Third Week of August 2011

The crews are doing a lot of small (relatively speaking) jobs this week. Other than the roundabouts, the sound/retaining walls, and a couple of storm lines, most of the major work has been completed!  Crews are busy moving about finishing up the smaller details including the fencing, irrigation, plants, topsoil, signs. 


At the roundabouts:
At Brassfield the crews are busy forming and pouring concrete for curbs, and at Boulevard the crews have paved as much as possible before moving onto some curbs.  Once the curbs are installed the crews can go back to paving the rest of the roundabout.


Although some people are uncomfortable with roundabouts, they have been shown to help improve the flow of traffic in many cases, and his is the hope with Yelm Highway. For many years, it has been a nightmare for people to try to make left turns during peak times or to escape the side streets. By navigating the roundabouts, people will be able to make stop-free right turns thereby no longer holding up traffic behind them. For good information on how to navigate a roundabout, please visit The WSDOT roundabout information page .

Here are a couple of aerial views of our new roundabouts for you to either drool over or to print out and throw darts at.

BOULEVARD © Aerial Images NW

BRASSFIELD ©Aerial Images NW

In addition, we have these shots of the crew paving from ground level.

Aerial photos provided by Aerial Images NW.

Paving Schedule Update - Boulevard Intersection

Paving Schedule Update - Boulevard Intersection

 

Signal demolition is scheduled for tomorrow, Friday, August 12th.

Conversion to roundabout - concurrent with the signal demolition should be done on Friday.

Paving  is rescheduled for Monday the 15th and Tuesday the 16th.

 

 

Paving has been delayed and will take place on Monday, August 15th and Tuesday the 16th.  Since the roads will not need to be maintained for paving, the contractor will not need to work over the weekend.  The delay also effects the demolition of the Boulevard signals, pushing it forward to tomorrow, Friday the 12th.

 

Stormwater

 

Crews have once again begun working on the stormwater system, east of Boulevard.  This will involve running pipe completely across the road in various locations.  Fortunately, this work is only scheduled for tomorrow, but is likely to pick back up in the future.

 

 

 

As for the rest of the project, the usual construction may be expected:  Sewer connections, sound wall, landscaping.  Some final testing of the sewer manholes will be needed on the east end of the project before the system is used so drivers can expect crews to be working in the center of the roads with minimal impact on traffic.

August 9th, 2011

This Week

 

The usual sewer connections between Boulevard and Rich Rd, sound/retaining wall installation, installation of irrigation, and  preparation of Boulevard-Yelm Hwy intersection, and paving on Friday, possibly Saturday, and paving Monday.  Please expect significant delays at the Boulevard intersection throughout this process.

 

By the end of the week both the Boulevard and Brassfield roundabouts should be able to be used as a roundabout.

 

Please check out the Washington Department of Transportation website if you have any questions concerning roundabouts

http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/safety/roundabouts/

 

 

Boulevard Intersection Schedule

 

Today (August 9th):  Preparation for Paving Boulevard.

 

Wednesday August 10th: 

Demolishing Traffic Signal/Conversion to roundabout using cones and signs.  Preparation for Paving Boulevard

 

Thursday August 11th:

Preparation for Paving Boulevard

 

Friday August 12th:

Preparation for Paving Boulevard.  Contractor will be paving the intersection.

 

Saturday August 13th:

If necessary the contractor will be paving on Saturday as well.

 

Monday August 15th:

Paving should be expected on Monday as well.

 

August 4th, 2011

This Week

 

The contractor has been busy finishing up the few remaining sewer lines between Boulevard and Rich Rd. to individual properties along Yelm Highway, and from the sounds of it, will finish up these lines early next week. 

 

The Remote Chemical Feed Station at Indian Summer (feeds odor-eliminating chemicals into the sewage) has been running for a week long test as part of an extensive checklist to avoid sickening odors, and a smooth switch over from the existing system to the new.

 

Concrete crews have been busy constructing and pouring forms at various locations which take a bit more handiwork than normal.  In particular the Brassfield roundabout is coming along quite nicely!  You may ask why the contractor hasn't completely paved the roundabout so it can be utilized?  The reason comes down to placing asphalt against an existing curb results in a much higher quality and durable product, compared to pouring curb next to existing asphalt, which never matches tightly.  Even the smallest of openings leaves room for dirt, weeds, and cracks

 

Next Week

 

The contractor will begin preparing and installing a couple STEP system conversions.  These STEP systems are pumping sewage to higher elevations, and will be transferred to the new pump station.  This will also impact traffic a couple of locations. 

