Second Stage of Aurora Ave N. Construction Nears Completion

After years of planning and a year and a half of construction, the second mile of Shoreline’s Aurora Corridor Improvement Project, N 165th to N 185th Streets, is almost complete.

A celebration of this milestone will take place at the City’s ribbon-cutting ceremony on Saturday, September 24, 1:00 p.m. in the park between Midvale and Aurora just north of N 175^th Street.

Improving Aurora has been a goal since the City incorporated in 1995. Completion of the second mile brings that vision closer to reality. The project represents years of community work and planning by Shoreline residents; businesses; property owners; state, county and federal agencies; utility companies and other groups.

“The completion of the second mile is a significant milestone in our creation of a safer and easier-to-use Aurora Avenue,” says Mayor Keith McGlashan. “Shoreline residents and business owners will notice a vast improvement in the traffic flow, convenience, walkability and appearance of the Aurora Corridor.”

Shoreline’s section of Aurora carries approximately 40,000 vehicles per day and is a major transit route. Improving safety and access for both pedestrians and motorists is one of the driving forces of the project. Other goals include improving vehicle capacity, traffic flow, transit speed and reliability, nighttime visibility and safety, stormwater control and economic investment potential.

“We recognize that construction has been difficult for both residents and businesses and we appreciate the community’s patience and willingness to work with the City during construction,” says Shoreline City Manager Julie Underwood.

Construction continues on Aurora between N 185^th and N 192^nd Streets with completion schedule for spring 2012. Once the City has secured the final bit of funding for the last section of Aurora from N 192^nd to N 205^th Streets, construction will begin.

The City looks forward to the improved safety and economic reinvestment that we experienced with the first mile. Please celebrate this accomplishment with us on Saturday, Sept. 24.

For more information about the Aurora Corridor Project, contact Aurora Corridor Project Manager Kirk McKinley at (206) 801-2481 or kmckinley@shorelinewa.gov.