Approximately one month ahead of schedule, the Seattle Department of Transportation has completed repaving Fauntleroy Way Southwest between Southwest Alaska and Southwest Holly streets, according to a release from the city.

Now open fully to traffic, the work features new concrete panels and asphalt overlay, curb ramps to enhance accessibility, drainage improvements, new marked crosswalks, and new bike lanes and sharrows. The city's contractor, Gary Merlino Construction Company, reconstructed large sections of roadway that had not seen major repair work since 1984.

“Even as our 2009 paving budget was cut by $1.5 million, the city of Seattle remained committed to repaving Fauntleroy this year,” said Seattle Department of Transportation Director Grace Crunican. “I’m pleased (the department) will complete the entire project in 2009, creating a roadway that motorists, pedestrians and bicyclists can enjoy.”

Rechannelization of the segment on Fauntleroy Way Southwest from California Avenue Southwest to Southwest Edmunds occurred in conjunction with the paving project. The new configuration includes one travel lane in each direction with a two-way left turn lane, a bicycle lane northbound and shared lane markings (sharrows) southbound.

According to the city, this configuration has been proven to improve safety, pedestrian access and bicycle usage. 

Minor restoration work such as the traffic curb at California, the median island at Juneau’s new crossing, and some landscaping better suited for the fall time, should be wrapped up by the end of next month.