By Ann McCreary
New street surfacing and sidewalk improvements on five downtown streets in Twisp will get underway within the next couple of weeks.
Twisp will use $391,450 in state transportation funds to complete the street and sidewalk improvement project, said Howard Moss, public works supervisor.
Streets involved in the project are Second, Third, Fourth and Fifth Avenues between Highway 20 and Glover Street, and Twisp Avenue between Highway 20 and Magers Street.
The streets will be resurfaced with asphalt, and drainage will be improved where needed “to eliminate some ponds created by storms,” said Moss.
A sidewalk will be built on the north side of Third Avenue, extending the existing sidewalk to the crosswalk at Highway 20. Moss said that connection is important for people walking to and from the Methow Valley Community Center and the Saturday Farmers Market.
The state funds will also pay to reconfigure the wheelchair access on the corner of Glover Street and Third Avenue to ensure it complies with federal requirements. On the south side of Third Avenue, a 5-foot-wide compacted gravel pedestrian walkway will be created.
Sidewalks will also be improved along Second Avenue to provide continuity along the south side of the street.
The town awarded the contract for the job to Central Washington Concrete of Wenatchee. The work must be completed by Oct. 5, Moss said.
Foot and car traffic may be redirected for brief periods during the project, Moss said. He said he plans to talk with all businesses and property owners in the project area before the work begins.