 

The contractor will also begin connecting individual properties to the new sanitary sewer lines once the pump station can begin accepting those flows.  Since the lines were previously installed from the mainline in the center of the road to the connection on individual properties, this will hopefully have a minimum impact to traffic.

 

SK Landscape will be out next week installing the landscaping from Henderson to Brassfield.  This work will take place mostly on the sides of the road, except in the center of the Brassfield Roundabout.  Traffic will probably see a few more impacts.

 

Boulevard Roundabout:  Expect significant traffic delays turning from or on to Boulevard Road as the contractor will be preparing the intersection for paving, and then, of course, paving.  This will also be timed with the demolition of the Boulevard intersection signal on Wednesday, August 10th.  The demolition will be followed by subsequent preparation of the intersection for paving and for curb installation.  This intersection work will likely continue into the week of August 15th.

 

Of course, don't forget the miscellaneous.

Update from the Project Coordinator - Aug 2nd, 2011

The contractor will go back to 5 days a week work, Monday through Friday starting next week.

The contractor will be working on sewer east of Boulevard Road and will be doing some finish work to the end of the sewer main at Rich Road.  The work will include tying in to existing pressurized STEP mains.  The design includes construction of odor control devices, but until they are up and running, there  may be some unpleasant odors.  Also, if you are on a STEP system and your alarm goes off, please contact the City of Olympia immediately.  The City will be sending out an informational letter to each property connected to a STEP system that will be affected by this cut-over.

The conversion of the Boulevard and Yelm Hwy intersection from signalized to a roundabout will begin on Monday, August 8.  It is anticipated to take the entire week to accomplish this and alternate routes are strongly encouraged.  The contractor may even work on Saturday, August 13 on order to finish, depending on how the construction goes through the week. We will keep you updated on this schedule.

The sound/retaining wall work will also continue through the week.

This week - July 25-29th

It will be a slow week on the west half of Yelm Highway, but not so much on the east side as crews continue to install sewer connections to individual properties.  Otherwise work is the usual, pouring miscellaneous curb and sidewalks, sound/retaining wall installation. Pedestrians, please use care when traversing these areas, and follow the guidance of the folks in orange. They are there for your safety too.

Upcoming

However!  Hopefully preparation for paving the Boulevard intersection will begin with the demolition of the intersection on August 8th and grading during that week, followed by (another hopefully) paving on August 15th and 16th. (Disclaimer:Remember that paving is weather, and other condition, dependent.)

The biggest hurdle at the moment is with the Sewer Pump Station, and taking the steps to bring it on-line.  Crews are working with the City of Olympia to switch the existing sewer systems over to the new system without much of a stink.

 Crews will, with detailed care, verify the odor control systems are functioning properly, and then begin switching over the old systems to the new one. 

This Week In Review (and Next Week's Plan)

This Week in Review

Sanitary Sewer

The contractor has run some more sewer lines to individual properties between Boulevard and Rich Rd, as well as finalizing the sanitary sewer manholes between Henderson and Brassfield by applying a coat of light blue epoxy (by Molecular Inc.) to their inside surface.  This was necessary to prevent the concrete from being dissolved due to the natural production of acetic acid  by the organisms which break down the solid waste, but also makes the insides more visible for maintenance.  My does it look pretty!.....until its used that is.

As for the pump station itself, it's ready to be turned on and "all systems are go" as the saying goes.  It's just waiting for the coatings to dry and the final list to be checked off.

Sound/Retaining Wall

So far, most of the walls constructed have been for sound reduction in the surrounding neighborhoods, so here's a photo of one of the retaining walls in action across from Brassfield!

Boulevard Roundabout

You keep hearing about this over and over, (kind of like the Yelm Hwy project) but when is it going to take place?  With those pesky utility conflicts fixed the contractor has just today moved on to installing some remaining stormwater structures at the intersection which they previously couldn't.  When you ask?  Well, in reality the contractor is picking up where it left off, so it looks like a tentative date of August 9th.

