Anacortes council approves $430,000 in pedestrian crossing contracts

The Anacortes City Council on March 2 approved two contract awards to improve pedestrian safety at multiple crossings.

Public Works Director Logan Lee presented a $162,642 contract with ENE Contracting for two crossings: a Tommy Thompson Trail/T Avenue project that includes a refuge island, two ADA ramps and rapid-flashing beacons, and a 23rd & D Avenue crossing with ADA ramps, new pavement markings and limited storm drainage work. “This contract is for $162,642 with ENE Contracting,” Lee said, noting the low bid environment and that the work responds to a petition by local elementary students.

Lee also introduced a $267,173.39 contract with Earthworks Solutions for the Q Avenue project. That grant-funded project will add a midblock crossing south of the Safeway driveway, ADA ramps at 11th and 13th Streets, rapid-flashing beacons, new crosswalk paint and a connector to the Tommy Thompson Trail. “The main idea behind this project is to provide a midblock crossing just south of the driveway entrance to Safeway,” Lee said; staff indicated about 13.5% local match and up to 300 hours of reimbursable staff time tied to the carbon-reduction grant.

Council approved both contracts by voice votes. The ENE contract covers two intersections and is fully city-funded; the Q Avenue contract is largely grant-funded with a modest local match.

What happens next: Staff will execute the contracts and start project work; Lee said the city expects these crossings to improve safety and ADA access and that bidding results were favorable (several bidders and below-engineer estimates).