by MATTHEW NASH
Sequim Gazette

Too much rainfall this past weekend caused an irrigation pipe at the intersection of Fir Street and Sequim Avenue to break on Sunday, May 15.

 

Water is flowing on the west side of Sequim Avenue from Fir Street past the Sequim High School.

 

Brian Lewis, business manager for Sequim School District, said the westbound turn lane going north on Sequim Avenue is closed to Fir Street until further notice.

 

Bus routes have not been altered, but the lane is closed because it might not support the weight of vehicles, Lewis said.

 

Paul Haines, City of Sequim public works director, said the irrigation pipe owned by Prairie Irrigation Company has been shut off, and city crews are waiting for water to recede before excavating to make repairs.

 

Lewis said he was told the repairs could take at least through Tuesday, May 17.

 

Sequim Police noticed pavement beginning to deteriorate on Sunday, May 15, so they put up barricades.

 

Haines said there were several streets underwater from the rain and that customarily when there is rain for more than 24 hours city streets flood.

 

He said it’s been known for some time, and part of their 2011 work plan includes a comprehensive needs assessment of the city’s storm water system.