and we know a little more about the steps ahead of us. On Saturday, DAHP staff performed an initial assessment of the discovery site and the piles of dirt that were removed last week. As widely reported in the media and based on the visible physical evidence, the remains are almost certainly of Native American origin which means that tribal governments must be notified. Based on our location, notification will go out today from DAHP to eleven tribes who in turn have five days to express interest in being a part of the process from here on out. In the meantime, the State is preparing an emergency excavation permit that will allow the City to begin the process of sifting through the excavated material. This work will be performed by a firm that specializes in cultural resource management.
From a construction standpoint, the good news is that the DAHP staff gave the go-ahead to substantially reduce the size of the protected area to right around the discovery site (approximately 50 x 30 feet). This decision allowed us to re-open Pioneer Way for one-way traffic just after noon on Saturday and will allow Strider to continue working to excavate the final sections of new roadway. All of the remaining excavation work will be monitored by an archaeologist, with any new finds handled according to State law. It is still too early to determine to what extent the discovery may affect the overall construction schedule. Certainly, the main discovery area will lag behind the rest of the project for at least a week or more but work on the vast majority of Phase 2 will continue as scheduled.
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, June 20, 2011
Friday, June 17, 2011
Briefing No. 19
Pioneer Way Reconstruction Project
June 17, 2011
Good afternoon,
The discovery of human remains on Thursday during the street excavation between Ireland and Ilwaco Streets has definitely dominated the latter part of this week. Many of you have asked how this might alter Strider Construction’s work schedule and the substantial completion date. The short answer for the moment is that it is too soon to tell. The determination about how the remains will be handled is in the hands of the Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation (DAHP) who will in turn coordinate with the tribes if the remains are indeed Native American in origin. City staff will be meeting on-site with representatives of DAHP on Saturday morning and we may know more after that meeting. As we learn about the next steps, we will get that information out immediately.
In the meantime, work continues on the project with most of the work focused in Phase 2. With the uncertainty created by the human remains discovery, this week’s briefing provides fewer details on when we expect specific tasks to be started or completed. Please feel free to contact us at any time or plan on attending our regular Tuesday morning open house for the latest information.
Phase 1 Update
The completed sidewalks between Ely and City Beach Streets were sawcut to create the grid pattern selected for Pioneer Way. Puget Sound Energy/Potelco continued the process to pull electrical wires through the new underground conduit and all of Phase 1 is now charged. Work continued to prepare planting areas and street edges.
Phase 2 Update
Despite the forced closure of the block between Ireland and Ilwaco Streets, Strider was able to continue with street excavation at the Midway Boulevard end of the project and to begin preparing for curb, gutter and sidewalk on the Dock Street end. It will soon become evident that the sequence of street work for Phase 2 will differ slightly from Phase 1. Instead of completing each task for the full phase before moving on to the next task, the contractor plans to continue working assembly-line fashion down the street from Dock to Midway until each block has been completed through sidewalk installation. In other words, you may see street excavation happening in front of Whidbey Coffee while sidewalk bases are being prepared in front of The Rusty Chandelier. This approach is intended to make Phase 2 move along a little more swiftly, but it will also be more of a challenge for us to keep you briefed on what is on tap for the next few days. The following may help to understand the basic construction sequence:
1. Street Subgrade Excavation – This task essentially removes the top 18-24 inches or so of dirt from all areas to be covered with asphalt. Once excavated, a non-woven fabric is unrolled on the surface and approximately a foot of gravel is placed on top of the fabric.
2. Prep for Curb and Gutter – This step begins with a survey that allows Strider to grade the street base. With the survey in place, the contractor is able to set markers as a guide for the concrete crew to begin forming and pouring the curb and gutter.
3. Form and Pour Curb and Gutter (likely to begin on Wednesday) – The curb and gutter work is actually performed by a concrete subcontractor, S & S Construction. Typically, this is a fairly large crew that first sets the curb and gutter forms and then, with the arrival of concrete trucks, pours concrete into the forms. Finish work and tight corners are crafted by hand.
4. Set Utility Vaults – As can be seen by walking down most sidewalks, there are number of vaults or boxes that are placed flush with the sidewalk. Each of these must be placed and leveled prior to pouring the sidewalk. The finished sidewalk will have visible lids that will provide access to City utilities (water and sewer), electrical, telephone and cable lines.
