May 4, 2012 Project Update:

The remaining concrete touch-up and repair work will be performed on Wednesday.

April 27, 2012 Project Update:

During these evening work hours, Winslow Way will be closed to vehicular traffic only between Ericksen Avenue and Madison Avenue. Commuter and through traffic will be guided to use Ericksen Avenue and Wyatt for the east and west-bound detour routes. All streets surrounding the closure, including T&C access on Bjune, will be open to accommodate two-way traffic. Parking in this area will also be closed. On-site signage reminding of the parking closure will be provided on-site 1 week prior to the closing. Parking will continue to be available at the City Hall upper and lower gravel lots during the closure hours.

The closure will facilitate Puget Sound Energy’s installation of the street lighting on Winslow Way (through a subsidiary called Intolight). The City’s team and PSE worked together to develop a schedule that would have the least impact possible on businesses and commuters, and were able to agree on a shorter evening schedule rather than a longer and more disruptive daytime schedule. The lighting will consist of replacing the existing overhead fixtures, and adding catenaries and pedestrian fixtures that will illuminate crosswalks and provide a safer night-time environment. The new light poles also include accommodations for hanging flower baskets, which the Bainbridge Island Downtown Association will have ready for installation the following week.

In other news…

The project punch list is approximately 70% complete, with one major item and several minor items remaining. Other than the lighting installation, the last remaining major item is the completion of the project striping. Center-line and bicycle lane striping additions and revisions are still required on Bjune and Madison, and all of the crosswalks (including Winslow at Finch) will be re-painted with bright thermoplastic paint. This paint will last longer, and will provide better notification of crosswalk locations to drivers.

The minor items remaining include some plant replacement and adjustment, ensuring that the water fountain is in working order, and some concrete repair work. Portions of the sidewalk that were vandalized near the corner of Winslow and SR305 are also being replaced.

There has been a significant interest in the vehicle recharge station, centering on having instructions posted on the unit and inquires regarding having the adjacent parking spaces designated for electric vehicles only. In response, we are in the process of working with the unit manufacturer to obtain some instructions for posting on the unit. With regards to the parking designation, parties have contacted us on both sides of the issue. On the one hand, how are electric vehicles going to use the charger if the space is always occupied by non-electric vehicles? On the other hand, how would the City ensure and enforce an electric-only policy, and is restricting parking spaces in the best interest of the nearby businesses. Please feel free to forward your thoughts on that issue, as the policy has yet to be decided.