As we embark on the New Year, SDOT has a hefty “To Do” list to make transportation improvements, regardless of travel mode, all across the City of Seattle. Projects kicking off with construction in just the first quarter alone include Dexter Avenue North and Georgetown Streets paving as well as the reconstruction of 15th Avenue NE, which got underway this week. Expected to start in Q2 are:
- West Thomas Street Pedestrian Bridge
- Fauntleroy Expressway Bridge
- Airport Way South over Argo Railroad Yard Bridge
- East Marginal Way at Horton Street Bridge
- Mountains to Sound Greenway Trail
- Rainier Corridor Paving
For all capital projects SDOT advertises the construction work for bid; analyzes bids; awards a contract; and gives notice to proceed. Any unforeseen circumstances in that process can change the proposed schedule. That said SDOT remains busy, busy as the third and fourth quarters of 2011 roll around, with plans to continue work on the Ship Canal Trail; seismically retrofit the Ballard Bascule Bridge and the bridges at King Street; make transit improvements to the West Seattle Corridor; start the Burke-Gilman Trail extension project in Ballard; begin repaving N/NW 85th Street; and begin the Linden Avenue North Complete Streets project. That’s not all, but those are the biggies. So here’s to a new year and new starts!