5. Sidewalk Subgrade and Prep – This step establishes a base for the new sidewalks by leveling the existing dirt, importing gravel to provide a structurally sound base and then compacting everything. In some places, additional irrigation pipes are installed.
6. Spread and Roll Gravel Top Course – The “top course” is the 6 inches of crushed gravel that is placed on top of the gravel from Step 1. This gravel is specifically mixed to allow the subsurface material to lock into place when rolled prior to paving.
7. Form and Pour Sidewalks – As with the curb and gutter, the sidewalks are constructed by S & S Construction beginning with forming the areas to be poured. Once formed, the concrete trucks begin arriving and a crew is there to spread, smooth and brush the fresh concrete in manageable sections. Once dry, the concrete is sawcut to create the grid pattern selected for Pioneer Way.
Once the sidewalks are completed, the street will be ready for paving. The first layer of asphalt is about 3-4 inches deep and will be followed with a final layer of 2-3 inches across both Phase 1 and Phase 2.
Scheduled Gatherings
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/
Pioneer Way Art Project Blog - http://cohpioneerwayart.blogspot.com/
Pioneer Way Reconstruction Project
June 17, 2011
Good afternoon,
The discovery of human remains on Thursday during the street excavation between Ireland and Ilwaco Streets has definitely dominated the latter part of this week. Many of you have asked how this might alter Strider Construction’s work schedule and the substantial completion date. The short answer for the moment is that it is too soon to tell. The determination about how the remains will be handled is in the hands of the Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation (DAHP) who will in turn coordinate with the tribes if the remains are indeed Native American in origin. City staff will be meeting on-site with representatives of DAHP on Saturday morning and we may know more after that meeting. As we learn about the next steps, we will get that information out immediately.
In the meantime, work continues on the project with most of the work focused in Phase 2. With the uncertainty created by the human remains discovery, this week’s briefing provides fewer details on when we expect specific tasks to be started or completed. Please feel free to contact us at any time or plan on attending our regular Tuesday morning open house for the latest information.
Phase 1 Update
The completed sidewalks between Ely and City Beach Streets were sawcut to create the grid pattern selected for Pioneer Way. Puget Sound Energy/Potelco continued the process to pull electrical wires through the new underground conduit and all of Phase 1 is now charged. Work continued to prepare planting areas and street edges.
Phase 2 Update
Despite the forced closure of the block between Ireland and Ilwaco Streets, Strider was able to continue with street excavation at the Midway Boulevard end of the project and to begin preparing for curb, gutter and sidewalk on the Dock Street end. It will soon become evident that the sequence of street work for Phase 2 will differ slightly from Phase 1. Instead of completing each task for the full phase before moving on to the next task, the contractor plans to continue working assembly-line fashion down the street from Dock to Midway until each block has been completed through sidewalk installation. In other words, you may see street excavation happening in front of Whidbey Coffee while sidewalk bases are being prepared in front of The Rusty Chandelier. This approach is intended to make Phase 2 move along a little more swiftly, but it will also be more of a challenge for us to keep you briefed on what is on tap for the next few days. The following may help to understand the basic construction sequence:
1. Street Subgrade Excavation – This task essentially removes the top 18-24 inches or so of dirt from all areas to be covered with asphalt. Once excavated, a non-woven fabric is unrolled on the surface and approximately a foot of gravel is placed on top of the fabric.
2. Prep for Curb and Gutter – This step begins with a survey that allows Strider to grade the street base. With the survey in place, the contractor is able to set markers as a guide for the concrete crew to begin forming and pouring the curb and gutter.
3. Form and Pour Curb and Gutter (likely to begin on Wednesday) – The curb and gutter work is actually performed by a concrete subcontractor, S & S Construction. Typically, this is a fairly large crew that first sets the curb and gutter forms and then, with the arrival of concrete trucks, pours concrete into the forms. Finish work and tight corners are crafted by hand.
4. Set Utility Vaults – As can be seen by walking down most sidewalks, there are number of vaults or boxes that are placed flush with the sidewalk. Each of these must be placed and leveled prior to pouring the sidewalk. The finished sidewalk will have visible lids that will provide access to City utilities (water and sewer), electrical, telephone and cable lines.
