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City of Tukwila <br />Allan Ekberg, Mayor <br />Public Works Department - Hari Ponnekanti, Director/City Engineer <br />INFORMATIONAL MEMORANDUM <br />TO: Transportation and Infrastructure Services Committee <br />FROM: Hari Ponnekanti, Public Works Director <br />BY: Scott Bates, Project Manager <br />CC: Mayor Allan Ekberg <br />DATE: April 9, 2021 <br />SUBJECT: 2021 Overlay Program- 53rd Ave S Sidewalk Addition <br />Project No. 92110401 <br />ISSUE <br />Provide an update on the 53rd Ave S traffic revision and sidewalk plan. <br />BACKGROUND <br />In 2020, the City desired to improve pedestrian safety on the 53rd Ave S between S 137th St and 52nd Ave S. The existing <br />roadway was not wide enough to safely accommodate two-way traffic and pedestrians. With limited funding, the City Street <br />division was utilized to install a new at -grade pedestrian walkway on 53rd Ave S and revise the traffic direction to one-way <br />northbound. At the same time, 52nd PI S was changed to one-way southbound. While pedestrian safety was greatly <br />improved, the one-way street revision created substantial concerns with some residents. Staff was requested to look at <br />options for improvement and report back to the Transportation & Infrastructure Services Committee. <br />ANALYSIS <br />Staff, along with consultant support from KPG, have been considering multiple options to improve the current conditions. <br />With the funding restored to the 2021 Overlay Program, a raised sidewalk along 53rd Ave S and S 137th St is scheduled to be <br />constructed in the Summer of 2021. Per the current design, the traffic on 52nd PI S would be returned to one-way northbound <br />operation per the community's request. <br />Ultimately, the best solution would be to resume two-way traffic on 53rd Ave S. KPG is working on a low-cost solution for <br />restoring two-way traffic in conjunction with the sidewalks, which would widen the roadway to the west. The need to <br />coordinate with Seattle City Light for a pole relocation will likely prevent the work from being included this summer and will be <br />dependent upon funding availability. Additional options for discussion: <br />1. Option A: Add the sidewalks, keep 53rd Ave S as one-way northbound, return operation on 52nd PI S to northbound <br />and construct in Summer 2021. Design the 53rd Ave S widening for two-way traffic and construct as soon as funding <br />is secured. Cost estimate is under development. <br />2. Option B: Add the sidewalks, keep 53rd Ave S as one-way northbound, return operation on 52nd PI S to northbound <br />and construct in summer 2021. No widening pursued. <br />3. Option C: Add the sidewalks, revise 53rd Ave S as one-way southbound, revert the direction on 52nd PI S to <br />northbound and construct in summer 2021. This option will cost more than #2 due to relocating the current signs. <br />Additional traffic issues may appear despite traffic control efforts. <br />FISCAL IMPACT <br />Cost estimates still being developed. <br />RECOMMENDATION <br />Staff was requested to present this item for discussion to update the Council about the 53rd Ave S sidewalk project progress. <br />With recent and continued comments from the area residents, we now recommend pursuing option A, which will provide the <br />best solution for the community. <br />Attachment: Plan sheet design for 53rd Ave S sidewalk <br />9 <br />C:\Users\cyndy\AppData\Localwicrosoft\Windows\INetCache\Content.0ullook\SCH3K9IN\Info Memo 53rd Sidewalk Update 04092021.decx <br />