Thursday, October 1, 2026
The traffic pattern for the Fones Road Corridor Project in Olympia is going to change next week in order to give work crews the space necessary to construct a new roadway.
Southbound traffic will shift to the east after crews establish traffic lanes in a process expected to be completed overnight on Monday, March 23, and possibly Tuesday, March 24. The overnight work is scheduled to take place from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m.
Once the lanes are established, the traffic pattern is expected to remain in place until summer.
“While one lane of traffic will be maintained in each direction on Fones Road, it is highly recommended that drivers use alternate routes,” said the City of Olympia Public Works Department in an update on the multimillion-dollar project.
“This will help ensure the safety of work crews and people who live or work on Fones Road. If you must use Fones Road, please drive slowly.”
Motorists can also expect left turns to not always be available while driving through the area. Meanwhile, the 18th Avenue roundabout continues to provide access to businesses and homes using right turns.
Motorists are also encouraged to use thru-traffic detour routes at Boulevard Road and Sleater Kinney Road to skirt delays.
Construction on the Fones Road Corridor Project started 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.
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chrispc2u
It only took a year and 45 days to build the Empire State Building. Time to get the lead out!
Friday, March 20 Report this
JnNwmn
In the past the City did not demand frontage improvements on streets that were required by a developer or homeowner that was subdividing land. Now the City must make the improvements with your tax dollars. The estimated cost of the corridor project is $24.5 million with the City of Olympia contributing more than $13 million.
Saturday, March 21 Report this