Washougal approves contract for 32nd Street improvements

A project that is expected to enhance the safety of the intersection of Evergreen Way and 32nd Street has advanced a step further.

The Washougal City Council has approved a $170,412 contract with Wallis Engineering, to provide project management and administration, design development and final design services.

The June 4 vote was 5 to 1, with Dave Shoemaker issuing the “no” vote. Paul Greenlee had an excused absence. Shoemaker said during the council’s May 29 workshop he would vote against the agreement because the city’s contribution would be from reserves.

The $1.5 million project is expected to receive federal surface transportation funding of $927,770. There would also be $429,942 from the local transportation fund and $150,857 in city transportation impact fees.

The project would include new traffic signals and modern controllers, as well as new pavement. Washougal Interim Public Works Director Jim Dunn said the current signals and controllers are from the early 1980s, and more than 12,000 vehicles go through the intersection daily.

The project, which is expected to improve freight mobility, could be completed by January 2015.