AROUND THE PENINSULA

As folks head out on summer vacation trips, local motorists should factor in the potential traffic issues from upcoming and already underway planned road projects.

COUNTY ROADS

Jefferson County manages 399 miles of roadway and Eric Kuzma, assistant public works director for Jefferson County, listed the following road closures and construction work for motorists to bear in mind, both during day-to-day commutes and travels further afield:

Old Gardiner Road closure between Mileposts 1.72 and 1.84, on south end of Old Gardiner Road, at the intersection with Highway 101.

Kuzma noted this closure already began June 9, and is anticipated to last a total of four consecutive weeks.

"The purpose of the road closure is to allow for adjacent Olympic Discovery Trail construction to be completed safely and efficiently," Kuzma said. "All vehicles are advised to use an alternate route to the north."

CENTER ROAD delay between Mileposts 0.00 and 2.26, from the intersection of Highway 19 and Center Road to 2.26 miles south from mid-July to mid-August.

Kuzma explained that Jefferson County Public Works crews plan to completing an asphalt overlay of Center Road. Motorists and bicyclists should expect "minor traffic slowdowns or delays" due to the paving operation.

CENTER ROAD closure at Milepost 1.36, or 1.358 miles south of the intersection of Highway 19 and Center Road.

Bruce Patterson, professional engineer for the county, elaborated on Kuzma's notes, specifying that Center Road would be closed to all traffic at Milepost 1.36 "for a maximum four-day period" between July 10 and Aug. 18.

Kuzma added that the purpose of this road closure is to allow for the replacement of a failed culvert, prior to the previously listed asphalt overlay.

OLD HADLOCK ROAD delay at Milepost 0.78, adjacent to the Chimacum Valley Veterinary Hospital.

Kuzma expects construction of the Rick Tollefson Trail will cause "possible short delays" to motorists from mid-July through September.

H.J. CARROLL PARK delays and closures on Pedestrian Loop Trail, beginning at the H.J. Carroll Park and ending at Old Hadlock Road, Milepost 0.78, approximately 0.33 of a mile long.

Among the other consequences that Kuzma forecasts, from the construction of the Rick Tollefson Trail, are intermittent delays and closures of a portion of the park's existing perimeter loop trail for pedestrians.

John Weyland, project manager for public works, reported that construction is tentatively scheduled to begin the week of June 26, and is expected to continue through the end of September.

"A minimum of onelane one-way traffic will be maintained at all times," Weyland said. "Every effort will be made to minimize the delays to traffic and pedestrians, as well as impacts to properties adjoining the project."

Weyland noted that the resultant trail would be multi-use, for pedestrians and bicycles, measuring 10 feet wide, with 2-foot-wide shoulders.

Annual chip seal maintenance program, on various county roads.

Jefferson County is slated to complete 15.53 miles of chip seal on county roads in Brinnon, Discovery Bay, Quilcene and Port Hadlock.

"Motorists can expect minor traffic slowdowns or delays from mid-June, weather depending, through mid-August," Kuzma said.

ANNUAL LANE STRIPING PROGRAM, ON VARIOUS COUNTY ROADS

Kuzma predicted the county would begin its annual lane striping on July 10, with an expected completion date of Sept. 30.

"Again, motorists should expect minor traffic slowdowns or delays on county roads during this period," Kuzma said.

Kuzma explained that lane striping operations typically consist of two vehicles traveling single file, separated by approximately 300 feet.

"The lead striping vehicle spray-paints the roadway center line and edge lines," Kuzma said. "A sign is mounted on the rear of the follow-behind vehicle, warning drivers against passing the striping vehicle and interfering with painting operations."

Kuzma emphasized that no traffic is allowed between the lead paint striping vehicle and the follow-behind vehicle.

"Jefferson County and the striping contractor will not be responsible for paint removal on vehicles that travel within the wet paint zone between striping operation vehicles," Kuzma said. "Fresh paint can be very difficult to remove from your vehicle. Drivers in the vicinity of lane striping operations are cautioned against driving on any painted lines."

By contrast, Kuzma reassured drivers that new paint is typically dry enough to drive on by the time the follow-behind vehicle passes any freshly painted stripes.

WSDOT WORKS HIGHWAYS

Shari King, who works communications for the Olympic Region of the Washington State Department of Transportation, directed motorists to the WSDOT page for construction and maintenance notifications at: wsdot.wa.gov/Regions/Olympic/Construction/#Jefferson

From 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. through June 29, drivers in both directions should expect shoulder closures and lane encroachment for mobile operations on Highways 19 and 20, between Mileposts 0.1 and 15, due to vegetation management.

And from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. through June 29, drivers in both directions should expect to encounter shoulder closures on Highway 101, between Mileposts 274.65 and 294, and additionally expect lane encroachments for mobile operations for Highway 104, between Mileposts 0.1 and 15, and Highway 116, between Mileposts 0.1 and 10, also due to vegetation management.

"Of course, this is all contingent upon the weather and the tides," King said.

For updates

For updates on road closures and delays on state highways, see wsdot.wa.gov.

For updates on road closures and delays on county highways, see co.jefferson.wa.us and go to the public works section for information.