SEQUIM — Beginning in late July, South Sequim Avenue will become a construction zone at night, with some work also possibly done during daylight hours.
The City Council on Monday awarded a contract for major construction on Sequim Avenue south of Washington Street.
Construction will include the replacement of water lines, resurfacing and the installation of more visible and durable crosswalks, said David Garlington, city engineer.
Traffic will be affected at the intersection of Sequim and Washington, the busiest intersection in town.
Three-week work
Work is expected to begin about the final week of July and last about three weeks.
Of the four bids received by the city, C & J Excavating of Carlsborg was awarded the contract, having a low bid of $588,900.
The project includes the replacement of an older 6-inch asbestos concrete water pipe with a 10-inch PVC pipe under Sequim Avenue from Etta Street to just north of the Washington/Sequim Avenue intersection, Garlington said.
There is still quite a bit of 6-inch water line that needs to be replaced, along with 2-, 3- and 4-inch lines in some places, he said.
Once the water line work is complete, Sequim Avenue will get a new asphalt overlay from Washington Street to Hammond Street, wheelchair ramps on sidewalks will be upgraded, and a new crosswalk will be installed at Sequim and Washington.
New asphalt overlay
The City Council debated whether the new $35,000 crosswalks, made of a plastic material that can be replaced in sections as the wheel ruts wear out, are a necessary purchase during tight financial times.
The old stained concrete crosswalks are wearing out, their color disappearing.
The new crosswalk material may be relatively expensive but is more efficient in the long run, said Paul Haines, Sequim Public Works director.
“It will only wear out in the wheel tracks. It’s a long-term advantage,” Haines said.
________
Reporter Arwyn Rice can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 5070, or at arwyn.rice@peninsuladailynews.com.
