Earlier this fall, the city of Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) closed Westlake Avenue between Stewart Street and Olive Way to build a new pedestrian plaza that will improve connections to the retail core and Downtown Transit Tunnel.

Initially anticipated to be substantially complete by Thanksgiving 2010, the construction schedule has been extended due to unforeseen site conditions and poor weather conditions. Due to the importance of the Downtown Construction Holiday Moratorium which helps Seattle businesses and reduces traffic congestion during the peak shopping season, work on the McGraw Square Improvement Project has been put on hold until after the New Year. For the holiday moratorium, the contractor has cleaned up the project work site and opened nearby sidewalks. Areas where construction is incomplete are coned off for pedestrian safety.

Weather permitting, the McGraw Square Improvement Project is expected to be substantially complete by early February 2011.

The goals of the new, centrally-located plaza are to make walking and biking through north downtown safer and more comfortable, and to improve transfer opportunities between the Seattle Streetcar, Monorail, light rail tunnel, and major bus routes. These project goals are part of the City’s larger strategy to support increased residences and businesses in the urban core and make Westlake a transportation “hub” serving downtown.

For more information: George Frost, (206) 615-0786

Media contact: Marybeth Turner, (206) 684-8548