Town begins Broadway Street improvements

July 26, 2007

Tapani Underground, Inc., is expected to start Cathlamet's next major street improvement project on Monday.

Broadway, which extends from the corners of River and Main Streets to the town’s dock on the Columbia River, will be completely overhauled with new sidewalks, curbs, paving, lighting and underground utility lines.

The project is set for 45 working days or through September 28. Cathlamet Mayor Dick Swart said businesses and residences on Broadway and Commercial Street will be accessible to foot traffic during the Monday through Thursday workdays, and accessible to foot and one lane of vehicle traffic at other times. Work crews may need to close Broadway entirely for brief periods.

“The town’s contractor, Tapani Underground, Inc., has an excellent reputation for communicating well and cooperating with local businesses, residents, and customers,” Swart said in a news release. “Tapani did a great job for Cathlamet on the River and Division Street project. Despite unexpected hard rock and other obstacles, their people really earned their salt.”

“Broadway will look terrific when this project is done,” Wahkiakum County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Jennifer Johnson said in the release. “New lights and poles will complement the new pavement and curbing. We anticipate Broadway will be a draw to visitors and new businesses. It is exciting to see this becoming a reality after so many years of discussion and effort.”

Broadway will see other improvements being made while the street is torn up, Swart said. An 80-year-old water main will be replaced. Added water connections and better storm water drains will be installed. Overhead power, telephone, and cable TV wires will be re-routed underground, and the old poles will be removed.

“We are working closely with our partners at the PUD, Centurytel, and Charter Communications to make these improvements work well,” Cathlamet public works supervisor David Vik said in the release. "The PUD’s support and technical expertise are proving invaluable. And, we understand that the phone and cable companies are taking this opportunity to re-route, repair, and otherwise upgrade some of their assets. That should add up to better service for everyone.”

The project is budgeted for $555,433, of which Washington State Transportation Improvement Board (TIB) grant funds are $431,498, and town funds are $123,955. The town’s contracted engineer, Gray & Osborne, Inc., is overseeing construction and project management.

“The Town wants this campaign to run smoothly,"Swart said. "Questions or comments may be referred to Town Hall. The patience and understanding of the public while work is going on will be greatly appreciated.”