A major road construction project is getting started soon in Ferndale
Ferndale is getting ready to start one of its bigger road projects this week.
The city is working with Strider Construction to get started with the Thornton Street Overpass project, which will go over the railroad tracks and connect Malloy Avenue and the Portal Way roundabout. Once completed in 2023, city officials anticipate it will become a key route for many Ferndale residents on the west side of the city.
Since it is considered an essential project, it is not subject to Washington’s “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order during the coronavirus pandemic. Social distancing procedures will be in place for workers. Construction was originally scheduled to start on Monday, April 6, but was delayed because of the pandemic.
“This project is a must-have for Ferndale,” said Ferndale Mayor Greg Hansen. “I am relieved that we have a pathway to proceed with construction in a safe and responsible way.”
Initial construction will include utility improvements and putting in wall embankments leading up to the overpass needed to clear the railroad tracks. Following that is bridge construction and road improvements.
The impacts in the area will likely include increased truck and construction traffic, minor traffic delays due to lane closures, plus scheduled utility service interruptions as necessary, said Katy Radder, public works project manager, in an email.
The construction phase of the project will stretch across multiple construction seasons to allow sufficient time for the soils to settle and compact. After the settlement period, construction on the bridge structure can begin. The city is anticipating a three-year construction period.
