PORT TOWNSEND — Work on the second roundabout on the Upper Sims Way at Thomas Street is scheduled to begin Monday, city officials said.
“They’ll remove the existing asphalt, and bring in material to fill up the grade,” said Ken Clow, Port Townsend Public Works director.
The grade will be raised to a high point of 2 ½ feet, Clow said, and then curbs and sidewalks will be installed — much like the first roundabout built at the west end of the Sims streetscape improvement project at Howard Street.
Once curbs and walkways are installed, paving can be finished.
Work on the Thomas-Sims roundabout will run into July, Clow said.
After a weather delay, the Howard-Sims roundabout was completed last Friday, except for a final layer of pavement.
Paving McPherson
Project contractor Seton Construction of Jefferson County was scheduled today to pave a section of McPherson Street, which was widened from Sims to north of Sixth Street to add parking space adjacent to Vintage Hardware.
Although weather has caused some project delays over the winter, Clow said, “Overall we’re pleased with the way the project’s progressed.”
City officials planned and launched the project with the intention of not only beautifying Upper Sims’ commercial district but also to improve traffic flow and access to businesses.
Besides the roundabouts, landscaped medians are planned for the $7.1 million Sims Way project from Howard to Thomas streets.
Sidewalks, bike lanes
New sidewalks on both sides of the street and pedestrian crossings will improve the area for those on foot, city officials said, while bike lanes will be added along with connections to the trail networks to the north and south.
Storm water will be treated and detained with ecology embankments and two storm water detention and treatment ponds.
Construction on Sims Way began in mid-September and is expected to be completed in July.
The owners of Vintage Hardware where the second roundabout is going in have filed a lawsuit against the city of Port Townsend.
They claim the city broke its promises about future development plans and that a planned roundabout will cut off access to his store.
Ken and Jane Kelly are seeking unspecified damages tied to a loss of business and an expected devaluation of property once the roundabout on the corner of Sims Way and Thomas Street is constructed.
Ken Kelly filed the lawsuit March 25 in Jefferson County Superior Court, asking for damages commensurate with his projected loss of revenue caused by the roundabout.
He has asked the court to set that amount.
Port Townsend City Attorney John Watts said the city has tried to work with the Kellys.
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Port Townsend-Jefferson County Editor Jeff Chew can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at jeff.chew@peninsuladailynews.com.