The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) is closing Westlake Avenue between Olive Way and Stewart Street at McGraw Square to build a pedestrian plaza at the current terminus of the South Lake Union Streetcar. The roadway closure will begin Thursday, September 23, and construction is expected to be completed by Thanksgiving. The Seattle Streetcar and buses on Fifth Avenue will remain in service during construction.

The improved McGraw Square will include:
• major revisions to McGraw Square Park, an historic landmark
• improved pedestrian connections to the retail core and Downtown Transit Tunnel
• a second streetcar platform and shelter for passenger comfort
• covered bicycle parking and amenities
• new trees, landscaping, natural drainage, architectural lighting, and seating
• improved safety for all users by simplifying a complicated five-way intersection
• a new left-turn only lane from Stewart Street to Fifth Avenue and changes to lane configuration on Westlake Avenue.

By closing this portion of Westlake Avenue to vehicles, the project will simplify a complicated, five-way intersection and help improve and integrate the historic McGraw Square Park. The new McGraw Square will serve as a transportation hub at Westlake—one that connects various transit services into an easy-to-use system, makes walking and biking a safe and simple choice, and strengthens the economy and livability of the retail core. For more information, please visit www.seattle.gov/transportation/westlakehub_streetcarplaza.htm

For information: George Frost, (206) 615-0786, george.frost@seattle.gov

Media contact: Marybeth Turner, (206) 684-8548, marybeth.turner@seattle.gov