The Study

The Downtown East/West Corridor Study (DEWCS) is now complete.  Click on the links provided to view the final version of the following documents associated with the study:

DEWCS Master Plan and Implementation Strategy.  This summary document was adopted by the City Council by resolution in March 2009.  It provides overall guidance on the Downtown Vision, Corridor Master Plan and Implementation Strategy.

City staff anticipates moving forward with the implementation steps in 2009.  In addition to continued coordination with local businesses, implementation steps include design, working to obtain the necessary rights to the Burlington Northern/Santa Fe (BNSF) right-of-way, and devising a financial plan to fully fund the implementation strategy.  Staff will also continue to meet with the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) to gain their approval for the City's proposed project.

The following reflects study activities to date: 

The City of Redmond has a vision to reclaim downtown as an economically healthy, people-friendly place, enhanced by the movement of pedestrians, bikes, cars and a diversity of businesses.  A significant passage was made towards turning that vision into reality with the first public meeting for the Downtown East/West Corridor Study (DEWCS) on June 19, 2008. 

A second public meeting was held on November 17.  The Public Meetings page holds more information on both of these meetings.

A comprehensive approach to examining issues in Redmond's downtown began in 2001 with the Downtown Transportation Master Plan (DTMP).  It was through this process that stakeholders expressed their desire to reconnect the grid, route through traffic onto Bear Creek Parkway and SR 520, return the existing couplet to two-way traffic, and improve the pedestrian environment.  This vision could be achieved through some bold changes in the way circulation functions in downtown Redmond. 

Implementation of the Transportation Master Plan (TMP)

The Redmond Way and Cleveland Street corridors are identified in the Three-Year Priority Action Plan of the Transportation Master Plan (TMP) for project development to convert the existing one-way couplet to two-way streets.  (See pages 9.1 to 9.7 of the TMP).  Click on the link to see a vicinity map of the study area.  DEWCS will build on the conceptual plan for the couplet that is in the DTMP and the subsequent Bear Creek Parkway Extension preliminary design study.  The couplet project will help define downtown Redmond's transportation system and help to meet the community's goal to have a vibrant downtown that is a destination and a hub for social networking with Cleveland Street designated as the "boutique street" promenade.

On March 17, 2009 a resolution was put before the City Council to approve the final Downtown East/West Corridor Study Master Plan and Implementation Strategy, in addition to amendments to the 2009-2014 Transportation Improvement Program (6-Year TIP) that would deliver the implementation strategy.  The purpose of the DEWCS Master Plan and Implementation Strategy is to provide a build-out plan for transportation in the heart of Downtown Redmond and identify specific project improvements the City will fund, design, and construct in the near future.  The plan supports the continued revitalization of Downtown and meets the principles below that were developed to guide the study.   

The Downtown East/West Corridor Study Master Plan and Implementation Strategy provides the following:

• an evaluation of the couplet to confirm the conversion to two-way operation given present and future traffic conditions
• a preliminary design of the future of Cleveland Street and Redmond Way from 159 Avenue NE to 170 Avenue NE, and the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad/NE 76 Street right-of-way
• an urban design and streetscape
• construction phasing plans and cost estimates
• interagency coordination with WSDOT, Metro and Sound Transit that results in an approved channelization plan from WSDOT
• a plan that coordinates with City utility work and franchise utilities
• a robust public involvement process
   

Project Principles
Work during the DEWCS process was guided by the following set of project principles, approved by the City Council on March 18, 2008.  These principles will continue to be used throughout design and construction:

Circulation.  Streets should provide connectivity and circulation for all modes while maintaining a level of traffic flow consistent with an urban downtown.

Parking.  Parking should be available for businesses, residents, visitors, and local deliveries and should support the pedestrian environment and the viability of transit.

Travel Choices.  Facilities and services should be designed to support the goal of having transit, walking, bicycling, and carpooling comprise a significant share of the trips to and from downtown.

Parks and Open Spaces.  Streetscape, parks and open space should create a sense of place, be linked and serve a variety of purposes.

Land Use.  Streets should accommodate and encourage the future land use vision.

Great Streets.  Downtown streets should contribute to and reinforce this area as a destination and the heart of downtown by creating economically vibrant and pedestrian supportive streets.

Cleveland Street.  Cleveland Street should be a traditional "Main Street" promenade.

Railroad Right-of-Way.  Any design should take full advantage of this asset, including high capacity transit, non-motorized trail and other opportunities.