The First Street Stormwater Separation Project will construct a new sewer system for stormwater that will be separate from the existing sanitary sewer system. The project will take place within a four-block area of downtown Port Angeles.

This is a collaborative project between the City and the National Park Service (NPS) and is a component of the Elwha River Restoration Project.

BIKE BOXES on FIRST STREET
The First Street Stormwater Separation Project is completed. Last component installed is a feature called Bike Boxes. Bike Boxes help direct bicycles so that they can better maneuver with traffic, resulting in a more efficient and safer traffic flow. The aim of these new measures is to encourage more cycling by creating a safer, more comfortable road environment.

What is a bike box? The bike box is an intersection safety design to prevent bicycle/car collisions. It is a painted green space on the road with a white bicycle symbol inside. In some locations it includes a green bicycle lane approaching the box. The box creates space between motor vehicles and the crosswalk that allows bicyclists to position themselves ahead of motor vehicle traffic at an intersection.

Why are bike boxes being installed? The main goal of the bike box is to improve safety by 1- increasing awareness and visibility of cyclists; 2- helping cyclists make safer intersection crossings - especially when drivers are turning and bicyclists are going straight; 3 – encouraging cyclists to make more predictable approaches to and through an intersection; and 4 – providing space at the front of an intersection to help cyclists avoid breathing vehicle fumes.

What motorists should know
When the traffic signal is yellow or red, motorists must stop behind the white stop line. Don't stop on top of the green bike box. Keep it clear for cyclists to use. Typically at bike box locations, right turns on red will not be permitted.

When the light turns green, motorists and cyclists may move through the intersection as usual, with cyclists going first. Motorists turning right on green should signal and watch for cyclists to the right, especially in the green bike lane in the intersection.

What bicyclists should know

• When the traffic signal is yellow or red, enter the bike box from the approaching green bike lane.
• Stop before the crosswalk.
• When the light is green, proceed as normal. Be aware of right-turning motorists, especially while in the green bike lane in the intersection.

How to use bike boxes if you are …
A Cyclist - When the light is red or turning red, enter the bike box along the bike lane. Once you are in the bike box, position yourself according to the direction you are intending to go.

Turning left: Move to the left of the bike box and signal that you're turning left.
Going through: Position yourself in front of the through lane.
Turning right: Move close to the right edge of the roadway and signal that you're turning right.

How to use bike boxes if you are …
A Motorist - When the signal is red, you should stop at the stop line marked on the road. The stop line will be located just before the green box.

See a how to use a bike box video from Portland: http://www.streetfilms.org/portland-green-bike-box/

PROJECT INFORMATION
BACKGROUND
The First Street Stormwater Separation Project will construct a new sewer system for stormwater that will be separate from the existing sanitary sewer system. The project will take place within a four-block area of downtown Port Angeles.

This is a collaborative project between the City and the National Park Service (NPS) and is a component of the Elwha River Restoration Project.

The work will occur on First Street between Valley and Lincoln Streets. When complete, the project will reduce discharge during high-flow events that presently contribute to combined sewer overflows (CSOs). The NPS is funding both the construction and the construction management professional services agreement.

The project includes approximately 1,750 lineal feet of buried 18-inch diameter storm pipe on First Street from Laurel to Valley Street and adds new stormwater treatment to reduce pollutants delivered to Valley Creek. The project will also reconstruct portions of the road surface.

This project is in keeping with the City Council's direction that whenever possible, to separate storm sewer from the sanitary sewer as a preferred alternate when it is cost effective.

~ In Partnership With the Community ~

PROJECT COSTS AND BIDDING PROCESS
Bids for construction were opened on January 31, 1011, with 11 contractors submitting bids. Road Construction Northwest, Inc., from Renton, Washington, was the low responsible bidder. On February 1, 2011 City Council approved and authorized the City Manager to award and sign a construction contract with Road Construction Northwest, Inc., in the amount of $1,172,909.60.

The City Engineer's estimate was $1,750,900.
The low bid was approximately $1,172,909.

A difference/savings of approximately $577,000 or
about 33% below the Engineer's estimate

Also on February 1, the City Council also approved and authorized the City Manager to sign a Construction Management Services Agreement with Northwestern Territories, Inc., in the amount of $136,513.00. Northwestern Territories, Inc., will partner with two other local companies, Zenovic & Associates, and Exeltech as sub-consultants to provide the professional services as needed.

UPCOMING CONSTRUCTION SCHEDULE
Posted May 11, 2011
The paving is complete. Next will be to finish the installation of the stamped concrete crosswalks. Schedule is subject to change depending on weather, progress and conditions.

All businesses and sidewalks in this area will remain open during the project. Safety of the public, pedestrians and motorists is a top priority. Please drive courteously.

EMAIL UPDATES
Sign up to receive automatic email updates about the project. Just send a request to tpierce@cityofpa.us to be included.

MEETINGS
MOST RECENT MEETING - Wednesday, March 23 at 6:15 p.m. at the Armory Square Mall at 228 W. First Street in Port Angeles.

City Staff and Road Construction Northwest met with approximately 30 business owners from the downtown area. Those in attendance voted to keep the present work schedule in place.

CONTACT INFORMATION
If you have any questions about the First Street Stormwater Project, please feel free to contact:

Jim Mahlum
City Project Manager
360-417-4701 or jmahlum@cityofpa.us

Teresa Pierce
Executive Communications Coordinator
360-417-4630 or tpierce@cityofpa.us

Want to receive email notices about the project? Send an email to tpierce@cityofpa.us and receive immediate construction updates.

~ In Partnership With the Community ~

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