Sand Point Way NE

What's happening now?

June 23, 2020

As of June 10, 2020, this project has been put on pause. The decision to put a pause on these projects is in response to the significant decline of revenues for the City and our funding partners related to the COVID-19 crisis. The goal is to quickly suspend work on enough projects now to address the SDOT revenue shortfall expected for 2020.

Learn more about what this project pause means, why we are making the pause, and how we will move forward together on the SDOT Blog. Near the end you will see a list of all impacted projects. Please visit this website for future project updates. 

March 2020 - Project update

Last year, several safety enhancements were made along Sand Point Way:

  • New curb bulbs and sidewalks at NE 123rd St
  • Removed slip lanes, new pedestrian-activated flashing beacons and intersection layout at NE 95th St
  • New pedestrian-activated flashing beacons at NE NOAA Dr
  • Improved bike connection between the Burke Gilman Trail and The Mountaineers at NE 77th St
  • Speed limit reduction from 40 MPH to 35 MPH between Princeton Ave NE and NE 74th St

Improvements after work on SPW and NE 95th St, The Mountaineers, NE NOAA Drive, and NE 123rd St

In 2020, construction will begin for:

  • New sidewalks between NE 70th St and NE 77th St
  • Signal timing upgrades to enhance pedestrian crossings at Princeton Ave NE, NE 65th St, NE 70th St and NE 74th St
  • Reconfiguration of NE 74th St intersection (see graphic below)

Construction notices will be mailed out. 

We are working with our Vision Zero and Sidewalk Development programs to make sure improvements contribute to a safer, more comfortable space for all travelers. 

To stay informed about upcoming events, please sign up for our project mailing list and/or keep checking our website for the latest updates and activities.

Background

Sand Point Way NE is an arterial street in northeast Seattle lined with single and multi-family homes. Sand Point Way connects many activity centers such as, University Village, University of Washington, Seattle Children's Hospital, Magnuson Park, and runs parallel to the Burke-Gilman Trail. 16,000 vehicles travel on Sand Point Way NE each weekday and many bus routes serve the corridor.

This project was originally identified by a resident in 2016, who submitted a request to fund sidewalk improvements as part of the Your Voice, Your Choice program. This request led to a transportation study completed in 2017. The study and a review of our citywide transportation plans showed that enhancing Sand Point Way NE would improve safety and accessibility for all travelers.

Project Goals

Our primary goals are to improve safety and mobility along the corridor, so people who live, work, and play along Sand Point Way can have a more comfortable, enjoyable experience. We also plan to improve access to Magnuson Park, and enhance the flow of traffic on Sand Point Way NE.

  • Increase safety and predictability for all travelers
  • Upgrade travel options for those who live, work, and play along Sand Point Way NE
  • Update intersections and enhance pedestrian crossings
  • Enhance access to transportation and recreation for people of all ages and abilities
  • Connect sidewalks to the existing sidewalks, walkways and biking network (Burke-Gilman Trail)

Project Area

The image shows the scope of the project, which is along Sand Point Way from NE 70th St to NE 77th St
Click to enlarge

NE 74th St Intersection Reconfiguration

Intersection of NE 74th St and Sand Point Way

Click to enlarge

Project Outreach*

2016

Community members applied for a Your Voice, Your Choice grant. The grant was used to fund a consultant study suggesting potential improvements for Sand Point Way NE.

2017

On January 25, initial findings from the consultant study were shared at a public meeting.

SDOT reviewed findings from the consultant study.

2018

Initial outreach to inform project priorities and scope

Outreach and design continues through 2018.

2019

Continue outreach and project design.

Completed construction at NE 77th St, NOAA Dr, NE 95th St, and NE 123rd St. 

2020

Begin construction of new sidewalks between 70th and 77th and intersection modifications at NE 74th St. Implement leading pedestrian intervals at four intersections and a new marked crosswalk at NE 77th St. 

*Subject to change

Project Funding

The initial study for this project was funded through Neighborhood Parks and Streets Fund, a program where community members can apply for small-scale improvements to streets and parks. Learn more about NPSF. In 2017, NPSF transformed into the Your Voice, Your Choice: Parks & Streets program.

The project is funded by the Levy to Move Seattle, a 9-year $930 million levy approved by voters in 2015.

Materials

Translation and Interpretation

If you need this information translated, please call (206) 684-8105.