Downtown Streets Convert to Two-way Traffic

From the City of Redmond:

The much-anticipated conversion to two-way travel on Downtown Redmond’s Cleveland Street and Redmond Way begins soon. Cleveland Street’s two-way travel is expected to start on Friday, September 8 and Redmond Way will follow on Tuesday, October 10. These dates are approximate and are subject to change due to unanticipated changes in weather or construction delays. The full project is expected to be complete by the end of the year.

The project began in June of 2016 and is expected to be completed by the end of 2017. This project includes work at eleven intersections in downtown including: replacing old utilities; undergrounding of overhead power and communications; new traffic signals, lighting and sidewalks; paving and landscaping; and new plazas at Anderson Park. Work between intersections includes re-configuring lanes and updating street signs. The remainder of the improvements between intersections will be constructed as redevelopment occurs.

Over the past several years, Redmond sequentially constructed new downtown roadway connections as part of the staged implementation of the Downtown East/West Corridor Study (DEWCS). These include Bear Creek Parkway, 161st Ave NE, 164th Ave NE and the Cleveland Streetscape. The Two-Way Street Conversion project is the final phase, reinforcing downtown Redmond as an economically healthy, people-friendly place, enhanced by the movement of pedestrians, bikes, cars, and a diversity of businesses.

“We are all happy about the successful conclusion of this project. The two-way streets benefit those who live, work and visit Redmond’s downtown urban center by adding mobility to those who choose to drive, walk, bike or take transit,” said Mayor John Marchione.

The work already completed at the eleven intersections includes utility improvements, new traffic signals, lighting, paving and sidewalk improvements, the addition of plazas near Anderson Park and much more. Cleveland Street is now Redmond’s signature “main street” with wide sidewalks inviting pedestrians and encouraging outdoor dining while Redmond Way will carry the majority of traffic as the main arterial through Downtown. Bear Creek Parkway and SR520 offer options for drivers who choose to bypass Downtown and the Redmond Central Connector urban trail provides a beautiful and quieter choice for bicyclists and pedestrians. These options, paired with the previous street connections at 161st Avenue NE and 164th Avenue NE, complete the City’s planned transportation grid in Downtown Redmond.

Ongoing construction by private developers on the north side of Redmond Way will continue. Developers investing in the City of Redmond will be building the second westbound lane of Redmond Way east of 164th Avenue, improving remaining sidewalks and parking areas as well as completing frontage improvements.

For more information about the Two-Way Conversion Project, visit www.Redmond.gov/TwoWayConversion.

The official press release is available on www.redmond.gov.