Construction News - Boulevard & Log Cabin Roundabout

The corridor improvements along Boulevard Road will be constructed in phases. The first phase of the project will be the construction of a roundabout at the intersection at Boulevard Road and Log Cabin Road. View a map of the project area. 

Construction Started July 20, 2009:

  • The construction contract for the Boulevard Road/Log Cabin Road Roundabout project was awarded to KLB Construction Inc. of Mukilteo, WA. 
  • Construction started July 20, 2009 and was originally scheduled for completion by the end of November 2009.  However, due to weather and other construction-related delays, we will “winter over” the project and complete it in the spring of 2010. The contractor is working with the City on updating the schedule and determining what parts of the project must be completed by mid-December.

Construction Impacts:

Beginning on Tuesday, August 11, 2009, the intersection of Boulevard Road and Log Cabin Road will have a temporary bypass in place.  View a map of the bypass. The construction of a roundabout and associated improvements in the area require that the traffic through the existing intersection be diverted to a bypass road to the east of the intersection. Originally, we anticipated that this bypass road would be in place through the end of October. Now we know it will be in place longer than that; the final plan for the bypass road is part of the updated schedule discussed above.

  • View the map of alternate route options. 
  • The bypass will be paved with one travel lane and one bicycle/pedestrian path in each direction. 
  • Brief and intermittent delays may be encountered due to construction equipment entering and leaving the construction site. 
  • Please drive with caution through the project area and obey the directions of the flaggers.
  • Construction hours will be between the hours of 7:00 am to 6:00 pm, Mon – Fri, and some Saturdays.
  • Normal construction noise, dust and truck traffic can be expected.

Recent Dramatic Changes:

On Monday, November 23, 2009 the contractor will pulverize Boulevard Road between 36th and the bypass road.  Drivers will be driving on grindings and gravel until Wednesday, November 25.  On Wednesday, the schedule calls for that portion of the road to be paved.  Since we’re now in the season when our weather conditions are particularly unpredictable, the schedule may be modified to address changing conditions, but the current forecast looks favorable.

Please expect longer and more frequent delays during this three-day period.  As always, we appreciate your driving with caution through the project area and obeying the directions of the flaggers for their safety and yours.

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Public Art:

The City contracted with Steve Jensen to develop public art that will be incorporated into the finished project.  He designed ten carved wooden columns that will be located in the center of the roundabout and an additional two carved wooden columns at the southeast corner adjacent to the new storm pond.  For more information on Mr. Jensen's work visit his web page.

Sketch of Roundabout Art (click to enlarge image):

 

Project Elements:

This project will improve the tee intersection of Boulevard Road and Log Cabin Road by reconstructing it into a modern roundabout.  Major elements of the project include: sidewalks, bikelanes, landscaping, street trees, street lights, new water and sanitary sewer mains, a storm sewer system and a storm pond.  Private utilities will be moved underground.  

Sidewalk:

The sidewalk on the north side of Log Cabin Road was removed to install a retaining wall at the back of the sidewalk. The City needed to do this because we are changing the grade at the roundabout. The sidewalk will be replaced in a new location that matches the roundabout.

Slope:

The contractor removed a lot of earth from the existing slope so the material could be used to raise the grade for the roundabout. This will save money because we won't need to import fill dirt. The large slope is being covered with compost, seed, and a straw mat for erosion control purposes. When the project is finished, it will be a gradual, grassy slope at the backwide of the stormwater pond.

Background:  

In 2004 the City initiated a project to explore options to improve safety and mobility in the Boulevard Road Corridor.  In April 2006, the Boulevard Road Corridor Study was accepted by the Olympia City Council.  This study helps to identify what works well and what needs improvement along the corridor.  Public meetings were held and citizen input was taken into consideration when developing alternatives for the corridor. 

Funding:         

City Council approved the use of local funds for this project at the May 5, 2009 Council meeting.

Updates: 

This web page will be updated regularly, please check back for more details. 

Questions? 

If you have questions or would like more information regarding this project, contact Tim Richardson, Project Manager, at 360.753.8749 or by email at publicworks@ci.olympia.wa.us.

Contacting Public Works: