The City of Tacoma marked the completion of its latest eco-friendly road construction project during a ribbon-cutting ceremony Wednesday.

The Alaska Street Roadway Project has been billed as a “green” project because it includes elements of the complete streets guidelines, a plan that aims to provide street designs that safely, comfortably and appropriately accommodate all users and transportation modes; foster a sense of place in the public realm; and reduce environmental impacts.

The project on Alaska Street, which included a 5,400 foot section that stretched from South 56th to South 72nd Street, involved the installation of sidewalks, curb ramps, bike lanes, street lights; landscaping pervious concrete pavement and pedestrian islands; replacing storm lines, sanitary sewer and power lines; and the installation of porous concrete and infiltration trenches. The project is located near the Tacoma Mall and aims to promote access to the park and ride lot located at South 56th Street and Alaska Street.

Most of the funding for the $6 million project was provided by a grant from the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT). WSDOT’s Transportation Improvement Board awarded a $5 million grant, and the City of Tacoma provided a 20 per cent local match, according to the City of Tacoma’s project Web site, located online at http://www.cityoftacoma.org/Page.aspx?hid=16297.

According to city officials, the project aims to promote access to the park and ride lot located at South 56th Street and Alaska Street. The project also serves as a parallel facility to Interstate 5 and has two cross streets that access the Tacoma Mall Center. The Tacoma Mall Center includes a Transit Center located less than one mile from the project.