The City of North Bend, in partnership with the Northwest Railway Museum, is embarking on a significant development with its Railway Crossing Capital Project. Following a unanimous nod from the City Council on October 7, as the City of North Bend's announcement details, this initiative aims to enhance four critical railway crossings—a move made possible thanks to a generous federal grant.
Construction is set to begin this fall, shaking up the daily transit for local commuters due to necessary road closures. The first pair of closures will affect State Route 202/Bendigo Boulevard from October 26 to October 31, and Main Avenue S from November 2 to November 7, as revealed in the City’s newsflash. Commuters should anticipate the pinch of rerouted traffic as preparations for safety and infrastructure improvements commence. Stacy Witbeck, the contractor on deck, has both daytime and nighttime operations planned, and although these temporary roadblocks are bound to disrupt, this effort is designed to expedite the process and minimize overall disruption.
Onlookers will soon spy the initial stirrings of progress at the former Bartells Drug Store as the site gets ready for action on October 13, which includes putting up a silt fence. Residents have been forewarned of the attendant ruckus and the clambering of heavy machinery that such work will bring to the neighborhood.
The project, buoyed by a hefty $4.8 million from the 2023 Rail-Highway Crossing Program grant provided by the Washington State Department of Transportation, aims not just to revamp the crossings with new concrete panels, signals, and flashing lights but also, according to the City’s release, these enhancements will "relocate the tracks between SR 202/Bendigo Boulevard and Main Avenue approximately 14 feet south along McClellan Avenue," this track alteration making way for hopeful parking solutions. With eyes on the future, North Bend is bidding for a safer and more efficient journey for its citizens.
The city pledges to keep the community informed about the progress and upcoming phases. Those bearing queries or desiring more insight can reach out to Daniel Marcinko, the Capital Projects and Grant Manager, via email or phone. Meanwhile, for those with a penchant for witnessing local governance in action, recordings of the City Council discussion on the resolution can be accessed on the city’s YouTube channel or through the Media Center webpage.
In the midst of these impending changes, city officials have expressed appreciation for the public's patience, as displayed in the City of North Bend's announcement. The Railway Crossing Capital Project is more than just infrastructure—it's a commitment to a safer, better integrated North Bend, and it is set in motion this fall.
