Poplar project means water shutoffs

By on Thursday, June 9th, 2022 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories

WALLA WALLA – As work continues on the Poplar Street reconstruction project from Colville Street to Fifth Avenue, two separate water shutdowns are scheduled for Friday and Monday. Both are necessary to transition from the old to new water infrastructure.

Friday’s shutdown will affect the Second/Birch intersection area. Monday’s shutdown will affect the Second/Poplar intersection area. Work will begin on phase two of the project, Poplar Street from Fifth to Second, during the week of June 20-24.

The estimated $8.2 million project includes removal and replacement of the traffic signals on Poplar Street at the intersections of First, Third and Fourth avenues, replacing signals with rectangular rapid-flashing beacons to aid in pedestrian crossings. The lane configuration on Poplar Street will be modified to include a single vehicle lane for each direction of travel, as well as a two-way left turn lane, and bike lanes, while maintaining parallel parking. 

Water and sewer lines will be replaced. Storm water facilities will be improved to provide additional treatment and infiltration capacity. Second Avenue will also be reconstructed from Alder Street through Birch Street. Finally, partial street improvements will be done on Colville Street both north and south of Poplar Street. Completion is estimated in November pending weather and material availability.