As a pre-planned construction project begins, residents of Montesano will have to adjust their normal commute throughout the city.
The Puget Sound and Pacific Railroad has informed the city of Montesano that the railroad crossing located on South Main Street must be replaced. Councilman Dave Skaramuca first announced the planned project via his Public Works Committee Report on May 10, that the traffic-altering project would need to happen.
“The railroad (Puget Sound and Pacific) has informed us that it’s time to replace the crossing and they’re asking for a three- to five-day closure in the summer to complete it,” Skaramuca reported.
Although Public Works was hoping that the project could be delayed until October, the fear is that if delayed, any serious faults with the railway, such as a derailment, could cause a 30-day closure in its wake. The plan is to have the replacement of the railroad crossing done in the middle of the work week to prevent traffic disruption as much as possible.
“There is no alternative to completing this work. The work must be done to avoid an event that could result in significant damage, as well as cause a much longer shutdown,” said Mike Olden, Director of Public Works and Community Development.
Railroad crews will begin working on replacing the crossing on Monday, July 25, to complete the project on Thursday, July 28. Olden noted that the project completion is tied to weather, saying that if the weather is suitable for the work being done, it could be completed sooner.
Traffic signs will be posted to route incoming and outgoing city traffic to Devonshire Road, while the crossing work is being completed. Two variable-message signs have already been stationed on the north and south ends of U.S. Route 12 approaching Montesano to inform the public of the upcoming project.
The traffic control plan, which has been approved by the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), is available on the city of Montesano’s website for reference. The city advises all people who have questions relating to the upcoming project to contact Madison Jensen at 360-249-3021.
