Stormwater facilities project underway on Fones Road

A flood prevention and water quality protection project is underway, as part of the multimillion-dollar Fones Road Corridor Project in Olympia.

Crews are working at night this week to install stormwater facilities on Fones Road north of Woodland Trail.

The nighttime works hours are from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. through Friday, Feb. 13.

"This work will help prevent flooding and protect water quality during heavy rains. During this time, crews will continue working during regular hours, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., near the Home Depot," said the City of Olympia Public Works Department in an update on the project.

The daytime work involves the installation of storm drains along the corridor, something that is viewed as a key component of the project. A project timeline estimates the work is going to run through March.

"These new drains will help reduce flooding, protect water quality, and ensure the roadway remains durable during heavy rains," said the Public Works Department in December 2025. "This work is an important step toward creating a corrdior that is better equipped to serve the community for years to come."

The work on Fones Road is complicated. As a result, motorists are advised to avoid the area and use alternative routes, as a means to ensure the safety of work crews and people who live in the area.

Construction on the Fones Road Corridor Project kicked off in November 2024 with the goal of transforming it into a safer corridor for bicyclists, motorists, pedestrians and truckers.

The estimated cost of the corridor project is $24.5 million with the City of Olympia contributing more than $13 million. The city has also received more than $11 million in grants from state and federal sources to help pay for the project.

The project also aims to create a safer connection to transit stops on 18th and Pacific avenues, as well as add landscaping and lighting along the corridor, which measures less than three-quarters of a mile. 

Road construction is scheduled to end in fall 2026.