For the Reporter

After more than a decade of planning, engineering design, property acquisition and 18 months of heavy construction, the Stewart and Thornton Road Improvement Project was officially completed and accepted by the City of Pacific.

ICON Materials was awarded a $2.9 million construction contract in June 2014 to construct the improvements. With change orders and additional work directed by the City, ICON’s contract was increased to $3.3 million to complete the project.

Officials gathered at the intersection of Stewart and Thornton Avenue for a ribbon-cutting ceremony Wednesday to celebrate the completion of project.

“This project has been in the works for many years, and it is great to see it completed,” said Pacific Mayor Leanne Guier. “This is one of the most significant projects that we have taken on in recent years. The new road configuration will help ease congestion while improving traffic and pedestrian safety and provide better access to businesses throughout the area. We thank all of our funding partners who helped make this project possible and give a special thanks to the area businesses and residents for their patience during construction.”

The project included the following improvements:

• One new through lane of traffic in each direction between SR 167 and Valentine Avenue

• Dedicated turn lane between Thornton and Valentine Avenues

• New pervious sidewalk along the south side of the road

• A new 10-foot separated bike-pedestrian path on the north side of the road

• Adding a new traffic signal at Thornton Avenue

• New street lighting on both sides of the road

• Upgrade and replacement of water main

• Stormwater drainage improvements

• New landscaping

Funding for the project came from several sources:

• Transportation Improvement Board

• Public Works Board (Public Works Trust Fund Loans)

• Gordon Trucking Incorporated

• Pierce County

• City of Pacific