Washington and Walker Sidewalk Project

Improving accessibility between sims and uptown

Project Overview and Project Selection

This project will fill a critical 2 ½ block sidewalk gap from Sims Way to the Jefferson County Courthouse, park, and Uptown. Today, people are forced to walk in the street or along an uneven dirt path. This project is considered a priority in the Active Transportation Plan and by the local organization, Disability Awareness Starts Here (DASH). Other work includes relocated transit stop, spot pavement repair, Scott St trail, excavation of embankments, block walls, drainage, and seeding with grass and wildflower mix. 

Detour and Construction Schedule 

January 5, 2026 through February 2026

A detour is required to establish a safe work zone for workers and the public.  Westbound drivers on Washington (downtown towards Sims) will be detoured (Benton, Lawrence, Kearney to Sims). 

How Did We Select This Project? 

Today, people walking or using wheelchairs & strollers are forced to share the street with vehicles in the shoulder or along uneven terrain as shown by worn down paths.  See more Existing Conditions photos in the attachments. 

The City worked with the Active Transportation Stakeholder Committee and the local Disability Awareness Starts Here (DASH) organization to identify and prioritize construction of sidewalks in key locations, including this project, to maximize public benefit and reduce program costs.

Above: showing the existing conditions of two youth walking on Washington Street in the shoulder where no sidewalk exists.

Project Details 

The project will include: 

• Sidewalk  
  • Washington Street – N. side (Port Townsend Inn and Old Consulate B&B) 
  • Walker Street – E. side (Courthouse Park) (Sidewalk is detached and street-level to support a future bike lane).
• Block Retaining Walls 
• Stormwater Swale/Raingarden at SE corner of Walker and Jefferson 

Funding 

Project Timeline: 

June 17, 2025 – Open House

City Staff and other City representatives met at Courthouse Park, the project location, to discuss the project and answer questions. Attendees were primarily residents from the immediate neighborhood and generally supported the project. The City will continue to coordinate with neighbors with direct frontage impacts through design and construction.

July 17, 2025 – Cultural Resources

The city selected Willamette Cultural Resources to conduct five “shovel probes.” This type of investigative, pre-construction work was requested by our Tribal partners and WSDOT coordination.

The investigation found some old construction rubble, but no “precontact archaeological materials.” Willamette Cultural Resources will also provide contractor training and limited construction observation during excavation.

August 15, 2025 – 90% Plans, Specifications and Estimate (PSE)

The city submitted 90% PSE to the grant provider, TIB.

October 3, 2025 – 100% Plans, Specifications and Estimate (PSE)

The city submitted Final PSE to the grant provider, TIB.

October 13, 2025 – Department of Archaeology & Historic Preservation (DAHP)

The Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation (DAHP) approves Willamette Cultural Resources Report and provided a concurrency letter for the grant.

October 16, 2025 – Bid Authorization from Grant Provider, TIB

October 17, 2025 – Bid Authorization from Grant Provider, TIB

City posted and advertised project for construction bids

November 4, 2025 – Bid Opening

Through a competitive bid process, Van Ness Construction provided the lowest bid of $237,585 and was awarded the contract.

Project contact:
Jeff Kostechka, P.E., Project Manager
jkostechka@cityofpt.us