Updated: Nov. 9, 2024

The contractor completed the base lift on Whitman Street between Division Street and Fern Avenue, with the next lift scheduled to occur in the coming weeks. Crews have begun sidewalk excavation work on Whitman Street. Curb and gutter have been installed at the intersections of Division and Lincoln Street, as well as Division and Newell Street.  

During reconstruction of the road, local access will be maintained. Substantial completion is expected by Nov. 2024. 

What is this project going to accomplish?

The Pioneer Park Pedestrian Improvement and Whitman Street IRRP project will install new water main, sewer main and storm infrastructure improvements on Whitman Street from South Division Street to Fern Avenue. New sidewalk will be installed on the north side of Whitman Street to connect the pedestrian path from South Division to Fern Avenue. ADA ramps and storm structures will also be updated at the Lincoln Street/S Division Street and Newell Street/South Division Street intersections. New striping will be placed on Whitman Street from South Division Street to South Roosevelt Street and on South Division Street from East Alder Street to Bryant Avenue.

The project is funded by a Transportation Improvement Board (TBD) grant and the Infrastructure Repair and Replacement Program (IRRP). 

How will this project be funded?

The project is funded by a Transportation Improvement Board (TBD) grant and the Infrastructure Repair and Replacement Program (IRRP).  

Project Information

Following the public meetings and surveys conducted in late May of 2023, City staff and the design consultant considered all public input received and developed a recommendation for the Division Street pedestrian enhancements.  A presentation was given to Council at a work session on 7/10/23 and again at the 7/12/23 regular Council meeting.  Topics included background and history of the project, a summary of the public outreach performed, a summary of public input received, the recommended alternative for Division and Whitman intersection, and justification for why.  Council adopted the preferred alternative that included curb extensions/bulb-outs and rectangular rapid flashing beacon (RRFB) at the Division/Whitman intersection and crosswalk enhancements at the intersection.  The Power Point presentations are included below for those interested in reviewing the information further.

In response to public feedback requesting better bicycle accommodation on Division Street, the engineering consultant then developed conceptual layouts for both bike lanes and sharrows (shared bike/travel lanes) on Division Street.  An online survey was conducted in October, 2023, requesting public feedback on the alternatives.  Additionally, input was sought from both the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) as well as the Parks Recreation and Urban Forestry Advisory Board (PRUFAB).   Both groups unanimously recommended bike lanes be implemented on Division Street.  A majority of the public feedback also indicated a preference for bike lanes, despite this necessitating removal of parking on one side of the road.  Staff and the design consultant completed multiple observations of parking utilization to try and minimize the impact of the lost parking.  The resulting layout will include bike lanes on division Street between Alder Street and Bryant Avenue.  Street parking will be removed on the East side of Division between Alder and Balm.  South of Balm, parking will be removed on the West side.

July 10, 2023 Pioneer Park Council Worksession Presentation
July 12, 2023, Pioneer Park Council Meeting Presentation
Pioneer Park Survey Results

The May Open House presentation of design alternatives is below:

  Interim pedestrian improvements have been installed at the intersection of Division Street and Whitman Street to improve pedestrian safety. These will be removed as part of the permanent improvements.