Pinehurst Way NE and NE 117th St Intersection And Sidewalk Project

Updated April 24, 2024

What's happening now?

Construction is underway to make safety and mobility improvements and provide connections to Hazel Wolf K-8 School and destinations around the neighborhood.

Project work includes:

New signal, including pole and foundation installation
Drainage improvements
New curbs and gutters with accessible curb ramps
Street paving
New block of sidewalk on the south side of NE 117th St between Roosevelt Way NE and 12th Ave NE

This work includes pavement breaking and other noisy activities. During construction, you can expect:

Temporary and 24/7 closures of the sidewalks near active construction. Sidewalks will be reopened whenever possible and detours will be signed.
Closure of the bike lanes near active construction during working hours. The bike lane will typically reopen at the end of the workday.
Signed detours for people walking, biking, and rolling
On-site flagger during working hours to direct traffic and assist people crossing the street
Noise, dust, and vibrations
Typical weekday working hours from 7 AM – 5 PM

Project Overview

We've been working with the Pinehurst neighborhood to redesign the intersection at Pinehurst Way NE and NE 117th St. As a project identified by the community through the Your Voice, Your Choice program, our goals are to enhance safety and mobility while improving access to Hazel Wolf K-8 School.

Pinehurst Way NE and NE 117th St contains two north-south arterials (Pinehurst Way NE and 15th Ave NE) crossed by an east-west non-arterial (NE 117th St), creating a complex junction of three intersections. The intersection has multiple visibility, channelization, and crossing challenges for people walking, biking, and driving. NE 117th St is also a future neighborhood greenway route that will connect people walking and biking between Olympic Hills, Pinehurst, Maple Leaf, Hazel Wolf K-8 nearby, and the Northgate Link light rail station.

In addition to the intersection reconfiguration, we are planning to further improve walking routes to Hazel Wolf K-8 with a new sidewalk on the south side of NE 117th St between Roosevelt Way NE and 12th Ave NE.

Project Background

Upgrades to Pinehurst Way NE and NE 117th St were first proposed by Hazel Wolf K-8 School and neighborhood residents. Following a successful Your Voice, Your Choice application to design improvements at this intersection, we studied traffic data at this location, which showed a pattern of collisions that could be resolved through a redesign of the intersection. We prioritize these "high collision locations" and put resources toward improving them as soon as possible. Improvements for all modes at this intersection provides a more convenient walking and biking connection to Hazel Wolf K-8 and a connection along the future Pinehurst Neighborhood Greenway.

Project Elements

Install new traffic signals to improve pedestrian and bike crossings and improve traffic flow on Pinehurst Way NE and 15th Ave NE
Re-configure intersection layout, install marked crosswalks and medians to provide safe and comfortable crossings
Restrict turning movements to reduce congestion and potential conflicts
Create a connection for the future Pinehurst Neighborhood Greenway and the future Northgate Link light rail station
Construct a new block of sidewalk on the south side of NE 117th St between Roosevelt Way NE and 12th Ave NE
Reduce the number of collisions
Increase safety and predictability for all travelers

Project Area

NE 117th and Pinehurst intersection existing condition
Current condition at intersection of NE 117th St and Pinehurst Way NE.

Proposed improvements at NE 117th St and Pinehurst Way
Proposed improvements at intersection of NE 117th St and Pinehurst Way NE.

What to Expect During Construction

We will send regular email updates with information on upcoming construction activities. We encourage you to sign up for email updates  to stay informed on project activities. 

Typical construction hours are weekdays from 7 AM - 5 PM, with occasional nighttime and weekend work.  

During construction, people can expect:  

Temporary lane and street closures for people driving. Detours will be provided and signed. 
Temporary sidewalk and crossing closures for people walking and rolling. Detours will be provided and signed. 
Temporary local access only restrictions in some areas
Disruptions to on-street parking
Noise, dust, and vibrations during work hours
Construction equipment staged in the work area
Pedestrian access will be maintained at all times to businesses and residences

Schedule

Construction will begin as soon as spring 2024 and last for approximately 5-6 months.

Funding

This project is funded by a WSDOT Safe Routes to School grant and the 9-year Levy to Move Seattle, approved by voters in 2015. Learn more about the levy at www.seattle.gov/LevytoMoveSeattle.