Long-forgotten utility pipes were discovered when work crews dug up Washington Street during the project underway to improve the road between Vista Drive and 3rd Avenue. This surprise discovery put the project weeks behind.
Ferndale Public Works Capital Projects Manager Katy Radder broke the bad news to the Ferndale City Council at the regular council meeting tonight. It is likely Washington Street will not be open in time for the first day of school, currently scheduled for September 7th.
The delay incurred was the result of the discovery of old water and sewer lines and the subsequent need to reconfigure the new water and sewer lines. Radder said the extension to the project’s completion date could be as much as 3 weeks.
City staff say they have been and will continue to have discussions with Ferndale School District administrators and transportation department staff about the impacts and alternatives available in light of this probable detour to not only buses and drivers but also pedestrians.
