||| FROM COLIN HUNTAMER for SJC PUBLIC WORKS |||
Progress Update: This weeks planned work activities were impacted by supply chain disruptions in the construction industry. Unfortunately many industries continue to operate with single points of failure which are especially vulnerable and disruptive in our island community. All project work is non-discretionary critical path work and adapting is very challenging. I am thankful that our construction team was able to come up with a plan that continues to hold July 18 as the start of asphalt paving. As a part of this plan, I am also very grateful that they have agreed to work overtime leading into this holiday weekend.
Big Picture: While asphalt paving remains scheduled for the week of July 18 it is important to remember that a significant amount of work still remains to be completed. The entire project includes numerous structural, architectural, and aesthetic details (including brick pavers) that will continue through the month of August. As always, the construction team will continually evaluate and open areas of the work site as soon as it is safe to do so.
Traffic Update: The critical part of this weeks revised work plan required placing a significant amount of concrete forms that must remain exposed over the holiday weekend. Most exposed concrete forms are a hazard to the public (especially in the dark) and consequently it will not be safe to open these areas to the public. Appropriate traffic control devises will be in place to close off areas of the work site which are not safe and to delineate safe pedestrian access routes approved by our certified traffic control supervisor. See attached traffic control map.
Friday (July 1 after 5pm) – Monday (July 4) the intersection at North Beach Road will be open to traffic however the entirety of Prune Alley will remain closed to all motorized vehicles. Pedestrian access will be limited to designated pedestrian access routes only. Designated pedestrian access routes will be marked by approved traffic control devices.
Tuesday (July 5) – Friday the intersection at North Beach Road may be open to traffic depending on working conditions. Prune Alley and other work areas are closed to all motorized vehicles. Pedestrian access is expected to remain limited. Work areas that become safe for public travel will be opened as soon as possible.
Please help keep our residents and visitors safe and injury free by adhering to and protecting all approved traffic control devices.
Worst so-called “Upgrade” that I have ever experienced on the Island.
Wrecked Eastsound on the heels of covid.
Done.
I’d strongly recommend that everything possible be done to open the intersection at North Beach Road and Prune Alley, even if unpaved. Closing it forces almost all traffic onto Main Street, which becomes clogged at the North Beach Road Intersection due both to all the traffic impinging there and the many pedestrians crossing in the walkways. Opening the North Beach Road/Prune Alley intersection, as often done on weekends, would allow a lot of this traffic to flow down North Beach Road and Madrona Avenue, taking the load off of Main Street.
This is what’s called Good Project Management.
As predicted, notwithstanding the heroic efforts by SJCDPWs at a workaround, the trees along Prune Alley in front of Island Market have been unceremoniously cut down to accommodate the new, straight as an arrow, bright white concrete sidewalks. Originally planted to comply with our planning department’s requirement to screen Island Market’s parking lot as a condition for approval, those half dozen trees will be sorely missed by those of us who appreciate the character of N. Beach Road and Main Street with their street trees and prominent landscaping features. As far as I know…and I’d love to be wrong…replacing those trees is NOT within the scope of work for the Prune Alley project. The final result remains to be seen.