Safe Routes to School: Rainier Valley

Updated: February 3, 2021

What's happening now?

Construction Wrap-up Timeline  

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've made several improvements to calm traffic, increase visibility, and reduce the crossing distance at intersections. 

Rainier Ave S and S Rose St

We completed several improvements that will make the Rainier Ave S and S Rose St intersection safer and more comfortable for everyone. New intersection elements include extended sidewalk corners, new crosswalks, added parking on S Rose St between Rainier Ave S and Wabash Ave S, upgraded curb ramps, and left turn lanes. We also completed some prep work for the next phase of improvements; as early as next year, SDOT will install a traffic signal at this intersection. We weren't able to install the signal this year because of limited crew availability during the pandemic.

SW corner of Rainier Ave S and S Rose St

At the intersection of Rainier Ave S and S Rose St, crews have finished pedestrian safety improvements

Project Map

Rainier - Rose Improvements

Wing Luke Elementary

We prioritized 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. Project elements completed since June include a new sidewalk, a midblock raised crosswalk on S Kenyon St, and a new connection to Chief Sealth Trail.

37th and Kenyon Pedestrian Improvements
Near Wing Luke Elementary, a new sidewalk and curb ramp are complete.

Project Map

S Kenyon St Project Map

S Kenyon St at Wolcott Ave S and 52nd Ave S

Earlier this fall, we started making improvements along S Kenyon St at 52nd Ave S and at Wolcott Ave S. It was a continuation of work that began in 2019 with new planting strips and sidewalks. This year, we made curb ramp and drainage improvements, as well as upgraded sidewalks. We identified some issues at the site and couldn't complete all of our work, so after a revised design is approved, crews returned in January 2021 and completed the improvements.

S Kenyon St near the intersection of 52nd Ave S and Wolcott Ave S

The current phase of work on S Kenyon St near the intersections of 52nd Ave S and Wolcott Ave S is wrapping up.

Project Map

Wolcott and Kenyon - curb ramps 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

Schedule

These improvements were completed in early 2021, with the exception of the permanent pavement markings, which will be installed when the weather allows.

Funding

This project was 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

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