Wednesday, May 30, 2018

REBUILDING THE CHURCH - MCDONALD INTERSECTION




The current reconstruction of the intersection of Church and McDonald avenues is intended to make the crossroads safer for pedestrians, drivers, and bicyclists.

Improvements being made include curb extensions at the northwest and southeast corners, pedestrian ramps, bus stop pads, catch basins, replacement of the water main, and a complete pavement restoration.

Curb extensions, also known as "neckdowns" and "bulb-outs," widen the sidewalks and reduce the crossing distances. They increase pedestrian visibility, increase the space where pedestrians stand while waiting for the walk signal, provide additional space for street furniture, plants, and other amenities, reduce illegal parking at corners and crosswalks, and provide space for two curb ramps per corner.

Construction at the intersection began in July 2017. At that time, the estimated completion date was fall 2017. The project was delayed, however, in order to first complete work on a nearby water main and bus stop pads. The latest estimate is that work will be finished by fall 2018.

Residents of City Council District 39 voted to fund
the improvements in 2013 as part of City Councilmember Brad Lander's Participatory Budgeting project.