The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) is planning for new “repaving” projects in Southeast Seattle and Northeast Seattle. In Southeast Seattle, SDOT plans to tackle corridors on S Alaska St, Wilson Ave S, and Swift Ave S/S Myrtle St/S Myrtle Pl. Meanwhile up in Northeast Seattle, SDOT plans is focusing on the corridors of 35th Ave NE/NE 45th Pl, 15th Ave NE, and Brooklyn Ave NE/Cowen Pl NE.

Current conditions of Wilson Ave S at S Findlay St. (Google Maps)
Current conditions of Wilson Ave S at S Findlay St. (Google Maps)

The projects could incorporate other elements beyond street repaving, similar to what we’ve seen in Roosevelt and the University District. Street redesigns with improved crossings, repaired sidewalks, new bikes lanes, and transit facilities could be deployed. In the first phase of the project, SDOT is soliciting feedback about how people move about their neighborhoods and the issues that they see with their streets. In the next phase, SDOT will share what they heard from communities, local traffic data, and initial street designs. The final planning phase will identify preferred corridor concepts that SDOT will implement sometime in 2018.

Southeast Seattle repaving projects planned for 2018. (City of Seattle)
Southeast Seattle repaving projects planned for 2018. (City of Seattle)
Northeast Seattle repaving projects planned for 2018. (City of Seattle)
Northeast Seattle repaving projects planned for 2018. (City of Seattle)

As the map above notes, a stretch of 35th Ave NE between NE 55th St and NE 65th St will not be repaved. Those who have traveled the corridor know that the newer concrete has been poured providing an optimal driving and biking surface. However, SDOT will still consider other mobility improvements on it.

Current condition of 35th Ave NE just north of NE 55th St. (Google Maps)
Current condition of 35th Ave NE just north of NE 55th St. (Google Maps)

Short surveys for the Southeast and Northeast paving projects are open through this Sunday (September 18th).

Article Author

Stephen is a professional urban planner in Puget Sound with a passion for sustainable, livable, and diverse cities. He is especially interested in how policies, regulations, and programs can promote positive outcomes for communities. With stints in great cities like Bellingham and Cork, Stephen currently lives in Seattle. He primarily covers land use and transportation issues and has been with The Urbanist since 2014.