Willow Creek Fish Passage Restoration Project

Updated September 27, 2022

What's Happening Now?

We are currently in the design phase of this project and gathering information on existing utilities and soil conditions to determine the feasibility of the proposed changes. Construction is expected to start as soon as late 2023.

Project Background

In summer of 2021, The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) completed construction of the Northgate Pedestrian and Bicycle Bridge over I-5 in the Northgate neighborhood of North Seattle. The Bridge runs over and through the North Watercourse, which is a tributary to the South Branch of Thornton Creek. The Bridge project has impacted the North Watercourse by decreasing habitat and retaining the barrier to fish passage.

Upon completion of this project, we agreed to mitigate for these impacts off-site at Willow Creek, which is located at NE 100th Street near Lake City Way. The proposed changes consist of re-routing the creek and removing two culverts that are currently blockages to fish passage.. This new outlet drainage pipe will connect to the City of Seattle’s storm drainage system along 1st Ave NE which is not fish passable

Project Maps

A graphic map showing the city right of way on NE 100th street as it extends over Willow Creek

Pictured: Existing Conditions at NE 100th St.

A graphic map showing the location of the proposed drainage pipe at NE 100th street which will re-route the creek from the right of way.

Pictured: The location of the proposed drainage pipe at NE 100th St.

Project Library

Construction Notice (November 2021)