Seattle’s Central Area will soon enjoy a newly designed 23rd Avenue through the heart of the neighborhood.
Starting in April, the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) will begin work on the first phase of this project, between East John and South Jackson streets, to improve safety and mobility for people who drive, walk, ride bikes and take transit on this arterial street.
SDOT invites the public to an open house to learn what to expect during construction. It will take place form 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 5, at the Garfield High School Commons (400 23rd Ave.).
At the open house, SDOT will share the preliminary schedule and plans to manage traffic, support businesses and keep in touch with the community while work is underway. Staff from city departments involved in the project and King County Metro Transit will be on hand to share information and answer questions
SDOT will rebuild this stretch of 23rd Avenue from four lanes to three wider lanes, resulting in one lane in each direction plus a center turn lane. The project also includes widening and repairing sidewalks, improving transit speed and reliability, replacing the 100-year-old water main and installing new streetlights and public art.
While a bike lane will not be included on 23rd Avenue, SDOT is currently installing the Central Area Neighborhood Greenway on residential streets adjacent to 23rd Avenue as a calmer route for people walking or riding bikes.
This project design resulted from nearly two years of traffic analysis, engineering, and community outreach.
The entire project will be divided into three work zones to minimize impacts on businesses, residents and the travelling public. Major construction for all three work zones is expected to be complete by late 2016.
For more information about the project, visit the project website at www.seattle.gov/transportation/23rd_ave.htm.