Safe Routes to School: Rainier Valley
Updated: December 14, 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'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.
At the intersection of Rainier Ave S and S Rose St, crews have finished pedestrian safety improvements
Project Map
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.
Near Wing Luke Elementary, a new sidewalk and curb ramp are complete.
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 will be returning as early as January to wrap up tasks for drainage, curb ramps, and sidewalks.
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
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 will wrap up in 2021. Construction schedules are subject to change. Subscribe to our email list to receive updates.
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
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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