PORT ANGELES — The U.S. Highway 101 widening project between Shore and Kitchen-Dick roads advanced another small step toward reality when Clallam County Public Utility District commissioners approved an agreement with the Department of Transportation to replace water mains along that stretch of the highway.
The commissioners unanimously approved the pact Monday.
Transportation is widening that part of the highway from two lanes to four to increase safety and decrease traffic congestion.
Project Engineer Steve Fuchs said advertising for the project will begin in September, with construction starting in December.
The widening work will conflict with the present location of the water mains.
‘Something has got to give’
“When our water main is in the way, something has got to give,” said Mike Kitz, water and wastewater systems superintendent for the PUD.
Kitz said the current water mains will be abandoned and removed, and new mains will be installed in different places along the highway.
About 1,250 feet worth of water mains will be replaced.
Five gate valves to control water flow also will be installed, as well as a conduit under the highway so that water can be supplied to any future development projects south of the highway.
Overall, the highway widening project is 3.5 miles long will cost around $90 million.
The revamped section of the highway will have four lanes connecting Port Angeles and Sequim, with two lanes in each direction as well as a wide median.
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Reporter Chris Tucker can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 5074, or at chris.tucker@peninsuladailynews.com.
