A preliminary schedule for the Seattle Department of Transportation's (SDOT) repaving and restriping of Fauntleroy Way Southwest suggests that construction of the project will begin May 26 and last through early October 2009.

Work on Fauntleroy between California Avenue Southwest and Southwest Alaska Street has been scheduled in three phases which travel in a circular pattern.

First, starting on the north end and traveling south, the west side of the street will be paved. Next, beginning in the south end and heading north the east side will be paved. Finally, the center lane will be paved beginning at the north end.

Each of the three phases will last six weeks.

The repaving of Fauntleroy Way further west, between California Avenue and Southwest Holly Street, has not been scheduled yet but Murphey says a separate crew could work at the same time as the already scheduled crew.

Murphey said that the failing asphalt and concrete panels will be completely dug out and that some drainage improvements will take place to better filter rainwater. Curb ramps will be completed before repaving begins.

The restriping, or rechannelization, of Fauntleroy Way will take place after all paving is complete. The road will be converted from two travel lanes in each direction to one lane in each direction, a center two-way left turn lane, a bicycle lane northbound and shared lane pavement markings, for motor vehicles and bicycles, traveling southbound. This is often called a "road diet."

There will also be marked crosswalks added at Southwest Brandon Street and 40th Avenue Southwest. Most on-street parking will remain with a few spaces replaced by bus zones.

The restriping has been designed to make Fauntleroy Way safer for both pedestrians and bicyclists by reducing vehicle speeds and collisions while still supporting the road’s capacity, accoridng to the city, which cites national studies that have revealed that single-lanes in each direction calm traffic and create a safer environment for all road users.

This project is being funded by the "Bridging the Gap" levy approved by voters in 2006.

What to expect during construction:

One lane of traffic traveling in each direction
Pedestrian detours
Parking restrictions
Moderate construction noise and dust
Work between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Regular notices with more location specific information will be delivered during construction