The long-awaited opening of Auburn’s M Street Southeast underpass is scheduled for Monday, July 22 after a ribbon cutting ceremony at 1 p.m.

The project, which began construction in February 2012, separates M Street Southeast from the at-grade Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) Railway’s Stampede Pass rail crossing.

“We know the closure of M Street Southeast has been a major inconvenience for our citizens,” said Mayor Pete Lewis. “But now, the road will be safer and more functional for vehicles, pedestrians and bicyclists, as well as alleviate traffic congestion well into the future.”

Funding for the project came from multiple sources, including contributions from the Port of Seattle, Port of Tacoma, BNSF Railway, the Washington State Transportation Improvement Board (TIB), the Washington State Freight Mobility and Strategic Investment Board (FMSIB), the Washington State Public Works Trust Fund Board, Federal grants, King County Department of Natural Resource and Parks-Wastewater Treatment Division, and local funds.

Total cost of the project is $22.3 million.

The ribbon cutting will be at the intersection of 4th Street Southeast and M Street Southeast. The public is invited to attend.