PORT TOWNSEND — After a weather-imposed delay, work on the Water Street repaving and sidewalk replacement has begun.
Downtown’s busiest thoroughfare closed between Monroe Street and Adams Street on Monday and is scheduled to be reopened March 25.
During the closure, through traffic is being routed through Quincy Street and Washington Street, with semitruck and recreational vehicle traffic detoured into the Uptown neighborhood.
While the sidewalks are being replaced, a temporary path will allow pedestrian access to the Northwest Maritime Center, said Tom Miller, project manager.
After Water Street is reopened, the next step will be the paving of both sides of Madison Street, scheduled for completion April 15.
Also to be finished April 15 is the paving and landscaping of Pope Marine Park.
Repaving
Then, a bronze sculpture, “Salish Sea Circle,” by artist Gerard Tsutakawa will be installed at the corner of Water and Madison streets.
The repairs and renovations are a long time coming.
At this week’s Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce luncheon, Mayor Michelle Sandoval said they could have proceeded last summer, but merchants requested the street not be closed during tourist season.
The work was scheduled to begin last Tuesday but was postponed until Monday because of a forecast of extreme weather.
“The improvements to Water Street are making it better for our community,” Sandoval said.
