For the Reporter
Meeker Street under State Route 167 will be closed to all traffic from 6 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 29 to 6 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 30 so city crews can clean the underside of the overpass.
The busy underpass is a gateway to Kent which connects the city’s downtown core, and its growing number of residents, to businesses on Washington Avenue.
Part of a larger beautification effort, the cleaning is the first phase of planned underpass improvements which, depending on the success of a fundraising effort, could include creative paint treatment, improved lighting, art or a combination of the three.
“With this project, we are looking to improve the sense of safety and cleanliness by not only doing the necessary maintenance, but adding visual interest through creative design elements,” said Ben Wolters, Kent’s economic and community development director. “We want users to see this area as both an attractive pedestrian connection and welcoming gateway to our downtown.”
While the city has fronted the necessary cleanup costs, the beautification project is in the fundraising stage.
The Kent Downtown Partnership has raised more than $10,000 to apply to an estimated initial cost of $50,000 to commission a lasting design for the underpass. If community interest in the project grows, the city will consider an expanded fundraising effort for a more ambitious artistic installation.
Individuals interested in the fundraising effort may contact Bill Ellis at wellis@KentWA.gov or 253-856-5707.
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