5. Sidewalk Subgrade and Prep – This step establishes a base for the new sidewalks by leveling the existing dirt, importing gravel to provide a structurally sound base and then compacting everything. In some places, additional irrigation pipes are installed.
6. Spread and Roll Gravel Top Course – The “top course” is the 6 inches of crushed gravel that is placed on top of the gravel from Step 1. This gravel is specifically mixed to allow the subsurface material to lock into place when rolled prior to paving.
7. Form and Pour Sidewalks – As with the curb and gutter, the sidewalks are constructed by S & S Construction beginning with forming the areas to be poured. Once formed, the concrete trucks begin arriving and a crew is there to spread, smooth and brush the fresh concrete in manageable sections. Once dry, the concrete is sawcut to create the grid pattern selected for Pioneer Way.
Once the sidewalks are completed, the street will be ready for paving. The first layer of asphalt is about 3-4 inches deep and will be followed with a final layer of 2-3 inches across both Phase 1 and Phase 2.
Scheduled Gatherings
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/
Pioneer Way Art Project Blog - http://cohpioneerwayart.blogspot.com/
Update on the Bones Uncovered on Pioneer Way
Construction Alert No. 9
Pioneer Way Reconstruction Project
June 16, 2011
Update on the Bones Uncovered between Ireland and Ilwaco Streets
The Island County Coroner’s Office has confirmed that the bones uncovered this morning during excavation of Pioneer Way are human remains, most likely of Native American origin. Due to their age, they are not considered to be of forensic interest as a possible crime scene so they will be treated solely as an archaeological resource. With this finding, the next steps will be determined by the Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation in Olympia. This State Archaeologist’s Office will also coordinate with tribal interests. We do not have an estimate as yet for how long this evaluation will take or how it will influence Strider’s continuing work on Pioneer Way. However, please be aware that we will be doing everything we can to responsibly expedite this review in order to keep the project moving along. We will continue to keep you alerted as information becomes available.
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
360 914-7526
rhseverns@oakharbor.org
Pioneer Way Reconstruction Project
June 16, 2011
Update on the Bones Uncovered between Ireland and Ilwaco Streets
The Island County Coroner’s Office has confirmed that the bones uncovered this morning during excavation of Pioneer Way are human remains, most likely of Native American origin. Due to their age, they are not considered to be of forensic interest as a possible crime scene so they will be treated solely as an archaeological resource. With this finding, the next steps will be determined by the Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation in Olympia. This State Archaeologist’s Office will also coordinate with tribal interests. We do not have an estimate as yet for how long this evaluation will take or how it will influence Strider’s continuing work on Pioneer Way. However, please be aware that we will be doing everything we can to responsibly expedite this review in order to keep the project moving along. We will continue to keep you alerted as information becomes available.
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
360 914-7526
rhseverns@oakharbor.org
Monday, April 4, 2011
Construction Alert No. 2
Good morning,
Water is back on after 2½ hours shut down.
As noted in last Friday’s Briefing, the new water main was connected to the existing water system this morning. The connection required the shut down of the water system from Highway 20 to Ely Street for as many as 6 hours. As of 8:30 this morning, the connection was completed and service has been restored to effected businesses.
Water is back on after 2½ hours shut down.
As noted in last Friday’s Briefing, the new water main was connected to the existing water system this morning. The connection required the shut down of the water system from Highway 20 to Ely Street for as many as 6 hours. As of 8:30 this morning, the connection was completed and service has been restored to effected businesses.
Friday, April 1, 2011
Briefing No. 8
Good afternoon, Our contractor, Strider, has really settled into their stride (pun intended) and is doing a wonderful job of staying on schedule. The rain this week has been exciting as it has made things a little muddy, but we are working hard to keep things clear and trying to make the best of it. Quite often, I get question about how things are going. Feel free to stop by or call if you have questions about the project. That’s what we are here for. And, as always, stop by on Tuesday morning for some FREE coffee and treats. You can also get some information about how things are going while you are here.
● Installation of the water main and a couple water services between City Beach and Ely started this week. Construction was slowed slightly when they encountered a Suburban sized rock. If you have heard some tapping noises coming from near the YMCA, it was from the contractor breaking up the rock.
