FERNDALE, Wash. — Work has begun around the Thornton Street Overpass project site and it has been announced that, in the absence of a ground breaking ceremony, city staff are collecting mementos and contributions from the public to be shared with the community at the completion of the planned 18-month preloading process.
The lengthy preloading phase is necessary to stabilize and compress the soil beneath the ramps leading to the bridge segment of the overpass. “It’s a lengthy and relatively unexciting phase of the project,” according to Capital Projects Manager Katy Radder.
”With the pandemic, a traditional groundbreaking would be difficult to attend,” said Ferndale Mayor Greg Hansen in today’s announcement. “This will allow the public an alternative way to engage with this exciting project.”
Donations can be letters to future Ferndale residents, what people miss or look forward to in the months to come, or items that help commemorate the COVID-19 experience. To contribute physical items, please email public-works@cityofferndale.org or call (360) 685-2377 to arrange for a drop-off at City hall. Digital items may be emailed to public-works@cityofferndale.org. All donations must be received by 5pm, Friday May 8th. City of Ferndale announcement (April 29, 2020)
City staff say they are expecting the Thornton Street overpass project will be completed sometime in 2023.