S Henderson Stairway

Updated: September 27, 2020

What's Happening Now?

On September 2rd and 3rd, we collected soil samples from the future stairway site to measure the stability of the the slopes in this area in a process called Geotech drilling. 

The information we collect will inform the design of this project. During the drilling, our crews obtained soil samples at three locations along the slope. Two of the locations were accessed from the base of the project area and one location near the top of the project area. The paths at the bottom and top of the project areas were not be connected. 

Project Background

Beginning in 2018, we began studying the feasibility of building a new stairway on S Henderson St between 39th Ave S and 41st Ave S (approx. 440 ft). The new stairway would better connect residents to the Rainier Beach light rail station, local schools, and Rainier Beach Community Center while helping to advance the City's Pedestrian Master Plan goals.

This stairway is currently planned to include multiple landings to meet ADA requirements, lighting, and a runnel for people to walk their bikes up the stairway. The planned staircase, which has received several community requests, provides a direction connection to Rainier Beach Station from South Beacon Hill and reduces walking distance by approximately 0.5 miles.

Rendering of S Henderson stairway
Visualization of stairway upon completion

Project Benefits

  • The new stairway would better connect residents to the Rainier Beach light rail station, local schools, and Rainier Beach Community Center
  • Early design includes a "runnel" (i.e. a smooth surface next to the stairway for people to walk their bikes), multiple landings to make the stairway less steep, and likely upgrades to lighting
  • Project was scored and prioritized based on health/equity factors and the reduced walking distance over the existing street network
  • Walking improvements help make neighborhoods safer and more connected

Project Area

The new stairway would be located on S Henderson St between 39th Ave S and 41st Ave S.

Project Map for S Henderson Stairway

Top of stairway (39th Ave S)
Top of stairway - 39th Ave S

Bottom of stairway (41st Ave S)
Bottom of stairway - 41st Ave S

 

Nearby Projects

Project Materials

Project Planning Notice, December 2018

Visualization of Stairway, June 2020

Funding

This project has received funding through a grant from Sound Transit.

Schedule

Design Phase Timeline Graphic


Questions?