Earlier this week, milling operations commenced on the Douglas Highway as part of an ongoing two-season construction project. The work, scheduled from Monday, June 10, to Thursday, June 13, takes place nightly between 7:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. Paving may follow, contingent on weather conditions and unforeseen circumstances.
Project Details
The current milling efforts are concentrated from 1,100 feet south of Cordova Street to the Lawson Creek bridge. During these activities, residents and commuters should anticipate:
- Delays in traffic flow
- Temporary restrictions on driveway access
- Limited parking availability
- Noise from heavy equipment operation
Notably, during active construction periods, parking will not be permitted on either side of Douglas Highway in the designated work zone.
Additional Work and Precautions
Culvert work will continue on both sides of Douglas Highway Stage 2, with shoulder work ongoing around the Lawson Creek bridge. Heavy equipment presence and lane shifts are expected; thus, motorists and pedestrians should remain vigilant and heed construction road signs and dates on the “no parking” signs.
Historical Overview and Project Goals
This extensive project aims to prolong the life of the Douglas Highway road surfaces, update pedestrian facilities to current standards, and enhance drainage features. Spanning from F Street (downtown Douglas) to MP 0.5 (700 feet south of Cordova Street), the construction includes:
- Reconstructing pedestrian ramps, driveways, and sidewalks to be ADA-compliant
- Resurfacing Douglas Highway
- Improving drainage features
Impact on the Community
Throughout the project, there will be stop-controlled traffic periods, with efforts made to accommodate all road users. Traffic conditions will be updated weekly on the schedule page. During active construction, it is crucial to exercise caution, follow directions from construction signs and flaggers, and anticipate temporary closures of sidewalks and bicycle lanes. Alternative access for non-motorized users will be provided.
Despite the construction activities, the completed project will not alter the configuration of the road. Traffic lanes will retain their current width, and on-street parking will remain available.
For those needing to tow boats to and from the harbor boat launch, rest assured that driving lanes during and after construction will be adequately wide for all present road users.
