Design process begins for Jemtegaard pedestrian trail

A path designed primarily for children to get to and from Jemtegaard Middle School safely is a step closer to reality.

The Washougal City Council has approved a local agency agreement with the Washington State Department of Transportation, to proceed with the design process beyond its current conceptual phase.

The engineering services to be provided by Harper Houf Peterson Righellis, Inc., will include project management and administration, surveys, stormwater analysis, preliminary design and permitting and preparation of final construction plans.

The project will utilize a $599,305 “Safe Routes to Schools” grant from WSDOT and $5,796 from Washougal.

Washougal Public Works Director Trevor Evers said construction of the trail is scheduled to begin in August 2015 and be completed by February 2016.

“Staff anticipates installing asphalt for the path, but this could potentially be altered based on budget constraints as we work through preliminary design and environmental impact implications,” he said.

The multi-use path will be located on the north side of Jemtegaard, located at 35300 S.E. Evergreen Highway, to Sunset View Road. It will include a bridge crossing of Gibbons Creek. There are currently no sidewalks or street lights along existing roads, and very narrow shoulders create dangerous walking conditions, according to Evers.

Crossing lights will also be installed at the school site to provide a safe crossing zone.