Traffic congestion expected at this downtown Olympia intersection soon. Here’s why
Work crews plan to demolish a sidewalk at Fourth Avenue and Plum Street in Olympia this week to make way for major safety improvements.
The demolition will start on Dec. 1, weather permitting, on the southeast corner of the intersection, according to a City of Olympia news release. The work is being done right in front of the Eagles Building, located at 805 Fourth Avenue East. This is all part of $1.6 million project intended to improve pedestrian and bicycle safety at the intersection.
The intersection has been the scene of several collisions involving pedestrians, according to the project’s website. As a result, the city identified it as an area of concern in its Street Safety Plan.
The new changes include a separated bike lane, curb bulb-outs, sidewalk repairs, new street markings, upgraded curb ramps, accessible pedestrian signals and a hardened centerline on the nearby East Bay Drive.
To make room for these improvements, the city intends to remove the right turn lane from Fourth Avenue. As a tradeoff, the city says this change may cause increased traffic congestion at this intersection during peak travel times.
“In making these changes, we are prioritizing safety, especially of pedestrians and bicyclists, and accepting an increase in congestion,” the project website says.
The public should still be able to access the Eagles Building during the demolition this week, according to the city news release.
A flagger will help guide people as they enter and exit the building in the work area. However, the sidewalk will be closed to pedestrians passing through.
Once crews demolish the sidewalk, they will install a compacted gravel walking surface. This surface will be maintained until a new concrete sidewalk is poured. The city advises the public to follow all traffic-control signs, slow down and stay alert as they pass through or near the work zone.
Starting the week of Dec. 8, work crews plan to install electrical improvements as well as a new curb and sidewalk on the same southeast corner, per the release.
Workers also plan to pour concrete on the northeast corner of the intersection, next to Hollywood’s Towing. The pour is scheduled to start at 2 p.m. The city says pedestrians, bicyclists and drivers should expect delays when approaching the work area.
The city does not list an end date for the project on its website, but it does note that construction is scheduled to continue into 2026.
To fund this $1.6 million project, the city is using a nearly $1.3 million Pedestrian and Bicycle Program grant from the Washington State Department of Transportation.
The project is supported with funding derived from the state’s Climate Commitment Act, a 2021 law that created a greenhouse gas emission cap-and-invest program.
This act is intended to reduce such emissions while raising revenue for projects that improve clean transportation options, according to the Washington State Department of Ecology’s website.
