Council approves preliminary design contract for Newcastle Way widening (T58) after debate; 3‑2 vote

The Newcastle City Council voted 3–2 on Jan. 21 to approve Resolution 2025‑1022, authorizing a design contract with David Evans & Associates to perform preliminary (concept) design for the Newcastle Way widening project (T58).

Carrie Sullivan, project manager, told the council the project appears in the city’s comprehensive plan (table TR 5), the transportation master plan and the city’s transportation impact fee (TIF) calculations. The T58 preliminary design is intended to produce corridor concepts and 30% design plots with cost estimates and to align design choices with a coincident intersection project (T55) at 100th Avenue SE and 23rd Avenue SE. Sullivan said the work will include a full topographical survey for the 100/23rd area and use aerial imagery elsewhere for concept‑level work.

Sullivan said T58’s preliminary design will help answer key design questions — for example, whether a roundabout, mini‑roundabout, traffic circle or a signalized intersection best fits 100th and 23rd, and how such a choice would integrate with corridor widening. She told the council, “No. We do not need a study. We'll be ready to move forward with a final design,” when asked if subsequent study would be required after completing the T58 work.

Council debate split along lines of long‑term planning versus near‑term cost caution. Supporters said the concept‑level design is a standard step to avoid costly rework later and to improve safety and level of service at intersections. One council member cited prior preliminary design work on other corridors as helpful preparation for later construction phases.

Opponents questioned whether the project should proceed now and raised cost priorities. One council member said Newcastle Way currently functions adequately and expressed skepticism about spending on a widening project at this time, noting other city needs. During debate a council member referenced an estimated construction total of about $13 million for the widening and about $1 million for T55, which figured into their fiscal concerns.

The motion on the floor — to adopt Resolution 2025‑1022 and approve a design contract with David Evans & Associates as presented — passed on a 3–2 vote. The council did not record individual named votes on the public record during the roll call for this item; the meeting minutes show the tally as 3 yes, 2 no and the motion carried.

The contract calls for concept‑level corridor design and 30% design work, including cost estimates to inform the final design for T55 and later construction planning. Staff said the preliminary design is intended to reduce the risk of incompatible construction phasing and to set realistic budget expectations for future capital planning.