City engineering staff provided a midyear capital projects update on July 15 outlining design and construction schedules for more than a dozen projects, including sewer improvements and a multiuse path on 130 First Avenue NE, the 20th and Main Street roundabout (a federally funded $2.5 million project), Safe Routes to School work on 90 First Avenue, a bridge replacement on 30 Sixth Street, and Frontier Heights Park Phase 2.

Why it matters: the update shows the city's near-term infrastructure pipeline and identifies funding sources and permitting or interagency dependencies that shape schedule risk.

Highlights and timing described by Capital Projects Manager Eric Mangold and staff:
- 130 First Avenue NE: sewer upgrades tied to the Centennial Trail connector and a multiuse path; staff expected to advertise for bids in late July/early August with construction possible in August/September 2025, pending permitting and bid results.
- 20th and Main Street roundabout: federal project with a $2.5 million federal earmark; staff noted extensive NEPA/WSDOT coordination and right-of-way work and estimated construction in late 2026 or early 2027 depending on WSDOT timing.
- 90 First Avenue Phase 2 (Safe Routes to School): design underway with an $800,000 WSDOT grant anticipated; staff expect design through 2025 and construction in summer 2026 to align with the school year.
- Annual citywide striping and pavement preservation: work scheduled to begin in August 2025 with ADA upgrades and park striping prioritized for night work.
- 30 Sixth Street bridge replacement: alternatives analysis and 30% design underway; permitting and potential Public Works Board loan could push construction into 2026 or 2027.
- Downtown regional stormwater facility and related Main Street improvements: 30% designs received; coordination and permitting ongoing with anticipated construction in 2026.
- Frontier Heights Park Phase 2 and Baby Trail Phase 0.5: final plans and permitting underway; advertising for construction anticipated in the coming weeks with 2026 builds targeted.

Project interdependencies and risks: staff highlighted the long lead times for specialty items (for example, ornamental light poles for Main Street), federal and state coordination for NEPA and WSDOT work, right-of-way acquisition needs, utility relocations and stormwater permitting. Eric noted that the Madison of construction timing is tied to permits and funding; for federal projects the city is "at the mercy of WSDOT" on schedule. Council members complimented staff on outreach materials and the web links in the project packet.