Tearing up downtown Sedro-Woolley - again

We're about halfway through the eastbound closure of Highway 20, with traffic being diverted through downtown (from Hwy 20, Ferry to Metcalf, left on Metcalf and back to Hwy 20). Many of the parking spaces at the intersection of Metcalf and Ferry have been orange-barrelled-off and at 4:30 today when I came back into town there was a traffic control officer at the intersection, trying to facilitate traffic flow.

Today I received an e'mail from the S-W Chamber of Commerce, which includes a press release from the city, announcing the closure of Metcalf, in sections (after the Hwy 20 reroute is complete), to re-do the big sewer project that was completed during summer 2008.

Per the Public Works information release, Metcalf Street (the main business street downtown) will be closed to traffic from State Street to Woodworth Street starting September 28th for approximately three weeks. That's phase 1.

Phase 2 closes Metcalf from Ferry Street (Hammer Heritage Square) to the old bowling alley for approximately two weeks starting October 19th.

The big sewer project last year was not entirely successful and repairs are needed.

Last year when the sewer line was "staged" at ground level before being sunk, it looked like Nessie was moving to Sedro-Woolley. We could have painted the line and added a papier mache head and created a tourist attraction. Too bad I thought of it now...

Here's my new idea - if you're in Skagit County and want to help out the merchants in S-W, come on over during the big dig and have breakfast, lunch, or dinner at one of the many downtown restaurants! And do a little shopping while you're here. Hardware, fabric, videos, nail salon services, thrift shopping, and several other choices are all at your fingertips. The downtown area will truly need support during this time. Then make plans to attend some of the fun events that will help us close out the year in November and December. I'll post a list later.

Here is the page containing official news release from the city:
http://www.ci.sedro-woolley.wa.us/Home/main.htm

Look for "Metcalf Street Closure Notice" - it's in pdf format.

The parking on Metcalf is a small percentage of the parking available downtown. So be fearless and come on over!

I'll take pictures. I know you're eager to see photos of sewer line repairs!