Next Week

Most of the major work will be between Boulevard and Rich Rd installing storm water structures, but as always, crews will be installing sidewalk, curb,  and Sound/Retaining walls between Henderson and Boulevard.

There also may be a bit of working going on at the Rich Rd. intersection trying to chase down an old and buried stormwater system and figure out where it goes; no sense in plugging up a perfectly good drainage system!


As an added bonus, here are two photos from last week's paving:

Paving Finished for a while, and other matters

The first lift of asphalt has been placed between Henderson and Boulevard, but be careful, there are areas that have abrupt edges and sections of gravel.  Please follow the speed limit for your safety and that of the workers.

Boulevard to Rich Rd

The contractor will continue running smaller sewer lines from the main line in the center of the roadway to individual properties for this week and the next several weeks until completed.  This will likely reduce traffic flow to one-way during the course of the work, and will be in various locations between Boulevard and Rich Rd.

Boulevard and Log Cabin Rd Intersection

Puget sound energy will be out on Wednesday July 20th hooking up power to what is called a Remote Chemical Feed Station.  This facility provides chemicals to the sewer line, keeping down the stinky smells that would otherwise be pretty foul.  This work should be off the main roadway, but please beware of worker and vehicles in that location.

Other Construction Activities

As usual, the contractor will be constructing more of those missing sections of sidewalk and curb that had to be left out due to the many, many structures, pipe etc. that are in the way.  While the majority of the concrete could be poured and formed quickly such as with a curb machine, these locations take much more hand work and care to ensure a safe walking surface.There will be miscellaneous work on the manholes and sewer system, and side sewer installation east of Boulevard Road.

Tired of cones?  You will soon be seeing less of those as the road signs are put into place, especially those in the roundabouts. 

Work continues on the illumination system with mostly underground work.

It may seem that we mention very few construction activities going on during any week, but be assured, the above construction work is the tip of the iceberg; there is much more going on behind the scenes and off the road to reduce the traffic flow.

Work is continuing on the wall construction adjacent to Sten Village and across from the sewer pump station at Brassfield.




Thank you to Project Coordinator Theresa Parsons, and Engineering Intern David Hall for their contributions to this blog.

Paving Update, Monday, July 18th

Mother Nature threw us a curve ball over the weekend, just to prove that she was still in charge. However, the tenacious Yelm Highway crew from Miles Construction & Thurston County Public Works refuse to be beaten. They will pave today (Monday) and tomorrow to finish what was planned for Saturday and Monday. Paving will be on Yelm Highway from Brassfield to Boulevard, and also on Brassfield.

Sadly, this will mean long delays for the driving public if you have to use Yelm Highway for your commute. We have supplied a map with alternate routes (Link to the right), but if you cannot avoid the area, remember that the contractor will be on the road from 6:00 AM to 5:30 PM both days, and delays to traffic could be well beyond 30 minutes.  Some driveways will be blocked for short periods while the asphalt cures (See our earlier posts on the paving). Additionally, there is sewer work going on east of Boulevard.



We understand that this is an inconvenience and truly appreciate your cooperation. If you have questions about the project, feel free to contact us via our email contacts, Theresa Parsons, Coordinator or Webmaster . 

Special Update for Saturday, July 16

Due to the weather, the contractor is not able to pave today. There is a small crew on site doing some grading work, so please watch for them. Paving work is planned for Monday, weather permitting.

Paving set to go!

The contractor plans to pave Friday and Saturday, with additional paving on Monday. This will cause extreme backups and traffic delays in the work zone from Boulevard to Henderson and extending beyond both ends of the area. Project staff is advising that you avoid the area if at all possible. Access to businesses and homes in the area will be unavoidably affected during the paving operation, but these interruptions will be kept to as short a time as possible. Hot asphalt requires time to cool before traffic can be allowed to travel on it to prevent damage to the newly applied surface.

Here is the preliminary plan as it stands as of this morning:

 

Paving will start at Henderson and travel east to Brassfield.  That section will be done Friday, and it will require at least 4 passes to cover the complete width of the road.

 

Then they will move from Brassfield east and plan on paving in front of the daycare on Saturday so that it will minimize access impacts to the daycare.

 

On Monday a smaller amount of asphalt will be put in place to finish up the first lift of asphalt from Henderson to Boulevard.

 

The final lift of asphalt will occur later, likely in the early fall.

