Safe Routes to School: Rainier Valley

Updated: June 24, 2020

What's happening now?

Project Overview

Safe Routes to School is a national movement to make it easier and safer for students to walk and bike to school. We're making several improvements to calm traffic, increase visibility, and reduce the crossing distance at intersections. 

New crosswalk and other features at Rainier Ave S and S Rose St

Intersection of Rainier Ave S and S Rose St, March 2020

The intersection of Rainier Ave S and S Rose St has one of the highest incidences of crashes in the corridor. Most crashes happen when drivers are turning left onto and off of Rainier Ave S, and many have involved people walking. Through these improvements, we're working to make this intersection safer and more comfortable for everyone.

In late summer 2020, we will construct extended sidewalk corners, upgraded curb ramps, new crosswalks, left turn lanes, and parking on S Rose St between Rainier Ave S and Wabash Ave S. As soon as 2021, we will install a 4-way traffic light on Rainier Ave S. Through these improvements, we're working to make this intersection safer and more comfortable for everyone.

Project Map

Sidewalks and raised crosswalk at Wing Luke Elementary

Wing Luke Elementary, March 2020

37th Ave S, March 2020

Installing new sidewalks can help to make our neighborhoods walkable and more connected. We are prioritizing this location to fill a gap in the sidewalk and urban trail network, enabling kids and families to walk safely to Wing Luke Elementary School by the time it reopens in January 2021.

During summer 2020, this project will install new sidewalks, improved walkways, a new speed hump, and new crosswalks. Along with existing crosswalks, this project will fill a gap in the sidewalk and urban trail network.

Project Map

 Wolcott Ave S Improvement

S Kenyon St and 52nd Ave S Intersection, March 2020

By early fall 2020, we will upgrade sidewalks and curb ramps on S Kenyon St at the Wolcott Ave S and 52nd Ave S intersections. Through these improvements, we're working to make these intersections safer and more comfortable for everyone.

Project Map

Construction impacts

• During construction, you can expect noise, dust, vibration, and large equipment 
• Traffic lanes and sidewalks may be reduced or detoured where necessary
• Driveways may be temporarily blocked. Businesses and residents will be notified of any driveway closures at least 48 hours in advance
• SDOT is doing some driveway work as part of this project. If your driveway is affected, SDOT has contacted you
• A member of our Real Property Team will be contacting you if we need you to sign a Temporary Construction Easement (TCE) to complete work near your property

Schedule

These improvements are scheduled to be complete by early fall 2020. Construction schedules are subject to change. Subscribe to our email list to receive updates.

Funding

This project is funded by the 9-year Levy to Move Seattle, which was approved by voters in 2015, as well as the local Safe Routes to School program.

Project Library

Rainier and Rose project map, June 2020

37th Ave S and S Kenyon St (Wing Luke Elementary) project map, June 2020

Wolcott Ave S project map, June 2020

Rainier and Rose Improvements Flyer, October 2019

Get Involved

Here are some ways to get more information about the project:

Sign up for project email updates here

Request a briefing for your organization or business (contact us via phone or email)

Review project materials

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