Kent plans improvements to First Avenue North

Crews will install new parking spots, sidewalks, curbs and trees along First Avenue North in Kent between West Smith Street and West Temperance Street.

Crews will install new parking spots, sidewalks, curbs and trees along First Avenue North in Kent between West Smith Street and West Temperance Street.

The City Council approved a low bid of $368,815 to NPM Construction of Maple Valley earlier this month for the street improvements adjacent to the Sound Transit parking garage and the Burlington Northern Santa Fe railroad tracks.

The project will provide 36 new parking spaces. Twelve spots will go in between West Smith and West Temperance streets and 24 between West Temperance and West James streets. The all-day parking will include two electric vehicle charging stations.

There is no parking along the street now and drainage is poor, Tim LaPorte, city public works director said.

Kent received a $272,000 pedestrian mobility grant from the state Department of Transportation to help pay for the work. The city’s business and occupation tax funds will cover the rest of the costs.




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