Yelm Bypass, Phase 1, Breaks Ground

This is a project, somewhat bittersweet for me. I grew up in the house in the background of this picture. I saw the state come in and take out trees that my grandfather planted. We played in the fields. My grandparents have passed away and now my mother lives on the property. We first moved to Yelm in 1976. I finished my 7th grade year at Yelm Middle School. We lived next to my grandparents on Mud Run Road.

Part of my mother's property was purchased for this bypass. She had to sell her beloved horse, Baby. I think that was one of the saddest moments for me so far. We loved riding that gentle mare. We have beautiful view of Mt Rainier.

Phase one of the project starts at Mud Run Road, where the city will have its first roundabout.

The construction bid for the project came in at $4.1 million, 53 percent less than the engineer’s estimate.

It was awarded to Kent-based Scarsella Bros. on Feb. 24.