14th Avenue S Street Improvements

14th AVENUE S STREET IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT UPDATE - April 10, 2009

Contractor Finishes Paving Work that Required Southbound Traffic on 14th Avenue S to be Detoured: Project Nearing Overall Completion

A milestone has been reached with the final paving work being completed earlier this week on 14th Avenue South. The southbound traffic detour that had been in effect for the paving has been removed, and traffic is open in both directions.

The installation of artwork is also complete. The artwork includes two pillars faced with hand-carved ceramic tile and strips of colored hand-made tile inset directly into the sidewalk. The art element of the project originated from goals set out in the South Park Action Agenda calling for artwork to enhance the urban streetscape of the neighborhood business district.

The overall project should be finished soon. Remaining work includes pavement markings, minor concrete work, minor signal work, and final clean-up.

14th AVENUE S STREET IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT UPDATE -- April 2, 2009

Southbound Lanes of 14th Ave S To Be Re-Closed For Next Several Days

SDOT and the contractor have been watching the weather forecast and plan to pave 14th Avenue S from S Director Street to just north of S Donovan Street beginning Monday morning, April 6.

The preparation work and paving will require the southbound lanes to be closed and the traffic detoured 24 hours a day, starting Saturday morning, April 4 and ending next Wednesday, April 8, if weather conditions allows us to finish uninterrupted. Detour signs will be posted. Northbound traffic will have at least one lane of access along 14th Avenue S.

Once the paving is complete the detour will be removed. Following paving there will be some temporary traffic restrictions to allow the contractor to install pavement markings and traffic detection sensors. But, 14th Avenue S will remain open to traffic in both the northbound and southbound directions.

14th AVENUE S STREET IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT UPDATE -- March 24, 2009

Because of cold and rainy weather conditions this week, SDOT has suspended the detour and re-opened the roadway to two-way traffic on a temporary basis.

When weather conditions are favorable, final pavement installation will be completed. It will be necessary to temporarily detour traffic for about one week to complete the final paving.

After the final paving is completed, the road will be open to traffic in both directions, with only periodic delays due to pavement striping and traffic signal revisions.

Artwork Installation Starting Week of March 23

Artist Gregory Fields will be installing artwork on 14th Avenue S between S Director Street and S Cloverdale Street starting March 23rd. Stop by to say hello to the artist and to see the installation in progress.

The artwork includes two pillars faced with hand carved ceramic tile and strips of colored hand made tile inset directly into the sidewalk. The project originated from goals set out in the South Park Action Agenda, calling for artwork to enhance the urban streetscape of the neighborhood business district. The artist expects installation to take up to two weeks, depending on weather conditions. The project is funded with SDOT 1% for Art Funds and administered by the Seattle Office of Arts & Culture.

WORK SCHEDULE FOR NEXT FOUR (4) + WEEKS:

• Removal and replacement of sidewalks on the west side of 14th Avenue S
• Adjustments to manhole covers/other utility facilities
• Final asphalt paving
• Landscaping
• Channelization (lane and other pavement markings)
• Improvements to traffic signal system
• Construction work on weekdays and weekends

Traffic restrictions during construction work: Besides the southbound lane closures, there may be some turn restrictions for northbound traffic. There will also be restricted access to 14th Avenue S from side streets.

What to Expect During Construction

• Traffic slowdowns, lane closures, pedestrian detours, and parking restrictions near work zones.
• The traffic detours necessary for paving work.
• Normal work hours from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM. - Monday thru Friday, with some night time and weekend work
• SDOT being committed to working with you to keep South Park moving while these improvements are made

Project Location/Description:

This project will improve conditions for freight, pedestrians and general purpose traffic on 14th Avenue S. between S. Director Street and S. Cloverdale Street. Improvements will be made to street pavement, curb ramps, sidewalks, traffic signals, and drainage. Street trees and public art will also be features of the project.

Preliminary Construction Schedule:

• Early August 2008 to April 2009

Project Goals/Objectives

• Improve mobility for all modes of transportation (freight, pedestrian, general-purpose)
• Improve pedestrian safety
• Support economic development

Improvements include:

• Resurfacing asphalt pavement, and rebuilding a portion of roadway with concrete paving.
• Updating, replacing, and/or or relocating drainage catch basins and inlets
• Upgrading traffic signal intersections (at S Henderson, S Trenton and S Cloverdale streets)
• Installing new curb ramps and repairing or replacing sidewalk
• Installing street trees and public art
• Constructing a multi-use trail (between S Henderson and S Director streets)

Preliminary Project Schedule

• Design: January 2007 to March 2008
• Construction: May 2008 to December 2008

Points of Contact
George Frost, Public Outreach Coordinator, Seattle Department of Transportation george.frost@seattle.gov (206) 615-0786