ARLINGTON — People in the city have a chance to comment at an open house tonight on the future of a well-traveled street through Arlington.
City officials are working on the design phase of a project to improve 67th Avenue NE, between 204th Street NE and Lebanon Street.
The proposed improvements include the widening of the roadway for a two-way left-turn lane, completion of the Centennial Trail within the city, and the installation of sidewalks, lighting and other features that will welcome people into Arlington’s old downtown area.
The project is important because it improves safety and mobility for drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians, city spokeswoman Kristin Banfield said.
“This project is not a simple undertaking, nor is it inexpensive. We need to hear from the public on what they want to see when this roadway is reconstructed so that we don’t miss anything in the design process,” Banfield said. “We may not include all the suggestions in the final design, but if they aren’t mentioned, they can’t be considered by the city.”
Plans call for the Centennial Trail along the street to be paved and clearly marked, the railroad crossing at Lebanon Street to be improved and storm water system improvements made.
The final design and construction won’t happen until the city gets some money to do the project, Banfield said.
Expected to cost about $9 million, the project probably will be paid for with grants and the city’s street fund, public works official Christy Brubaker said.
At the open house, people can expect to see the draft design plans and be able to ask questions of the project staff.
City public works staff also are working on a sidewalk project on Gifford Avenue from First Street to Third Street.
The Gifford Avenue sidewalk would make it easier and safer for students walking between Haller Middle School and Presidents Elementary School, and offer a better way for people to get to bus stops and local businesses, Banfield said.
Currently, many people just walk in the street, Brubaker said.
The proposed sidewalk will be confined to city right-of-way. However, people who live on Gifford may want to move some of their plants before construction begins in the winter. In addition, some driveways may have to be reconfigured to fit the sidewalk design, city officials said.
City officials hope to use a permeable concrete for the project to help deal with rainwater runoff.
Construction of the sidewalk project is being funded by federal economic stimulus money, and could cost as much as $99,000, Brubaker said.
Gale Fiege: 425-339-3427; gfiege@heraldnet.com.
Find out more
An open house giving people in Arlington the chance to ask questions and comment on the future of 67th Avenue NE is scheduled for 5 to 8 tonight in the city council chambers, 110 E. Third St. More info: 360-403-3503.
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