SEATTLE — Editor's note: The above video originally aired in August 2020.
The Seattle City Council unanimously approved long-planned transportation improvements Monday near the new Climate Pledge Arena.
Seattle City Councilmember Debora Juarez says they have all been in the works since the Master Use Permit was issued in 2018.
The legislation formally signs off on the improvements, of which developer Oak View Group (OVG) will pay $594,000 of the estimated $990,000 cost.
They include, per a legislative document:
- Converting a travel lane on First Avenue North to a bus-only lane between Denny Way and Republican Street
- Installing a transit queue jump at First Avenue North and Republican Street
- Converting a travel lane on Queen Anne Avenue North to a bus-only lane from Mercer Street to John Street
The legislation also specifies OVG will also pay for:
- Raised driveways and concrete barriers for protected bicycle lanes
- Green bicycle boxes
- New signage at unsignalized intersections
- Thomas Street bicycle and signal improvements
- A curb extension on the northwest corner of Thomas Street and First Avenue North
The nearly billion-dollar arena is expected to be completed by summer 2021.