June 26, 2023

Merlino lands Pioneer Square ped improvements contract

Renderings by MIG via Waterfront Seattle [enlarge]

Work includes the addition of raised intersections at Occidental Park to make crossings easier and more accessible for pedestrians.

As expected, the city of Seattle has awarded Gary Merlino Construction the construction contract for its Pioneer Square East-West Pedestrian Improvements project.

The project will make improvements to portions of Yesler Way, South King, South Main and South Washington streets.

Merlino's contract is for $12.6 million. Construction should begin this fall, with an estimated completion in late 2024.

[enlarge]

Washington Street will get new curbless streets to forge a more seamless connection to the waterfront.

The project, which is part of the waterfront revamp, first went out to bid in November 2022. The city rejected an initial three bids and rebid the project in May. Merlino was the low bidder for both rounds. The firm's initial bid was $13.7 million.

In a press release, the city said the project will connect the core of Pioneer Square to the new waterfront by making it easier to walk, roll and cycle between these areas. Design improvements include curbless streets to help calm traffic, wider sidewalks that accommodate cafes and other activations, and added greenery and native plants to improve the pedestrian experience.

The design will also implement safer and shorter street crossings. South Washington and South Main streets will become one-way streets to reduce vehicle traffic while still allowing for emergency vehicle access. Parking and loading zones for neighborhood businesses will be maintained.

MIG designed the improvements.

The design team consulted with members of local tribes to develop interpretive panels for the project that will recognize the Indigenous history of the area. The panels will include illustrations and storytelling, as well as explanations of native plant history in Pioneer Square and their usage.