Rognlin’s Inc. has completed the water line replacement project in downtown Hoquiam, opening Simpson Avenue to traffic through the downtown core.

The announcement was made Friday afternoon by Hoquiam City Administrator Brian Shay.

“On Monday, the crews will shift to the east side of Hoquiam, working on Simpson Avenue from 22nd to 23rd,” said Shay. “Traffic on 101 will be reduced to one lane during this portion of the project.”

The water line replacement project will then move to between Ontario and 27th Street, 27th Street to 28th Street, and 28th Street to 30th Street. Additional crossings will also be addressed on 23rd Street and Myrtle Street. Shay said stormwater drainage will be included in the project on Ontario Street between Simpson and Sumner avenues, said Shay.

Water lines along Simpson Avenue have not been replaced in a century, said Shay. The upgrade should improve the quality of the water delivered and prevent service disruptions.