FERNDALE, Wash. — The golden shovels used for ground breaking ceremonies are not expected to be brought out any time soon in light of current state social distancing and stay at home orders, But that will not delay getting to work on the long-awaited Thornton Street overpass project according to City of Ferndale Capital Projects Manager Katy Radder.
Radder provided the Ferndale City Council with updates on the city’s current capital projects, including the Thornton Street overpass, during their regular meeting last night, April 20th.
Radder said the following work could begin as early as next week on the overpass project.
- Mobilization
- Erosion control
- Traffic control
- House demolition
- Sanitary sewer work
In an email this morning, city officials said, “The City is anticipating a 3-year construction period, with completion estimated in 2023.”
Construction has been determined to be a non-essential activity and restricted under Governor Jay Inslee’s current stay at home orders. But city officials say the overpass project is eligible to get underway as it is “To further a public purpose related to a public entity or governmental function or facility, including but not limited to publicly financed low-income housing,” an exemption included within guidance from the governor’s office.