If you have questions or concerns, feel free to contact the project coordinator Theresa Parsons

The link to our alternate routes map is available at the right. If you must travel through the area, please allow at least 30 to 60 minutes additional travel time (estimated only) and please be prepared for extended waits. There will be traffic control personnel in place to guide you through the work zone.

Thurston County Public Works & Miles Construction thank you for your patience.

Good News & Bad News

The good news is, the contractor is tentatively planning to lay down the first lift (layer) of asphalt from Henderson to Boulevard next Friday and Saturday.  This is, of course, weather, and other conditions permitting, but we wanted to let you know well in advance. 

"What's the bad news?", you ask. "How can there be any bad news? They are PAVING!!!"  


Well, here's the deal...


There will be delays... and they won't be short. In fact, they will be really, REALLY long. In our scale of Green to Black the delay condition will be, ( Hold on while I look up what is darker than BLACK...)  well.. you get the idea. Please take advantage of our alternate routes in your travel planning for those days.


Also, some driveways will be closed while the asphalt cures enough to be able to support the weight of a vehicle. Depending (again) upon the weather, this can take a bit of time. Please heed any directions given by the contractor's crew to make sure their efforts aren't disturbed.


We will provide you with more information toward the end of the week.
 

A Little Courtesy

As you are driving through the work zone on Yelm Highway, there will be times when you will be stopped for extended periods while traffic is confined to a single lane. When you do need to stop please make sure you are leaving enough space between you and the next vehicle for cars to enter the various driveways that lead to the residences and businesses throughout the work zone and also please try to not block those driveways when you stop.


We understand that this is not always possible, but our staff and the business owners and residents along Yelm Highway, and guests and patrons of those businesses and residents would be truly grateful if you could give it a shot whenever you could.  Also remember, it is always illegal to stop in an intersection. If you cannot make it all the way through the intersection, stop prior to entering it.


Just a reminder, the contractor will be working in the roadway on Saturday, July 9th. Please plan to avoid the work zone if possible in your travels.

Update July 7th, 2011

NOTE: CONTRACTOR IS WORKING FRIDAY AND SATURDAY (JULY 8th & 9th)

During this short week the contractor has made excellent progress pulverizing the roadway, all the way from Henderson to Brassfield.  The majority of the old asphalt was removed seperately from the underlying rock and sent back to the asphalt mixing plant where it will be re-used as new asphalt.  Although this is guaranteed to slow down traffic due to a rougher surface and less driving lanes, the contractor will be working this Friday and Saturday to help speed up completion of the work.

A small fact:  Wondering what color was chosen for the sound/retaining walls?  A: Washington Gray.

Other Interesting Information:

The Sewer Pump Station has completed its installation and is undergoing preliminary testing with final testing set for next week. 

Boulevard Roundabout:  The schedule is now looking like it will begin 7/25 or 8/1.  Stay tuned!

July 5th Update

note: The contractor will be working Saturday July 9th.


The contractor is pulverizing (grinding) the roadway from Henderson to Brassfield Dr today. They will continue this work through the 8th of July when they reach Boulevard Rd.  The mainline sewer work is nearing Rich Rd and its completion.  There will be a crew working on the Remote Chemical Feed Station near Indian Summer as well.  The subcontractor continues to install the sound wall near Brassfield Dr SE.

Project Update June 30th

 HOLIDAY SCHEDULE: NO WORK MONDAY JULY 4th. Contractor will work Tuesday - Friday of the holiday week (July 5th - 8th)

Sanitary Sewer - The End is Nearer!

How near the end?  The blue and green bubbles in the image near Stratford Lane and Boulevard Extension are the homeowners sewer connections.  There may be a few of those yet, but as for the main line, the last sanitary sewer manhole (#29) is expected to be set in the ground around the 12th of July.  After #29 is installed the sewer moves over to the south side of the road and makes a connection into an existing sewer system.

Sidewalks, Curb, Driveways. - Henderson to Boulevard

Most of the concrete work has been completed between Henderson and Boulevard Road, except for a couple sections that require a lot of hand work, or those which have constant vehicle access which prevents entire sections from being poured.

Boulevard Roundabout - No longer on hold!

Due to a couple of utilities that were shallower than expected this work has been on hold for a good month.  Now that these conflicts have been resolved, in the next couple weeks they will be fixed and the roundabout construction will commence.  Keep a look out about two weeks from now for significant changes in that intersection!

