Barricades signal the closure of Adams Street in uptown Port Townsend. The street was initially closed to provide a staging area for a contractor to construct sidewalks on Jefferson Street, and now the Port Townsend City Council is weighing its options, which include reopening the street for traffic or keeping it permanently closed. (Brian McLean/Peninsula Daily News)

Barricades signal the closure of Adams Street in uptown Port Townsend. The street was initially closed to provide a staging area for a contractor to construct sidewalks on Jefferson Street, and now the Port Townsend City Council is weighing its options, which include reopening the street for traffic or keeping it permanently closed. (Brian McLean/Peninsula Daily News)

Port Townsend weighs options for Adams Street

Uptown section has been closed since March

PORT TOWNSEND — Adams Street, which has been closed in uptown Port Townsend since March as part of a sidewalk project, could see some revisions in the coming weeks.

The city’s Transportation Committee has recommended to the City Council the repair and reopening of Adams Street between Jefferson and Franklin streets, but city staff also wants to extend public input on whether the street should be closed permanently.

The council will receive three options to discuss tonight in addition to specific criteria and a general process that would lead to a future street closure within the city.

The council also is expected to approve the city’s 2020 budget during the meeting at 6:30 p.m. on the second floor of historic City Hall, 540 Water St.

The Adams Street closure was put into place last spring as a staging area for a contractor to construct sidewalks along Jefferson Street.

During that time, the city received public comments suggesting Adams Street should be closed permanently, interim Public Works Director David Peterson wrote in a memo to council last week.

Peterson also said the public works department consulted with a transportation expert on how to implement future street closures.

“They suggested there are no legal requirements; however, public notice and feedback is suggested,” Peterson said.

Public comments during the closure were that the city did not provide adequate notice, that the shoulders on Adams Street provide on-street parking for festivals and events, that an emergency egress has been lost and that the closure is unsightly, Peterson said.

The city received two emailed comments in October requesting Adams Street remain pedestrian-only. One person suggested there is a need for walking routes to connect uptown with downtown, Peterson said.

Among the options council will consider will be a $15,000 quote from a contractor to improve the aprons and shoulders of the road in order to reopen Adams Street to traffic.

Peterson noted asphalt plants close in early December so it would not be possible to complete the work before the end of the calendar year.

A second option would be to spend $5,000 to have a city streets crew install permanent barricades and landscaping. That option may include installing a rain garden for stormwater quality control, Peterson said.

The city may also keep Adams Street closed through March 20, 2020, and continue to ask for public input before it asks the Transportation Committee to bring back a recommendation in April, Peterson said.

“In the future, should a proposal to close a street be brought forward — whether initiated by the public or staff — staff suggests the process would be for council to assign it to the Transporation Committee who would solicit public comment before a trial or permanent closure,” he said. “The committee would then recommend back to council.”

________

Jefferson County Managing Editor Brian McLean can be reached at 360-385-2335, ext. 6, or at bmclean@peninsuladailynews.com.

More in News

Crew members from the USS Pomfret, including Lt. Jimmy Carter, who would go on to become the 39th president of the United States, visit the Elks Lodge in Port Angeles in October 1949. (Beegee Capos)
Former President Carter once visited Port Angeles

Former mayor recalls memories of Jimmy Carter

Thursday’s paper to be delivered Friday

Peninsula Daily News will have an electronic edition on… Continue reading

Counties agree on timber revenue

Recommendation goes to state association

Port of Port Angeles, tribe agree to land swap

Stormwater ponds critical for infrastructure upgrades

Poet Laureate Conner Bouchard-Roberts is exploring the overlap between poetry and civic discourse. (Elijah Sussman/Peninsula Daily News)
PT poet laureate seeks new civic language

City library has hosted events for Bouchard-Roberts

Five taken to hospitals after three-car collision

Five people were taken to three separate hospitals following a… Continue reading

John Gatchet of Gardiner, left, and Mike Tabak of Vancouver, B.C., use their high-powered scopes to try to spot an Arctic loon. The recent Audubon Christmas Bird Count reported the sighting of the bird locally so these bird enthusiasts went to the base of Ediz Hook in search of the loon on Sunday afternoon. (Dave Logan/for Peninsula Daily News)
Bird watchers

John Gatchet of Gardiner, left, and Mike Tabak of Vancouver, B.C., use… Continue reading

Forks schools to ask for levy

Measure on Feb. 11 special election ballot

Jefferson County commissioners name Pernsteiner acting sheriff

Jefferson Democrats to nominate three interim candidates

State commission fines fire commissioner

PDC says Kraft owes more than $4,600

Marine Center receives $15 million

Funding comes from Inflation Reduction Act

Port Townsend creates new department to oversee creative district

Melody Sky Weaver appointed director of Community Service Department