Last weekend’s planned culvert installation on Pioneer Street, a key part of the Pioneer Widening project, faced unexpected setbacks due to heavy rainfall. The closure, initially intended to facilitate significant progress between 56th Place and Discovery Drive, unfortunately could not see the work completed as scheduled.
This essential culvert work, operating under a strict timeline, has now necessitated an extension of the regulated schedule through November 11th. The complexity of the project demands several days of uninterrupted work, free from traffic interference, to manage the large scale and intricate nature of the culvert system, alongside critical adjacent utility work. Consequently, the City has approved an extension to the upcoming closure of Pioneer Street between 56th Place and Discovery Drive. This revised closure is now scheduled to commence from 7 PM on Friday, November 1st, and will remain in effect until 11 PM on Monday, November 11th.
This decision to extend the Pioneer Street closure was carefully considered, following close collaboration between City officials and the project contractor. The primary aim is to ensure the closure proceeds as efficiently as possible, with firm commitments in place to mitigate potential disruptions:
- To combat further weather-related delays, the contractor has deployed additional pumps and will maintain vigilant weather monitoring throughout this work period. Proactive measures including enhanced prep work and material staging are also underway to maximize efficiency and ensure project completion within the revised timeframe.
- To alleviate traffic congestion during the Pioneer Street closure, 53rd Place will be temporarily opened for northbound traffic during weekday PM rush hours (3 PM–7 PM). This will allow drivers to utilize 53rd Place to access Pioneer Canyon Drive, providing a westward route to reconnect with Pioneer Street.
- Business access to establishments on 53rd Place, specifically Mountain View Dental and Ridgefield Physical Therapy, will be maintained from Pioneer Canyon Drive during regular business hours. However, southbound access on 53rd Place beyond these business entrances will be restricted.
- Upon completion of this extended closure, the temporary traffic signal at the 53rd Place intersection will be removed. The intersection will then revert to a right-in/right-out access configuration, as originally planned. Candlestick-style traffic barricades will be installed along the center line to clearly indicate the prohibition of left turns.
- Both the contractor and City personnel will diligently monitor the Pioneer Street closure area, focusing on key intersections. Additional traffic flaggers will be deployed to detour routes if necessary to maintain smooth traffic flow.
The City acknowledges the considerable disruption caused by the ongoing construction over the past two months on travel within the area. The completion of this extended Pioneer Street closure will bring a welcome respite from the shifting traffic patterns. As the contractor finalizes culvert installations and shifts focus to widening the south side of Pioneer Street, residents can anticipate a period of reduced traffic impact before more intensive work resumes in 2025. The City extends its sincere gratitude for the continued patience and adaptability of residents as they work collaboratively to ensure Ridgefield’s progress.
