Sidewalk replacement work underway at 4th Avenue and Plum Street in Olympia

A short stretch of 4th Avenue in downtown Olympia is getting some work done in order to make the area safer for bicyclists, motorists and pedestrians.

Demolition work started on Monday, Dec. 1, on a sidewalk at the southeast corner of 4th Avenue and Plum Street. The work is taking place near the Eagles Building, which will remain open and accessible.

“A flagger will be on-site to guide people entering and exiting the building safely through the work area,” the City of Olympia Public Works Department said in a construction and traffic alert.

“During this work, the sidewalk in this location will be closed to general pedestrian use. When demolition is complete, a compacted gravel walking surface will be installed and maintained until the new concrete sidewalk is poured. Please follow all traffic control signs, slow down, and stay alert in work zones.”

Work is scheduled to continue next week at the site with electrical improvements, as well as curb and sidewalk installation if the weather holds up. A sidewalk pour is scheduled for the northeast corner at 2 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 8.

The work is part of the 4th Avenue and Plum Street Pedestrian and Bike Improvements Project. The intersection was identified as an area of concern in the City of Olympia’s Street Safety Plan. There have been a number of collisions involving pedestrians in the area.

“This project will change the intersection to make it safer for everyone who uses it, including pedestrians, bicyclists, and drivers,” said the City of Olympia in an announcement about the work.

“The planned changes include a separated bike lane, curb bulb-outs, sidewalk repairs, new street markings, upgraded curb ramps, accessible pedestrian signals, and a hardened centerline on East Bay Drive.”

The right turn lane from 4th Avenue is also going to be removed in order to accommodate the changes. The project, which will continue into next year, carries an estimated cost of $1,628,100. 

The bulk of the cost is covered by a $1,269,000 Pedestrian and Bicycle Program grant from the Washington State Department of Transportation.