Mayor Kicks off Major Roadway Renovations in South Park
Bridging the Gap funds 14th Avenue South Improvement Project

SEATTLE – Mayor Greg Nickels today kicked off a major street improvement project on 14th Avenue South in the South Park neighborhood. The $4.5 million project will upgrade all roadway features on 14th Avenue South for five blocks, from South Cloverdale Street to South Director Street. The improvement work, executed by the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT), is the first major Bridging the Gap project to be constructed in the South Park neighborhood.   

“The 14th Avenue South project is a great example of the city working with a neighborhood to make transportation improvements that matter to the residents,” said Mayor Nickels. “This work benefits all forms of transportation, but more importantly, it addresses the needs identified by the South Park community. With Bridging the Gap we are delivering on our transportation commitments.”

Over the next year SDOT will repave 14th Avenue South, install new sidewalks and curb ramps, upgrade traffic signals, and enhance street lighting. The work will improve drainage, complete the multi-use South Park Connector trail and install 36 new street trees. The project also includes public art, from local artist Gregory Fields. Ceramic tiles will be striped across sidewalks at 12 locations along the corridor. 

Bridging the Gap is the $365 million levy passed by Seattle voters in 2006. It enables SDOT to complete much needed work such as roadway paving, sidewalk development and repair, bridge maintenance, and tree planting. The levy also supports the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plans, enhanced transit connections and large Neighborhood Street Fund projects.

In 2006, the South Park community developed the South Park Action Agenda, making recommendations and setting priorities for improvements in the neighborhood, including desired transportation changes. More information on the South Park Action Agenda can be found at:  www.seattle.gov/mayor/issues/southPark/docs/SouthParkACTIONAGENDA.pdf

Visit the mayor’s web site at www.seattle.gov/mayor. Get the mayor’s inside view on efforts to promote transportation, public safety, economic opportunity and healthy communities by signing up for The Nickels Newsletter at www.seattle.gov/mayor/newsletter_signup.htm

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Office of the Mayor