This busy Olympia intersection will be closed for up to four weeks, city says
Motorists and pedestrians won’t be able to cross the downtown Olympia intersection at State Avenue and Franklin Street perhaps as soon as April 18, according to the city.
The intersection, located by the Olympia Intercity Transit Center, will be closed 24 hours a day, seven days a week for up to four weeks. The city says the closure is needed to allow crews to complete improvements while mitigating long-term traffic and parking impacts.
To prepare for the closure, crews will be conducting roadway saw cutting and installing storm drainage this week. During this activity, traffic flow will be maintained but lanes may be shifted.
The roadwork is part of the city’s on-going Franklin Street Improvement Project. Construction on the street, between Legion Way and State Avenue has been ongoing for the past year.
Once the work is complete, this portion of Franklin Street will have new sidewalks, street surfaces, curbs, trees, planters, lighting, bike racks and public art, according to the city.
However, the construction won’t end there. Planned paving will close the block between Legion Way and Fifth Avenue as early as May, according to the city.
This portion of Franklin Street is flanked by Seldens and Rainy Day Records on opposite ends. More information about this closure will be shared closer to the start of paving, the city says.
The city previously improved paving on Legion Way and there are plans to improve Washington Street and Capitol Way. These projects are part of an effort to attract more people and investment to the area, according to the city’s downtown strategy.
Construction will mostly occur on weekdays from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. but some work may occasionally happen on weekends and nights. Activity for all projects may be delayed or paused due to weather.
During construction, the public can expect:
- Noise, vibration, dust, and debris.
- Driveway closures
- Water shutoffs. Area residents will be notified at least two days in advance by the city’s Public Works Department.
- Large machinery and truck activity.
- Construction staging and parking impacts near the construction sites.
- Crosswalk and sidewalk closures, and detours for people walking and biking.
This story was originally published April 4, 2022 at 5:00 AM.
