The city of Newcastle and Sound Transit held a dedication event at City Hall on Wednesday to celebrate transit improvements near the intersection of Newcastle Way and Coal Creek Parkway.

The $4.6 million project included construction of four new bus shelters and space for bus shelters to be added in the future. Additional improvements include new street channelization, signal system upgrades, bicycle lanes, and sidewalks.

Sound Transit Board Chair and Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon and Newcastle Deputy Mayor Steven J. Buri spoke at the event.

“Sound Transit is pleased to have partnered with the city of Newcastle to fund needed transit improvements in one of our region’s busiest transportation hubs,” said Reardon. “New bus shelters, upgraded signals, sidewalks and other work will boost bus speed and reliability, improve traffic circulation, and enhance safety for pedestrians and cyclists.”

The city of Newcastle entered into an agreement with Sound Transit in December of 2006 for the design and construction of the project. Sound Transit provided $4.0 million in funding. The city covered the remaining costs.