Project Update Sept 30th

The contractor continues to install new sewer and water lines, currently in an area outside of the existing paved roadway. In coming weeks, new utility installation will move into the existing paved roads which will likely increase the impact to the traveling public. Most of the amended soils have been placed in the storm water ponds and a hydroseed mix of seed, mulch and fertilizer will be applied soon. The intent of this process is to get grass growing for erosion control and enhanced water quality prior to the winter rainy season.

Construction has been steadily installing sanitary sewer beginning a few weeks ago West of Brassfield Drive, and this week will finish up the section at the entrance of Brassfield. The next section of sanitary sewer will continue from Brassfield Park and move into the roadway as it continues West.

This week will also entail finishing up the application of amended soil (a mixture of topsoil and organic material) on the two drainage basins, as shown in the images.

Traffic Alert - Southbound traffic lane closed on Henderson Boulevard, from North Street to Yelm Highway, September 30 to November 15, 2010, Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.



Only northbound traffic will be allowed during this period. Both lanes will open up to provide two-way traffic flow in the evenings and on weekends. Alternate routes of travel are available to motorists traveling southbound

Update - September 22nd, 2010

The contractor has been working diligently in anticipation of rain to have the storm water system up and running (or draining) for the lowest areas of the project, and silt fencing in place in necessary areas. Although the news has been shouting a record 4-5 inches of rain so far this month, residents of Olympia just need to look out their windows to see what the weather has been like. Driving along Yelm Highway you may see some effects the weather has had on the project, but also the new storm sewer system at work.

Currently underway or in the near future you will see the amended soils being applied to bio-swales and drainage ponds. Starting next week the new water system for Orvas Ct. and Clar-Mar will likely be tested and subsequently put into use.

Update, Tuesday, Sept 14th.

The contractor began work on the sanitary sewer this week.  For this week and next week this work will fortunately take place north the roadway, just east of Brassfield Drive, working West.  However, around Monday September 27th, and perhaps earlier, the trenching will make its way into the roadway at Brassfield Drive and continue West down the center of the road.  Drivers should expect significant traffic delays around September 27th.

Photo from project archive

New Traffic Condition Notification System

We will be using Twitter to publish traffic conditions on Yelm Highway through the project area. We will be using "Red", "Yellow", and  "Green"  messages throughout the day as we get reports from the field. You can follow us on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/yelmhighwayinfo    

• Condition Green will mean that the roadway is clear of any unusual or unplanned blockages
• Condition Yellow will mean that traffic is slow but moving.
• Condition Red will mean that traffic is stopped or extremely backed up.

Be aware that safety on the site is of primary importance and that the "Tweeting staff"  may not receive immediate notification of road conditions if the on site staff is trying to help mitigate a situation. We will get the information out to you as soon as we get it.

Please continue to obey the flaggers and signs and directional signage.

Update for the week - Sept 8th, 2010

The Contractor has finished installing a new water line stretching from Henderson Blvd to Julie Court. In a few weeks the line will go through a disinfection process and existing services will be cut over to the new line.

Traffic flow can be expected to get a little better for the near future, as much of the work has moved off the main road, but in a couple of weeks will again see more disruptions when work begins on the sanitary sewer.


Please remember to leave a gap in stopped traffic for vehicles to turn into business when no center turn lane is available. The Mini-Skool daycare on the North side of Yelm Highway has had concerns with parents not being able to turn into the daycare due to stopped traffic.


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Thank you for your continued patience.

Upcoming City work to impact Project area

The City of Olympia will close the southbound traffic lane on Henderson Boulevard between North Street and Yelm Highway from September 13 to October 31, 2010, Monday through Friday, 7:00am to 4:00pm for their sanitary sewer project. Only northbound traffic will be allowed during this time period. Both lanes will open up to provide two-way traffic flow in the evening and on weekends. Visit the City of Olympia website  for more information and an Alternate Routes Map.

http://www.ci.olympia.wa.us/en/news-and-faq-s/construction-news/Henderson Boulevard Sanitary Sewer Project.aspx