The public is invited to attend a July 25 groundbreaking ceremony that will officially start the First Avenue South Improvements Project in Burien.

The event 2 p.m. event will take place in the parking lot at Herr Backyard Garden Center, at the corner of Southwest 160th Street and First Avenue South.

Preliminary work on the improvement project, which will extend from South/Southwest 162nd Street north to South/Southwest 146th Street, recently got underway.

The $19.3 million project to improve the safety and design of the roadway and improve traffic flow along this busy corridor is expected to take 18 months to complete.

Work will be done in phases, so not all parts of the road will be under construction at the same time. The first phase of construction will begin at the south end and move north.

During construction, steps will be taken to lessen the impacts to motorists who use First Avenue South. There will be limited lane closures during business hours, and at least one lane will always be open to traffic in each direction.

During construction, businesses along First Avenue South will remain open and be accessible.

The project also includes natural gas main and water main service improvements, as well as drainage improvements.

Ambaum Regional Pond will be expanded to reduce flooding and to improve Miller Creek fish habitat. Sidewalks along the roadway will be made safer with better access for disabled pedestrians. New lighting will also be installed to increase both pedestrian and vehicle safety.

Individuals with questions can call Stacey Jurgensen at 206-269-0229, ext. 12.

Businesses with questions can call Deborah George at Discover Burien, 206-433-2882.

More information about the project can be found on the City of Burien website at www.ci.burien.wa.us.