Work in Anacortes continues
I think I need to clarify what’s happening at Sharpes Corner. Last Friday crews from Tapani were able to open part of the Sharpes Corner roundabout – but the work is not done. I repeat: This roundabout project area is still a work zone!!
I think many drivers thought that since a lane was open, it was complete/congestion would ease. That is not the case and anyone who needs to head through this area, especially during the afternoon commute, should still expect long delays (especially eastbound out of Anacortes) while crews finish work on this project. You should also expect some changes to traffic control from day-to-day so please make sure:
- you’re slowing down
- reading signs
- focusing on where the barrels direct you verses following what the car in front of you does
What’s ahead at Sharpes Corner
The forecast this week wasn’t great, but next week it is supposed to be awesome. Crews plan to get a lot of the final paving work done – what they refer to as the final lift – so that the asphalt meets the bottom of the curbs. There is no date set to open the second lane of the roundabout yet, but I'll let you know as soon as I know. Contractors are still doing curb, electrical, vegetation and some drainage work. They expect to wrap the major portions (i.e. all the big lane closures) by the end of the month. Check out pictures of the project in our flickr album.
Tapani crews will then come back in September to put down permanent striping, landscape and make any needed adjustments (to signs, etc.) following the next couple of months of use and observation.
More work coming to SR 20 Spur in Anacortes
Many have been really focused on Sharpes Corner so I want to remind everyone that we have a second project happening in this area. Following Fourth of July week, crews from Lakeside Industries will reduce the four lane stretch between the new Sharpes and Commercial Avenue roundabouts to two lanes for two weeks to do pavement repair and repaving work. These lane reductions will be in place 24/7 (yes, nights and weekends) so know that is coming. I’ll let you know the exact start date for those reductions as soon as I have them.
Busy weekend, plan ahead
It’s a busy weekend of graduations, Father’s Day events, music festivals, summer solstice events and the red hot Boys of Summer have a weekend of games down at Safeco Field. I’m headed to the Ms game Sunday and am super excited to catch Amtrak Cascades from Skagit to King Street station to avoid traffic. Remember to check conditions before you head out and if you have a passenger, they can monitor as you go. Using a traffic mapping app or calling 511 via your hands free device can also help. If you do have a smart phone, consider downloading the WSDOT app, which will now alert you to blocking situations, ferry delays and other highway info based on what you want to know.
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Have a great weekend, thanks for reading and Happy Father’s Day to all you dads out there!
Andrea Petrich
Andrea.Petrich@wsdot.wa.gov