Milton council accepts SR 99/Porter Way intersection project, authorizes release of retainage pending state sign‑offs

Milton — The City Council voted 5‑0 Monday to accept the SR 99 at Porter Way Intersection Improvements (Project 155A) as complete and to authorize release of the contractor’s retainage bond subject to proper releases from the State of Washington.

Director Edward Madden told council the work, performed under a contract awarded to Miles Resources LLC in August 2024, reached physical completion in September 2025. “This project consisted of installation of traffic control signals, roadway lighting, roadway widening, grading, storm drainage, retaining walls, utility relocation, medians, curbs, gutters, pedestrian facilities, ADA curb ramps, channelization, signing, landscaping, and other work in accordance with the contract plans and specifications,” Madden said.

Council member Cedar moved the acceptance and release of retainage, which Council member Whelan seconded. Cedar said she viewed the vote as a routine final acceptance and noted the council is not being asked to withhold approval: “I understand completely that this project is complete, and all we're doing tonight is just saying thumbs up, release the retainage bond.” The motion carried 5‑0; the five voting members present were Council members Whelan, Hall, Cedar, White and Mayor Portin.

During discussion Cedar asked whether the project had changed the location of a Pierce Transit bus stop north of Porter Way; Madden said the project did not move the bus stop and that the city continues to coordinate with Pierce Transit and Sound Transit on corridor stops and pedestrian connections. Madden also confirmed that some planned street lighting to the south of Porter Way was removed from this contract to conserve budget and that WSDOT plans to submit a sidewalk project intended to link SR 167 sidewalk improvements to the Porter/99 corridor, which could extend continuous sidewalks from Fife into Milton.

Council and staff emphasized that final release of the contractor's retainage is contingent on “proper releases from the state of Washington,” meaning state acceptance and any required forms related to project closeout must be completed before the city releases bond funds.

Next steps: once state releases are obtained, city staff will process the retainage bond release to Miles Resources LLC and close out the contract in accordance with the city's standard closeout procedures.