Finally, after all of the waiting, Third Street opened to two-way traffic on Nov. 13. There are still a few obstacles to avoid, and motorists are asked to use extreme caution.

Manhole covers are still up a little because we need to do a second lift of paving. So people still need to be careful driving on Third Street, said Liane Welch, Director of Public Works. If drivers want to avoid the uneven pavement they can continue to use the detour routes around Third Street. However, the street is open to two-way traffic now and will be through the winter. The final lift (of pavement) will happen next spring.

While construction was underway along Third Street, some local businesses saw dramatic revenue losses. But there were other locally owned businesses who benefited from the construction project.

Dennis Johnson, owner of Coast Wide Ready-Mix in Tillamook, saw approximately $4,800 in work from the project.

Its a nice project for the whole town in the long run, Johnson said. Its going to be a great improvement to Third Street, which will benefit everyone.

According to a financial report given to the Headlight Herald by Welch, LRL Construction, the company contracted to facilitate the project, has spent about $600,000 with Tillamook County businesses to date.

The total project cost was approximately $3 million.

Jamison Johnson Trucking, owned and Operated by Tillamook resident Jamison Johnson, has earned approximately $34,400 from the project to date.

Its great working so close to home, Johnson said. Theres not nearly as much fuel being used to get the job done, and theres very little if any extra overhead. When Im doing work where I have to drive a long way to get to and from the site, Im burning tires, fuel and its hard on the truck. Working closer to home actually give some of us smaller businesses a chance to put some money in out pockets.

(Sidebar or inset box) Third Street Project money spent with in-county vendors:

Bells Office Supply………………………..$775

Bob Olson Trucking……………………….$2,400

Carson Oil……………………………………$11,950

Coast Wide Ready Mix……………………$4,800

DK Quarries………………………………….$232,00

TP?Freight…………………………………….$1,200

Jamison Johnson Trucking……………..$34,000

Klausen Trucking…………………………..$26,800

Leonnig Excavating………………………..$9,618

Les Fitch Trucking…………………………$33,450

Robert Warren Trucking………………….$232,000

Rosenberg Builders Supply…………….$3,800

Teninty & Son……………………………….$1,750

Tillamook Rental Center………………… $2,400

Zwald Transport…………………………….$6,800

Total…………………………. $604,143