A planned demolition of the pedestrian refuge island at Karen Fraser Woodland Trail is scheduled to begin this week, as part of the multimillion-dollar Fones Road Corridor Project.
The work, which is necessary in order to accommodate utility relocation in the area, will be done during nighttime, underground utility work that started this week.
Flashing beacons on the northbound and southbound lanes will remain operational, while the beacon in the refuge island will be removed.
“The refuge island will be replaced with temporary paint, fastened traffic cones, and barriers to protect individuals using the crossing. Construction warning/caution signs will be installed along the Karen Fraser Woodland Trail and Fones (Road) leading up (to) the crossing,” the City of Olympia said in a project update.
“The Karen Fraser Woodland Trail will remain open during this work. These temporary safety features will stay in place until the new enhanced crossing is completed in the (summer) of 2026.”
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.
Once completed, the corridor will feature two southbound travel lanes, one northbound travel lane, a center turn lane and a compact roundabout to improve traffic flow and afford motorists and truckers the ability to make a U-turn.
The compact roundabout will be located in between Home Depot Driveway and New Leaf Townhomes Driveway just shy of a planned mid-block crosswalk.
Fones Road will also be ripped up and repaved as part of the process. Road construction should be completed in summer 2026, based on a project timeline. Of note, the schedule is subject to change.
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