Project Update: February 12, 2025
Lawrence Street Sewer Inspection Scheduled: February 18-21
Contact: Mike Connelly, P.E. [email protected] (360) 531-2761
Lawrence Street Project Overview
The City of Port Townsend is undertaking essential infrastructure improvements in the Uptown area, focusing on accessibility, pavement restoration, and the crucial separation of sewer and stormwater systems. These projects are made possible through grant funding and are designed to enhance the community’s infrastructure for the future. Phase 1 of the Lawrence Street Pedestrian Improvements Project has already been successfully completed, addressing sidewalk and ramp upgrades. This initial phase was a direct response to community needs, particularly from organizations like the Jefferson County Farmers Markets (JCFM) and Disability Awareness Starts Here! (DASH), ensuring better accessibility for all. These improvements are a vital precursor to the planned repaving of Lawrence Street from Monroe Street to the Public Library. The City is actively seeking further grants to facilitate the comprehensive reconstruction of Lawrence Street pavement. Currently, a thorough assessment of the sewer lines beneath Lawrence Street is underway to inform future planning and ensure the longevity of the infrastructure.
A key component of Phase 1 is a critical infrastructure project aimed at alleviating strain on the sanitary sewer system and the Monroe Street Lift Station. This strain is largely due to the combined flow of stormwater and sewage within the Lawrence Street sewer line, specifically from Filmore Street to Monroe Street. By separating these systems, the project will significantly improve wastewater management, safeguard public health, and enhance environmental quality. This sewer and stormwater separation is a necessary first step before any surface repairs can be made to Lawrence Street pavement.
To initiate this vital project, the City will conduct a detailed inspection and assessment of the existing sewer system along Lawrence Street. This will involve camera inspections along with smoke and dye testing to pinpoint any cross-connections within the system. A primary objective of this testing is to identify any breaks or defects in the sewer lines. This process will require the opening of inspection holes at various points along Lawrence Street. The smoke testing will also help to reveal locations where stormwater and surface water are improperly entering the sanitary sewer system.
Uneven sidewalk surface on Lawrence Street caused by tree root damage.
Phase 1 Project Scope: Sewer System Assessment on Lawrence Street
The initial phase of the Lawrence Street project is currently in progress and focuses on a comprehensive assessment of the sewer infrastructure. Smoke and dye testing is scheduled for mid-February to meticulously evaluate the sewer system along Lawrence Street. Residents and visitors in the area may notice or smell smoke emanating from sewer access points during this testing. This type of testing is a standard procedure for effectively identifying sewer line integrity and connections.
What to Expect During the Lawrence Street Sewer Inspection:
- The sewer inspection process is anticipated to last approximately one week.
- Inspections will be conducted daily between 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM. Please consult the city website for the most up-to-date information as hours may be subject to minor changes.
- As residential and commercial plumbing systems are connected to the sanitary sewer system, it is possible that some smoke may enter buildings during the testing. You might observe smoke coming from sewer access points, roof vents, manholes, or gutters. This is a normal part of the testing procedure and indicates that the system is being effectively assessed.
- The smoke and dye used in the testing are completely non-toxic, non-staining, and environmentally safe for humans, pets, and the surrounding environment.
- As a precautionary measure before smoke testing begins, it is recommended to pour one gallon of water into infrequently used drain traps, such as basement bathroom drains and floor drains. This will help to ensure a water seal in the fixture trap, which acts as a barrier to prevent smoke from entering the building during the testing process.
- In the unlikely event that smoke does enter your home or business, simply open windows and doors to ventilate the area. Given the weather conditions, ventilate as effectively as possible while maintaining comfort. The simulated smoke is designed to dissipate quickly and will not leave any stains or residue on walls or furniture.
- It is important to note that City personnel or the smoke testing crew will not need to enter your home or business at any point during the testing process.
- There may be minor temporary traffic disruptions during the sewer inspection. If necessary, flaggers will be on-site to direct traffic flow. We ask that drivers please proceed slowly through the project area and be mindful of contractors and staff working to improve Lawrence Street.
Tentative Timeline for the Lawrence Street Sewer/Stormwater Separation Project:
The overall timeline for the Lawrence Street Sewer/Stormwater Separation Project is projected as follows:
- Spring 2025: Sewer data collection, including camera inspections, smoke and dye testing, surveying, and soil testing.
- Summer 2025 – Winter 2025: Preliminary design phase for sewer, stormwater, and road reconstruction.
- Spring 2026 – Winter 2026: Detailed design development.
- Spring 2027: Construction commencement.
Currently, this vital Lawrence Street project is funded through a grant from the Public Works Board. Please continue to check this page for regular updates as the project progresses through each stage.
Phase 1 Project Scope: Completed Lawrence Street Improvements
The initial phase of the Lawrence Street project also included completed improvements between Harrison and Tyler Streets. This work primarily focused on installing bulbouts, or sidewalk extensions, at street corners. Bulbouts are a proven traffic calming measure that enhances pedestrian safety at street crossings and helps to reduce vehicle speeds. The new bulbouts on Lawrence Street will also incorporate rain gardens and dedicated space for tree planting, adding green infrastructure to the streetscape.