Scheduled Gatherings
AM TUESDAY COFFEES Every Tuesday morning – 9:00 to 10:00 am Pioneer Way Information and Construction Office Have a cup, hear what’s on the schedule for that week
Recent News
● Several storm drain inlets were installed between Ely and Dock. They still have a few more to install next week.
● Installation of the water main and a couple water services between City Beach and Ely started this week. Construction was slowed slightly when they encountered a Suburban sized rock. If you have heard some tapping noises coming from near the YMCA, it was from the contractor breaking up the rock. ● We also tested the new sanitary sewer main this week between Ely and Dock. This involved plugging the new main and side sewers, adding some air pressure to the line and making sure it didn’t leak. All went well, but we had a little excitement along the way. We learned a lot about how the sewer is plumbed in the buildings across the street. I’d like to thank the ladies at Maurices for being so patient with us.
● Garbage service continues to be on Friday throughout the duration of the project. With all the changes, we know that some cans have been missed, or misplaced. Please let us know if your trash does not get picked up or if you have any issues with your service.
● Along the same note, the City has placed a dumpster near 601 SE Pioneer Way (World Financial) for the businesses to use. Feel free to clean house and use our dumpster for free.
Looking Ahead
● On Monday morning at 5am, Strider will be connecting the new water main to the existin
g system. This will require shutting down our water system between SR20 and Ely Street. Customers that will experience an interruption in service have already been notified. The work is expected to take approximately 6 hours.
g system. This will require shutting down our water system between SR20 and Ely Street. Customers that will experience an interruption in service have already been notified. The work is expected to take approximately 6 hours. ● Starting Tuesday night and continuing through Friday. Strider’s sub-contractor, Insitu-Form, will be lining the sewer main between City Beach and Midway with the exception of the new sewer main between Ely and Dock. This will be NIGHT WORK. Businesses that operate in the evening may be affected. City staff and the contractor will be visiting customers on Monday to give them more information on how this work will affect their individual business.
● We also expect to start construction of the joint utility trench next week. This will be the first step in undergrounding power, phone and cable facilities. Since this work will only be the conduit for the utilities, we do not expect any interruptions in service.
NOTE: Due to a long-planned commitment, Project Manager Larry Cort will be away from the office beginning Tuesday, March 22, and returning on Thursday, April 7. Please direct all questions and concerns during this period to Joe Stowell, Project Engineer.
Friday, March 25, 2011
Briefing No. 7
Good afternoon,
Construction is moving along quite nicely on Pioneer Way. As you will see in the recent news section below, Strider Construction has completed a large amount of work in the short amount of time they have been on site. This last week has been very exciting. Many of you have experienced the effects of construction first hand and we would like to thank you for your patients and all your encouragement. As always, feel free to stop by our office at any time. We like to keep the coffee hot and we enjoy talking to every one of you.
Scheduled Gatherings
AM TUESDAY COFFEES Every Tuesday morning – 9:00 to 10:00 am
Pioneer Way Information and Construction Office
Have a cup, hear what’s on the schedule for that week
Recent News
● Much of the drainage infrastructure has been installed between Ely and City Beach. Only a few tie-in’s remain.
● As of this afternoon, all water services between Dock and Ely have been replaced. I’d like to thank our City Water crew for helping out with all the water services. They have been a tremendous help in notifying business owners and helping the Strider with individual connections.
● City Staff is continuing efforts to improve parking and pedestrian access. Look for additional signs in the coming weeks.
Looking Ahead
● Installation of new drainage infrastructure between Dock and Ely will begin next week. This work will consist of new storm drain lines and inlets along the south side of the street. It will be very similar to the drainage infrastructure installed between City Beach and Ely constructed earlier this week.
● A new water main and services will be installed between Ely and City Beach late next week and will continue into the following week. Water service between Highway 20 and Ely Street will be affected when we tie the new main into the existing system. As of right now, we are not sure if that tie in will occur late next week or early the following week. We will notify affected businesses as soon as we have more information. In addition, we are going to attempt to complete the work early in the morning so that the disruption will be minimal.