Pulverize, Prep and Pave - Henderson to Boulevard

Starting the 5th of July, beginning from Henderson and heading towards Boulevard, the asphalt will be pulverized, the roadway will be prepared for paving by placing crushed rock down, and then paved.  The preparation work is expected to be finished by July 8th, and paving beginning on July 18th.

A note about our Twitter feed: We make every effort to have our daily condition tweet out between 6:45AM and 7:15AM, on the days when the contractor is working in traffic. However, due to our agency process for posting to Twitter, if the field inspector has not gotten information from the contractor by 7:15, the tweet could be delayed while those able to post to Twitter are driving in to the office.

HOLIDAY WEEK SCHEDULE ANNOUNCED

The contractor will be working Tuesday-Friday, the week of July 4th (will work July 5-8) rather than Monday - Friday  7:00 AM -5:30 PM.

Construction impacts to traffic are typical this week:  Curb, sidewalks, and sound wall between Henderson and Boulevard.  Sewer near Rich Rd

 

Upcoming....

 

July 4th weekend - No Construction.

 

July 7th  - Starting at Henderson and heading to Boulevard the roadway will be pulverized, rebuilt, and paved over a period of approximately two weeks.

 

Boulevard Roundabout - Still on hold due to utility issues. 

Three Week Construction Impact Map:

JUNE 15th Update

Sanitary Sewer

Sewer line construction is making its way to the end foot by foot!  See the image below.

Boulevard Roundabout

Construction of the Boulevard roundabout is still on hold for the moment, but is likely to begin construction in the next two weeks.

Asphalt Paving

Portions of the east end of the project (Boulevard to Rich Rd) will be undergoing asphalt patching, so travel should get a little smoother in those sections.

Sidewalks & Driveways

Each week drivers, walkers, and bicyclists should see a new portion of sidewalks and driveways being poured as the forms are set up.  If your out for a walk, make sure to keep an eye out for those 'SIDEWALK CLOSED' signs so you don't muddy your shoes permanently! :)

How does one make a curb?  First you get a lot of money, then you buy a really cool machine and hire some talented guys to do all the work.

---

Thanks, Stephanie, for the pics!

Construction Update June 9th, 2011

Sanitary Sewer - The End is Near!

 

Sewer line is getting close to the end!  Construction will continue between Siskiyou Street and Donovan Drive during the next two weeks.

 

Sidewalks, Curb, Driveways. - Henderson to Boulevard

 

The contractor will continue to prepare for pouring concrete for sidewalks, curb, and driveways.  This will take place between Henderson and Boulevard on both the north and south sides of Yelm Highway.

 

Boulevard Roundabout

 

Construction of the Boulevard roundabout is currently on hold due to some conflicts with underground utilities.  We will let you know as soon as possible when the contractor is planning on resuming this work.

 

 

Traffic Flow in General

 

Driving down Yelm Highway you probably have noticed the multiple crews at work.  Curb, sidewalk, and driveway preparation and concrete pouring, grading to prepare for new asphalt and sidewalks, sewer down the center of Yelm Hwy, sewer connections on the sides of the highway, sound wall installation, and even work all the way out east past Wiggins Road and the northern part of Boulevard for work related to the sewer; all have their effect on traffic.  Drivers can expect 30+ minute delays as the lanes are often shut down to one way traffic for periods of the day.

Update for the week of May 31st, 2011

Remember:  The contractor will be working this Friday June 3rd!  

Construction will return to the Monday through Thursday schedule next week.

 

Curb and Gutter

 

Curb and gutter will continue to be poured on the south side of Yelm Highway between Henderson Blvd. and Brassfield Drive.

 

Mainline Sewer

 

The contractor is steadily making their way east, currently between Stratford Lane and Siskiyou St.  This work is expected to take at least 4 more weeks to complete.

 

Boulevard Roundabout

 

The contractor may begin the creation of the Boulevard roundabout this coming June 6th.  A temporary roundabout will be constructed utilizing cones and signs, and is expected to be completed in one day, followed by the demolition of the signals the next day.  Drivers can expect significant traffic disruptions as this work is done.

For non Yelm Highway construction and county road news, follow our OTHER Twitter feeds at twitter.com/Thurston_PW and twitter.com/TCPWProjects