News Release

News Release Greg Nickels, Mayor Grace Crunican, Director Contact: Rick Sheridan, 206.684.8540 October 22, 2009 For Immediate Release

Improvements Coming to Westlake Square First step towards an enhanced Westlake transportation hub SEATTLE — Westlake Square, the triangular property bordered by Stewart Street, Sixth Avenue and Westlake Avenue, will soon become a more user-friendly public space. In November the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT), in cooperation with Seattle Parks and Recreation, will remove walking barriers and non-functional items from the small park to improve pedestrian safety and transit access. Part of the Westlake Hub Strategy, the interim changes are the first step in a series of enhancements proposed around the hub of transit services at Westlake Avenue. SDOT will start by clearing away an old unused bus shelter and low-level brick walls, as well as salvaging the park’s broken fountain and ornamental lights for potential refurbishing and later use. Crews will also repair and replace walking surfaces that were damaged earlier this year. The existing honey locust trees will remain and inlaid solar-powered pedestrian lighting will be added to the area. These changes are the first in a series of enhancements that will help improve access to transit options like the South Lake Union Streetcar line. These include improvements to McGraw Square Park, bordered by Fifth Avenue, Stewart Street and Westlake Avenue. For more information on other active and planned improvement projects for the area, please visit the SDOT Web page at http://www.seattle.gov/transportation/westlakehub.htm The Seattle Department of Transportation builds, maintains and operates Seattle's $12 billion transportation infrastructure. To further Mayor Nickels’ goal to get Seattle moving, the department manages short- and long-term investments in streets, bridges, pavement and trees, that better connect the city with the region. ###

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