Title
Briefing on Downtown Street Improvements
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Receive the information on the Legion Way and Franklin Street improvement projects. Briefing only; No action requested.
Report Issue:
Whether to receive a briefing on the Legion Way and Franklin Street improvement projects.
Staff Contact:
Sophie Stimson, Transportation Planning Supervisor, Public Works Transportation, 360.753.8497
Presenters:
Sophie Stimson, Transportation Planning Supervisor, Public Works Transportation
Jeff Johnstone, Senior Engineer, Public Works Engineering
Background and Analysis:
The City’s pavement management system identified four downtown streets that need to be re-paved. The Downtown Strategy process explored the opportunity to make broader improvements to these streets, to go beyond paving to include place-making and multimodal improvements. These projects advance many goals for the downtown and are significant City investments in downtown infrastructure.
Since the acceptance of the Downtown Strategy by City Council, staff has advanced the concepts for improving Washington Street, Capitol Way, Legion Way, and Franklin Street. The City’s webpage describes these projects in more detail.
In 2017 and 2018, the design concepts for these streets were shared with the public. From the stakeholder meetings, an open house, and an online survey, there is strong support to proceed with the proposed design concepts for all four streets.
The Legion Way and Franklin Street projects are near term projects. Construction of Legion Way is planned in 2020, and Franklin Street in 2021. The Legion Way project includes a raised concrete intersection, roadway resurfacing, and bicycle facility extensions. On Franklin Street, resurfacing, sidewalk and street tree replacement, and curb bulb-outs are planned. Design of the Legion Way and Franklin Street projects is at 60 percent completion.
At the study session, staff will share the status of the design of the projects, including the art and urban design elements; what we heard from recent business outreach and other public engagement activities; and next steps including construction schedules.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
Public outreach conducted in 2017 and 2018 indicated support to proceed with the design concepts for the Legion Way and Franklin Street projects. A public open house is planned for May 20, 2019, to share more specific designs for the projects. In 2019 and 2020, ongoing discussion with downtown business and property owners will occur. Extensive public communication is planned through the construction of both projects.
Options:
Briefing only.
Financial impact:
Legion and Franklin projects are estimated at $6.7 million; final estimates for these projects will be available in late 2019, once design is complete.
The projects will be funded through a combination of City Pavement Management Program funds and grants. A Transportation Improvement Board grant of $400,000 is secured for the Franklin Street project. A Washington State Department of Transportation grant for Legion Way is pending.
Attachments:
Link to Downtown Streets Improvement Projects Webpage