The project manager for the Pioneer Way construction project in downtown Oak Harbor is confident that not only will the project be finished on time, it will be finished ahead of schedule.

Larry Cort shared his optimistic projection Tuesday at the regular meeting of the Oak Harbor Area Council of the Navy League, which met at the Officer’s Club on Naval Air Station Whidbey Island.

“Even though Sept. 2 is the contracted completion date, I feel confident that date will not only be met, but that we’ll be ahead of schedule,” Cort told a full house.

Cort couldn’t be sure how early the project could see its end, but speculated that it could be as early as two weeks.

Since construction got underway March 9, Cort said the first phase of the project, from City Beach Street to Dock Street is nearly finished and phase two, from Dock Street to Midway Boulevard is well in hand. Although the initial four inches of fresh asphalt was put in place last week and is a big step toward the project’s completion, much of the work going on is taking place out of sight.

“What is taking the major time and money on this project is what’s happening underground,” said Cort, explaining that sewer, water and storm drain systems are being updated, and crews are installing the conduit which will house electrical and communication lines for Puget Sound Energy, Comcast and Frontier Communications, among others.

“It’s an enormously complicated process to go from above ground to underground,” Cort said. “As many as 18 separate conduits will go into the trench.”

Cort said once the main line is in, then connections can be made to individual businesses. One of the last parts of the project will be removing the wires and poles throughout the downtown area as the switch is made to the underground conduit.

As with any construction project, Cort said crews have run into a couple of surprises. He said they counted on finding three underground storage tanks in the course of construction, but said crews have found seven. He also said every project usually finds a giant rock, and this one was no exception. A rock the size of a large SUV was found underground in front of the YMCA/USO building.

When asked whether he’s received any negative feedback from merchants or citizens, Cort said the debate over one-way or two-way traffic was before his time with the project, and said most people just wanted something to be done.

“The majority of owners I’ve talked to supported something happening there,” he said. “And I’ve heard nothing but good things regarding the quality and pace of the contractor.”

Cort praised city leaders for setting up offices downtown where merchants could easily bring questions and concerns before project managers. A weekly update is held each Tuesday morning from 9 to 10 a.m. at the information and construction office near the Casual House.

And he also said local drivers are quick learners — after just a few days with asphalt down, they had already adjusted to the new “pull-in” style parking.

“The learning curve has been short,” he said.

Other business
In other Navy League business Chaplain Roy Sherwood gave the invocation and president Tom Tack led members in the pledge. Connie Leonhardi reported there are 11 new Navy League members so far this year.

Cryptologic Technician (Technical Branch) Noah McHugh, VAQ 131, gave the intelligence briefing, which focused on China’s new carrier.

China bought the former Soviet carrier “Varyag” 13 years ago and is expected to begin sea trials as early as this summer.

McHugh said the Pentagon believes the “Shi Lang” is to be a training vessel. Because of its moderate size and the age of the equipment believed to be on board, it poses very little threat.

The dispute over the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea was also mentioned. According to McHugh, China, Malaysia, Vietnam and the Philippines have all made various claims on the islands.

The local Council will stand down during July and August. The next meeting of the Navy League will be Tuesday, Sept. 6.