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Public Works outlines 2024 capital achievements and major projects for 2025
Summary
Engineers summarized 2024 accomplishments — pedestrian bridge completion, pavement preservation, sidewalks and utility work — and previewed 2025 construction including C Street preservation, regional growth center access, M&O facility, Garden Avenue realignment and downtown infrastructure work.
Senior project engineers Matthew Larson and Jeff Bender summarized Auburn Public Works’ 2024 capital projects and outlined key projects slated to move into design or construction in 2025.
Larson said Public Works preserved about 2.5 lane miles of pavement in 2024, installed roughly 5,200 linear feet of sidewalk and added about 21 street lights. He highlighted the new pedestrian bridge over the White River as a major 2024 completion and said the Auburn Avenue Theatre demolition has prepared the site for the planned new theater and downtown park.
Bender walked council through several projects anticipated to start or continue construction this spring and summer, including: - C Street Southwest preservation (CP 21‑23), with water‑main and storm upgrades and construction anticipated to begin in May; - Regional Growth Center access improvements (CP 21‑10) including nonmotorized improvements, decorative signals and upgraded lighting; - Public Works maintenance and operations facility expansion, adding six vehicle bays and office space (bids opening in early February and construction expected to start in March); - Garden Avenue realignment (CP 20‑22), with construction anticipated in March; - Auburn Way South widening phase from Hemlock to Poplar (CP 16‑22), a federally funded project with bids opening the week of the study session; and - Downtown infrastructure improvements (CP 23‑21) including a Main/Auburn signal, water, storm and sewer upgrades, and plaza improvements that support future redevelopment.
Bender also described ongoing neighborhood traffic calming and sidewalk repair programs and said the project list includes traffic circles, speed cushions and localized sidewalk fixes.
Council members asked technical and timing questions. Baldwin asked about electrical and staging implications for the M&O expansion; staff said sequencing with the utility provider (Puget Sound Energy) and continuity of power to critical facilities is planned and will be coordinated. Deputy Mayor Raikes and other council members praised the newly completed pedestrian bridge.
Why it matters: The work outlines city investments in transportation, utilities and downtown infrastructure that will affect construction schedules, traffic patterns and downtown redevelopment in 2025.
No council vote occurred at the study session; staff requested continued direction as necessary for project implementation and permitting.