Three hornbeam trees on Lawrence Street, whose roots were causing damage to side sewers and buckling the sidewalk, have been removed. The wood from these trees will be repurposed by the Port Townsend School of Woodworking, demonstrating a commitment to sustainability. The sidewalk in this area will be fully replaced, and thirteen new trees, selected for species more suitable for sidewalk infrastructure, will be planted along the corridor. In total, while nine trees were removed along Tyler and Lawrence Streets, thirteen new, sidewalk-compatible trees will be planted, resulting in a net gain of trees and improved sidewalk conditions.
Diagram illustrating head-out angled parking on Tyler Street.
To better serve individuals with disabilities and transit users, a new bus stop has been installed at the northwest corner of Lawrence Street near Tyler Street. This improvement, requested by Disability Awareness Starts Here (DASH), required the elimination of two parking stalls to accommodate the new bus stop. All other bus stops in the vicinity will remain operational, and no bus stops will be closed during the project.
Tyler Street has also benefited from sidewalk repairs on the west side between Lawrence and Clay Streets. Tree root damage had created tripping hazards along the sidewalk in front of businesses. Corner ramps in this section have also been replaced to ensure safe and accessible passage for individuals using mobility devices such as wheelchairs and walkers.
Phase 2: Lawrence Street Project Continuation in Spring and Summer 2025
Phase 2 of the Lawrence Street project will include the repaving of Tyler Street between Lawrence and Jefferson Streets. The pavement in this section is rapidly deteriorating, and this proactive repaving is essential to prevent complete pavement failure, which would be significantly more costly to address in the long run.
The City Council has approved the implementation of head-out (back-in) angled parking on Tyler Street, replacing the previous angled parking configuration. Head-out parking is recognized as being considerably safer for cyclists using this busy Uptown section. Detailed information regarding the Council’s decision is available from the City Council business meetings held on April 1st and April 15th, which can be viewed on the City’s website at https://cityofpt.us/citycouncil/page/agendasminutesvideos. As part of Phase 2, up to two existing regular parking stalls on Tyler Street will be converted into handicap-marked stalls, further enhancing accessibility in the Uptown area.
Lawrence & Tyler Street Project Schedule & Construction Notices
Some preliminary work along Tyler Street, undertaken by City and PUD crews or contractors, commenced this past summer and is ongoing. As the Lawrence & Tyler Street improvements progress, please be aware of the following:
- Work hours are scheduled between 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM.
- Equipment may be temporarily staged in parking stalls adjacent to active work zones.
- Sidewalk closures may be necessary on the side of the street where work is in progress, but the opposite sidewalk will remain open for pedestrian access. Maintaining safety in a high-traffic area like Uptown is paramount. Businesses will remain open and accessible whenever possible, although temporary closures may be required for safety.
- It is anticipated that the road will remain open to traffic throughout the project duration. Traffic will be managed by flaggers as needed.
Our Community Partners
The success of this Lawrence Street project is greatly enhanced through the collaboration and support of PT Main Street, Disability Awareness Starts Here (DASH), the Jefferson County Farmers Market, Local 2020 Transportation Lab, and Jefferson County Transit. These partners are instrumental in disseminating information and ensuring community awareness, working in conjunction with City communications efforts.
We understand that construction projects inevitably impact local businesses and residents. We sincerely appreciate your patience, understanding, and support throughout this year as we work to make Uptown Port Townsend more inclusive and accessible for everyone. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns you may have.
Thank you for your continued support in improving access to our valuable community resources!
ADDITIONAL PROJECT INFORMATION
Parking is a key consideration in the Lawrence Street project. In April 2024, the City Council initiated an evaluation of parking alternatives on Tyler Street and actively sought public input. Following this process, the Council decided to implement head-out angled parking on Tyler Street in the business area at the Lawrence Street intersection.
The project is committed to maintaining legal parking capacity in the Uptown area. Many existing parking stalls currently do not meet current requirements for setbacks from crosswalks and intersections. Therefore, while the project strives to preserve parking, there may be a perceived reduction in the number of stalls. To clarify this, City staff has developed a map illustrating the comparison between legal parking before and after the project implementation. Currently, there are 44 legal parking stalls on Lawrence Street between Harrison and Tyler Streets. After the project completion, there will be 43 parking stalls, optimized with tick marks for more efficient parking utilization. On Tyler Street between Lawrence Street and Jefferson Street, there are currently 59 legal parking stalls. Post-project, this will be 56 parking stalls, including 2 ADA-compliant parking stalls. Detailed parking count maps are available for review.
For comprehensive information regarding the City Council’s decision to install head-out angled parking, please refer to the City Council meetings held on April 1, 2024, and April 15, 2024. The project’s aim is to maintain the maximum amount of legal and functional parking possible while improving safety and accessibility.
For further details on the Lawrence Street project, please click on the links provided below and stay informed about upcoming milestones and the construction schedule through the City Quarterly, the City Facebook Page, and the City Utility Bill Newsletter. For specific inquiries, please contact Project Manager Laura Parsons, P.E..
Lawrence & Tyler Plans
Lawrence St. ADA and Pedestrian Safety Project: Complete Streets