● Looking a couple of weeks ahead. Slip lining of the sewer main is scheduled to start the week of April 4th. This will be a week long project performed by a sub-contractor to Strider Construction. The work will be performed in small sections from City Beach to Midway with the exception of the sewer that has been replaced between Dock and Ely. We are still working on the specific schedule. Businesses affected by this work will be notified well in advance.
● Also starting after April 4th is construction of the joint utility trench. This will be the first step in undergrounding power, phone and cable facilities. Since this work will only be the conduit for the utilities, we do not expect any interruptions in service.
NOTE: Due to a long-planned commitment, Project Manager Larry Cort will be away from the office beginning Tuesday, March 22, and returning on Thursday, April 7. Please direct all questions and concerns during this period to Joe Stowell, Project Engineer.
Construction is moving along quite nicely on Pioneer Way. As you will see in the recent news section below, Strider Construction has completed a large amount of work in the short amount of time they have been on site. This last week has been very exciting. Many of you have experienced the effects of construction first hand and we would like to thank you for your patients and all your encouragement. As always, feel free to stop by our office at any time. We like to keep the coffee hot and we enjoy talking to every one of you.
Scheduled Gatherings
AM TUESDAY COFFEES Every Tuesday morning – 9:00 to 10:00 am
Pioneer Way Information and Construction Office
Have a cup, hear what’s on the schedule for that week
Recent News
● Much of the drainage infrastructure has been installed between Ely and City Beach. Only a few tie-in’s remain.
● As of this afternoon, all water services between Dock and Ely have been replaced. I’d like to thank our City Water crew for helping out with all the water services. They have been a tremendous help in notifying business owners and helping the Strider with individual connections.
● City Staff is continuing efforts to improve parking and pedestrian access. Look for additional signs in the coming weeks.
Looking Ahead
● Installation of new drainage infrastructure between Dock and Ely will begin next week. This work will consist of new storm drain lines and inlets along the south side of the street. It will be very similar to the drainage infrastructure installed between City Beach and Ely constructed earlier this week.
● A new water main and services will be installed between Ely and City Beach late next week and will continue into the following week. Water service between Highway 20 and Ely Street will be affected when we tie the new main into the existing system. As of right now, we are not sure if that tie in will occur late next week or early the following week. We will notify affected businesses as soon as we have more information. In addition, we are going to attempt to complete the work early in the morning so that the disruption will be minimal.
● Looking a couple of weeks ahead. Slip lining of the sewer main is scheduled to start the week of April 4th. This will be a week long project performed by a sub-contractor to Strider Construction. The work will be performed in small sections from City Beach to Midway with the exception of the sewer that has been replaced between Dock and Ely. We are still working on the specific schedule. Businesses affected by this work will be notified well in advance.
● Also starting after April 4th is construction of the joint utility trench. This will be the first step in undergrounding power, phone and cable facilities. Since this work will only be the conduit for the utilities, we do not expect any interruptions in service.
NOTE: Due to a long-planned commitment, Project Manager Larry Cort will be away from the office beginning Tuesday, March 22, and returning on Thursday, April 7. Please direct all questions and concerns during this period to Joe Stowell, Project Engineer.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Public Art Survey Now Available
As part of the Oak Harbor Arts Commission's effort to select public art pieces for the Pioneer Way project, a survey is now available that will allow the greater Oak Harbor community to express its preferences. The survey deadline is April 18, 2011 and citizens can access the survey in several ways:
1. The print version of the survey is included with the March utility bills. You can also link to a print version at the following: http://www.oakharbor.org/get_document.cfm?document=714 The print version of the survey can be mailed or dropped of at City Hall (Utility office or Development Services).
2. The survey is available online at: http://www.oakharbor.org/surveys/artsurvey/pioneerwayarts.htm
For more information about the public art pieces under consideration or to check in with the Arts Commission's meeting schedule, please check out the Pioneer Way Arts Blog.
1. The print version of the survey is included with the March utility bills. You can also link to a print version at the following: http://www.oakharbor.org/get_document.cfm?document=714 The print version of the survey can be mailed or dropped of at City Hall (Utility office or Development Services).
2. The survey is available online at: http://www.oakharbor.org/surveys/artsurvey/pioneerwayarts.htm
For more information about the public art pieces under consideration or to check in with the Arts Commission's meeting schedule, please check out the Pioneer Way Arts Blog.
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