Published February 23 2016
One of the city's busiest intersections is now open to traffic after being rebuilt, streamlined and improved.
Previously, drivers heading north or south on 120th Avenue Northeast, at Northeast Eighth Street, had to take a circuitous route because the three-way intersection did not allow for through traffic. Now, the "jog" has been removed and replaced with a four-way intersection, allowing drivers and bicyclists in the area to get where they're going sooner.
Other intersection improvements include a new traffic signal system, interim lane markings and a temporary U-turn at Northeast Eighth in the eastbound direction. The reconfigured intersection opened to traffic over the weekend.
This rebuild is part of a broader, three-stage effort to improve 120th Avenue Northeast, from Northeast Fourth Street to Northup Way. The 120th Avenue Northeast, Stage 2 project (Northeast Seventh to Northeast 12th Street) is expected to be completed later this year.
Along with the extension of Northeast Fourth Street, which opened in October, the improvements on 120th Avenue are intended to reduce congestion and accommodate anticipated higher traffic volumes between downtown and the BelRed area.
More information on upcoming improvements can be found on the project web page. A map showing the changes also is available.