Sidewalk Prioritization Policy

Overview

The goal of the sidewalk construction program is to improve comfort and safety for pedestrians . Given the extent of streets without sidewalks in Seattle, sidewalk construction will be prioritized first in areas that have the most potential for people walking, particularly people for whom walking is a primary means of transportation. Therefore, sidewalk projects within urban villages, on streets that are adjacent to pedestrian-friendly land uses that also have relatively high vehicle volumes and speeds will be given the highest priority. In addition, sidewalk projects will receive priority if:

• they are near a facility that generates higher-than-average pedestrian traffic (such as a transit stop or a library)
• they serve a population that uses walking as a primary form of transportation (such as school-age children)
• they fill in or expand the existing sidewalk network

Sidewalk Prioritization Criteria and Process