Press release:

The City of Burien has installed a series of ornamental art pieces on light poles along 1st Avenue South. The different-colored art pieces depict a series of hubcaps, stacked end-to-end, with the words “Burien’s 1st Avenue.”

“The art pieces were designed by an artist to reflect the character of the City’s main thoroughfare, with its auto dealerships and other related businesses,” said Brian Victor, City of Burien engineer for the 1st Avenue South improvement project, who added that the artwork is part of the overall project contract and has been planned for several years. Victor said the ornamental pieces were installed on light poles between South 140th and South 146th streets, and possibly will be installed south to South 160th Street at a later date.

Phase Two of the improvement project is currently under way on the segment between South 140th and South 146th streets. Improvements include new sidewalks, curbs and gutters on both sides; new asphalt overlay; new signals and street lighting,; undergrounding of overhead utilities; new storm drainage; and landscaping.

Phase One included the section between South 148th and South 160th streets. It was substantially completed in 2009, but the light poles were not installed until 2012.