Underground utility work begins on Fones Road project

Underground utility work is underway on the multimillion-dollar Fones Road Corridor Project in Olympia.

Work crews started the utility work on Monday, April 14.

"This work involves digging into the roadway and along the edge of the road to prepare to relocate overhead power to a Joint Utility Trench (JUT). Crews will also be digging into driveways in the same area," said the City of Olympia in a project update.

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

"The work will take place on Fones Road between the north entrance of Home Depot and 17th Way SE. Work is expected to last for approximately two weeks. In addition, (water main) work will continue from the south entrance of Home Depot moving north."

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 alternate 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.

Plans call for the addition of sidewalks and crossings for pedestrians, as well as separated bike lanes, improvements for truck access and vehicle flow, and an upgraded crossing at Karen Fraser Woodland Trail.

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.