Shelton wins roughly $5.3 million in grants for Olympic Highway North pedestrian and repaving projects; council approves design contract resolution

The Shelton City Council on May 20 approved a resolution allowing the city manager to sign a professional services agreement to design pedestrian-safety improvements and support bidding for a larger repaving project on Olympic Highway North.

Assistant Public Works Director Erin Hicks and Public Works Director Jay Harris told the council the city has secured two major grant awards: about $1.29 million in federal funds for a systemic pedestrian-safety improvement program covering multiple corridors, and roughly $3.5 million to $4.0 million in Transportation Improvement Board (TIB) funding for a full repaving of Olympic Highway North. Hicks said both grants cover design and construction, and staff requested authorization to enter a professional services agreement to move into the design phase.

Hicks said the pedestrian-safety money is targeted at four corridor areas with crosswalks and other pedestrian connectivity improvements; the larger TIB grant will allow a full repave of the highway, which she said is “failing.” She told council that the city has been delayed in receiving some state approvals but is now positioned to request Preliminary Engineering authorization from the state.

Council discussion addressed construction staging and business impacts along Olympic Highway North; Hicks said staff planned outreach to affected businesses and expected design to include phasing to keep access where possible. Council unanimously approved the resolution to proceed with contracting for design and bidding support.