Traffic is now flowing in both directions on both Redmond Way and Cleveland Street after a year of construction and congestion in downtown Redmond.

Prior to construction work that was completed on Oct. 20 on Redmond Way, the street was a one-way. Cleveland Street opened to two-way traffic on Sept. 8.

The work included making improvements at multiple intersections, including utility upgrades and new traffic signals, lighting, paving and sidewalk upgrades.

Local business owners had told The Reporter in previous stories of their concerns that construction was hurting business, but that they were optimistic that once traffic opened it would help alleviate their concerns.

A lack of parking is still a problem for businesses, many owners said.

However, now that Redmond Way is open, additional parking spots will be available on the south side of the street.

During the course of work, the upgrades to Redmond Way saw both daytime and night work during utility installation.

The street conversions were part of the city’s plan to create a more complete street grid in the downtown corridor.

The budget for the project was $27 million, which included right-of-way design and construction, and city staff have said the upgrades were completed within budget.

In recent years, the city has constructed the Bear Creek Parkway, 171st Avenue Northeast, 164th Avenue Northeast and the Cleveland streetscape.

Construction by private developers is continuing on the north side of Redmond way.

Private development is also slated to begin on a second westbound lane of Redmond Way starting east of 164th Avenue Northeast and will include sidewalks, parking areas and frontage improvements.

Work on Redmond’s Downtown Park is also underway.

When it is completed, it will be the first urban park in Redmond.

Construction of the $17 million park started this summer and construction is expected to be completed by the summer of 2018.

The 2.2-acre park will include a pavilion, stage, splash pad, lawn and a dining grove. It will be located at 161st Avenue Northeast and Leary Way Northeast.