Detours expected for over a year for repairs on this city street in East Pierce
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AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Only eastbound traffic allowed; westbound drivers detoured to Hwy 162 at Calistoga.
- Project rebuilds road, upgrades water/storm systems, adds ADA ramps, lighting, beacons.
- Construction ~1.5 years; drivers told to plan alternates and follow posted detour signs.
Orting drivers will need to adjust to changes for the next year and a half.
According to a Facebook post from the City of Orting, crews will be redirecting traffic starting March 30 in order to work on the Kansas Street Southwest Reconstruction.
Only eastbound drivers will be allowed to drive between Calistoga Street West to Harman Way South, the post said. Westbound drivers will be redirected to state Route 162 (Washington Avenue South) at Calistoga Street West. There will be posted signs for the detour.
“Plan ahead, allow extra travel time, and use alternate routes when possible,” the post said.
The city’s webpage for the Kansas Street Southwest Reconstruction says construction is “expected to take roughly a year and a half.”
According to the website, the city received a grant from the Federal Highway Administration in 2020 to make improvements on Kansas Street Southwest between Coe Lane Southwest and Haman Way Southwest/SR 162.
Scott Drennen, mayor of Orting, told The News Tribune the project costs $4.6 million.
The improvements aim to “rebuild the roadway, improve water and storm water utilities, and increase safety with sidewalk improvements and rapid flashing beacons at crosswalks.”
Some improvements include:
- Rebuilding the road system to reduce noise and vibrations to surrounding homes
- Traffic calming
- Improving paved parking areas “to enhance safety and comfort for local homeowners and reduce parking strip maintenance.”
- Making sidewalks wider to comply with the Americans With Disabilities Act. The project will add wheelchair ramps, extra lighting and “high visibility crossings like rectangular rapid flashing beacons for pedestrian safety.”
- Upgrading water main and stormwater facilities.
To learn more, visit www.cityoforting.org/government/project-updates/kansas-street-reconstruction.
