Driver woes eased by reopening of Strand Street in St. Helens

It has been a headache to navigate the streets of downtown St. Helens this summer with the Riverfront District development, but the city has welcoming news for motorists.

Beginning Wednesday, Oct. 2, the city is reopening Strand Street to vehicle traffic and parking. Adjacent sidewalks are open for pedestrians.

While parking stalls have not been striped, as of press time, vehicles will be able to park head-in at an angle.

Strand Street north of the Cowlitz Street intersection has been converted to a northbound one-way for vehicle travel. Vehicles can no longer turn onto Strand Street from the Plaza Square, according to the city.

“This traffic pattern change was designed to create better vehicle and pedestrian safety at the blind corner at City Hall near the Plaza Square,” the city said in a news release. “Pedestrians will have a sidewalk on both sides of Strand Street once construction is complete, and the one-way traffic flow reduces the risk of a vehicle accident at the intersection.”

Drivers are cautioned to watch for construction vehicles and workers during this time. The city said temporary changes to the flow of traffic will still occur to accommodate necessary detours and the project’s completion.