23rd Avenue Construction schedule

Construction forecast at-a-glance

Major construction on 23rd Avenue is now scheduled to begin in mid-May, starting with Work Zone A located between S Jackson and E Cherry streets. However, before the contractor can begin rebuilding the street, Puget Sound Energy and Seattle Public Utilities need to complete some preliminary work.

 

Puget Sound Energy work through March 31

Crews working for Puget Sound Energy need to determine the exact location of utilities under the street. This is done by "potholing" locations in the street using a truck-mounted machine.

 

What to expect:

• Short-term, single lane closures in spot locations between S Jackson and E John streets
• Driveway and sidewalk access will be maintained
• Flaggers where needed to direct traffic
• Work hours:
  • Weekdays between 9 AM and 3:30 PM
  • Short-term daytime work Saturday, March 28 at 23rd Avenue and E Jefferson Street*
  • Short-term daytime work Sunday, March 29 at 23rd Avenue and E Union Street*

* A Uniformed Police Officer will be directing traffic at the intersections of 23rd Avenue and E Jefferson Street (Saturday) and E Union Street (Sunday).

Seattle Public Utilities work to start in April

Starting as soon as April 1, Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) crews will begin preliminary work to replace older water service lines before major water main replacement begins in mid-May. See the basics below - we will share more information in the next email update.

What to expect:

• Short-term lane closures (up to one in each direction)
• Driveway and sidewalk access will be maintained
• Flaggers where needed to direct traffic
• Temporary water service interruptions for some customers
  • Interruptions are expected to be no longer than two hours
  • SPU will notify affected properties prior to this work
• Work hours:
  • Weekdays between 9 AM and 3 PM
  • Weekends (Saturday and Sunday) between 9 AM and 6 PM

Miss the pre-construction open house? View all the information online

We had a great turnout at our March 5 open house at Garfield High School. We connected with residents, business owners and commuters about what to expect during construction and how 23rd Avenue will operate once the project is complete for people driving, taking transit, biking and walking.

If you didn't make it to the meeting, you can visit our community construction resource site to see the materials we shared. This site has a Google Translate feature to view the information in over 50 languages. Feel free to share the link with your neighbors.

Stay informed

If you have a question or concern, feel free to contact us anytime on our project hotline or via email.

• Call: (206) 727-8857 (hotline will be staffed 24/7 once major construction begins)
• Email: 23rdAveCorridor@seattle.gov
• Website: www.seattle.gov/transportation/23rd_ave.htm
• Community construction resource site: sdot23rdave.publicmeeting.info

We look forward to continuing to work with the community to bring these important safety and mobility improvements to the Central District.

23rd Avenue Corridor Improvements Project

The purpose of the 23rd Avenue Corridor Improvements Project is to improve safety and mobility for people who drive, walk, bike and take transit. Phase 1 of the project includes modifying 23rd Avenue from a four-lane street to a three-lane street. This means one lane in each direction with a center turn lane. This phase of work also includes new pavement, sidewalk improvements, traffic signal improvements, lighting improvements and public art. Click here to view the project fact sheet.

Implementation of Central Area Neighborhood Greenway

Implementation of Phase I of the Central Area Neighborhood Greenway began on February 25, 2015. Phase I of this greenway runs from S Jackson St to E Columbia St on 25^th Ave, then crosses 23^rd Ave at E Columbia St and heads north on 22^nd Ave E to E Madison St. At E Madison St, the greenway moves to 21^stAve E and continues north to E John St. You may view a map of the entire greenway route here. 

As part of Phase I implementation, we are adding speed humps along the route, at roughly one per block. We will also be installing stop signs on all streets crossing 25^th and 22^nd avenues and adding bicycle pavement markings (called sharrows) along the route. Flashing beacons for pedestrians and bicyclists will be installed at 25^th Avenue and East Yesler Way and also at 25^th Avenue and East Cherry Street.

Before installing speed humps, crews will build new curb ramps, make sidewalk repairs, and conduct electrical work. For a detailed look at the planned improvements, please view our Phase I Construction Notice.

In order to accommodate construction on the 23^rd Avenue Corridor Improvements project, greenway implementation work will be conducted south to north, one intersection at a time at the following locations:

·         25^th Avenue and East Yesler Way

·         25^th Avenue and East Cherry Street

·         25^th Avenue and East Columbia Street

·         22^nd Avenue and East Madison Street

·         21^st Avenue East and East John Street

Speed hump construction requires on-street parking restrictions for a minimum of two days and may include additional time for preparation. Construction notices will be delivered to impacted properties prior to work starting, and “no park” signs will be placed.

We anticipate all construction activities for Phase I to be complete by spring 2015. Phases 2 and 3 of the project (the south and north ends, respectively) are anticipated to begin implementation next summer and to be complete by winter 2015.

For more information on the project, and all the planned phases and improvements, please contact Maribel Cruz, Seattle Department of Transportation Communications at Maribel.Cruz@seattle.gov or visit the project website: http://www.seattle.gov/transportation/centralgreenway.htm .

For questions and concerns regarding construction, please feel free to contact me. Thank you!

Sincerely,

Sandy Lam

Construction Communications Officer

206-504-1454

sandy@stephersonassociates.com