Current phase of Fones Road project taking longer than expected

The current phase of the multimillion-dollar Fones Road Corridor Project, which involves underground utility work, is taking longer than expected and will stretch into August.

Crews started nighttime underground utility work north of Karen Fraser Woodland Trail on June 9 with the hope of finishing in approximately three weeks. But some issues have popped up along the way, pushing the current phase of the project back more than a month.

“The work has taken longer than anticipated due to unexpected private facilities. We now expect nighttime utility work to continue until mid-August,” said the City of Olympia in a project update.

“Crews will continue working between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m., Monday through Thursday. The work area includes Fones Road between the north entrance of Home Depot and Pacific Avenue SE.”

The current phase of the project requires a lot of unearthing.

“Construction activities involve digging into the roadway, along the edge of the road, and into nearby driveways,” said the City of Olympia in the project update.

“Steel plates are being placed as needed to maintain driveway access, but if any temporary driveway closures are needed, residents and businesses will still be notified one day in advance.”

The Karen Fraser Woodland Trail remains open with an adjusted trail crossing on Fones Road. Bicyclists, motorists and pedestrians are advised to follow posted signage in the area and use caution when crossing Fones Road or using the detour route.

The work on Fones Road is expected to become more involved as the project progresses. As a result, motorists are advised to avoid the area and use alternative routes, as a means to ensure the safety of work crews and people who live in the area.

Construction on the Fones Road Corridor Project kicked off in November 2024 with the goal of transforming it into a safer corridor for bicyclists, motorists, pedestrians and truckers.

The estimated cost of the corridor project is $24.5 million with the City of Olympia contributing more than $13 million. The city has also received more than $11 million in grants from state and federal sources to help pay for the project.

The project will also create a safer connection to transit stops on 18th and Pacific avenues, as well as add landscaping and lighting along the corridor, which measures less than three-quarters of a mile. Water lines, stormwater treatment and communication lines will also be upgraded.