The City of Milwaukie is undertaking a significant project to improve Harvey Street, addressing crucial infrastructure needs and enhancing community spaces. This initiative, known as the Harvey Street Improvement Project, is currently in the design phase, with ongoing updates and opportunities for public input.
The project encompasses a range of essential upgrades. A primary focus is the modernization of the water infrastructure, which includes upsizing water mainline pipes on Harvey Street and adjacent avenues such as 33rd, 36th, and 42nd, extending up to Covell Street. This upgrade will also involve transferring all water services to the new, improved lines. Simultaneously, the project will tackle stormwater management by updating stormwater lines to meet contemporary standards and rectify an existing drywell issue.
Beyond utility enhancements, the Harvey Street Improvement Project aims to improve pedestrian and traffic conditions. A key feature will be the construction of a continuous sidewalk with curb ramps on one side of Harvey Street, stretching from 32nd Avenue to 42nd Avenue. This sidewalk will extend along the west side of 42nd Avenue, from Howe Street to Harvey Street, ensuring safer and more accessible pedestrian routes. To address traffic safety, the project includes the implementation of traffic calming measures designed to reduce vehicle speeds along Harvey Street between 32nd and 42nd Avenues. Finally, the project will conclude with the resurfacing of Harvey Street from 32nd to 42nd Avenue, and on 42nd Avenue from Harvey Street to Johnson Creek Boulevard, ensuring a smoother and more durable road surface.
Community engagement has been a vital component of the Harvey Street Improvement Project. The City hosted a well-attended Open House on January 31, 2024, providing residents with an opportunity to review the 30% design completion, offer feedback, and pose questions to project staff. This open forum allowed for valuable community input to be gathered and considered as the design process progresses. Prior to the open house, project documents, including the Project Area Map, draft Concept Plan, and Cross Section, were made available online for public review. Earlier in the project lifecycle, a survey was conducted in March and April 2022 to gauge community preferences regarding sidewalk construction and on-street parking, demonstrating the City’s commitment to incorporating resident feedback into the project design.
The Harvey Street Improvement Project has progressed through several key stages. Following the selection of Century West Engineering Corporation as the design consultant in July 2023, the project moved into active design development. The initial Request for Qualifications for design consultants was posted in May 2023, following preparatory work in early 2023 and late 2022. Construction is anticipated to commence in late 2023 or early 2024.
For residents and stakeholders seeking further details or wishing to provide input, the City of Milwaukie encourages contacting the project manager or reaching out via email at [email protected]. Additional information and project updates can be found at www.milwaukiesafe.org, or by calling 503.235.5881 ext. 181. The Harvey Street Improvement Project represents a significant investment in Milwaukie’s infrastructure, aiming to create a safer, more efficient, and more livable environment for its community.
