MYNORTHWEST NEWS

Seattle sidewalks in disrepair to be prioritized by City Council

Dec 18, 2023, 5:30 AM | Updated: 8:50 am

seattle seahawks...

(Photo courtesy of SDOT)

(Photo courtesy of SDOT)

The City of Seattle unanimously passed legislation that would help create new and repair existing sidewalks throughout the city. Councilmember Tammy Morales, representing Seattle’s District 2, sponsored the bill.

The legislation will require the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) to install a sidewalk or fix deficient sidewalks along the street during major paving projects. This legislation will apply to all projects that cost more than $1 million. SDOT’s director will have the authority to determine if full compliance with the requirements is not possible on any given project. SDOT will also have to give annual updates to the council about their progress.

More on Seattle’s roads: Dangerous drivers create difficult commute for Seattle biking community

“Sidewalks are essential public infrastructure that provides a public good and enables mobility for everyone regardless of age, ability, or income,” Councilmember Morales said in a prepared statement. “Investing in sidewalks means investing in our whole community.”

Minor repaving projects, referred to as pavement “spot improvements” as well as routine pothole repairs completed by city street crews, would not be covered by this change in city law.

Morales also credited several organizations — including Disability Rights Washington, Smart Growth America, Commute Seattle and Seattle Neighborhood Greenways — for helping get this legislation passed.

Nearly a quarter of Seattle’s streets are missing sidewalks, according to SDOT. At the current annual rate of sidewalk construction, the department estimated it would take 407 years before every Seattle street had a sidewalk. North and South Seattle lack sidewalks the most and both see disproportionately high numbers of pedestrians and cyclists being killed by vehicles.

More on dangerous road conditions: Research finds Fall is the most dangerous season for drivers

This legislation, decreasing the thousands of city blocks without sidewalks, pairs with Mayor Bruce Harrell’s Vision Zero proposal — a plan that would end traffic deaths and serious injuries on city streets by 2030.  In Seattle, more than 10,000 crashes occur annually, resulting in an average of 28 people losing their lives and nearly 180 people seriously injured, according to SDOT.

Additionally, according to a 2021 audit, SDOT found nearly half of the sidewalks in the city are in a “fair” or worse condition.

The bill creates a new policy prioritizing sidewalk creation and improvements in areas where pedestrian movement is impaired by the absence of sidewalks; where sidewalks would provide access to schools, parks and transit; that are very dense; and equity-priority areas where people are at high risk of displacement.

MyNorthwest News

mt hood hiker found...

Frank Sumrall

Body of 33-year-old experienced hiker found in Mt. Hood National Forest

The Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office has identified the body of a hiker found in the Mt. Hood National Forest.

33 minutes ago

dog abuse video...

Samantha Lomibao, KIRO 7 News

Dog abuse video goes viral: How the community came together to rescue a dog in Seattle

A dog is rescued after a disturbing video was posted online appearing to show it being punched and strangled inside a Seattle apartment.

2 hours ago

Camp Long West Seattle...

Steve Coogan

Major fire damages lodge at historic Camp Long in West Seattle

One of the primary buildings at the historic Camp Long in the West Seattle neighborhood of Seattle caught fire Monday night.

6 hours ago

Photo: A picture of butter. Nearly 80,000 pounds of Costco butter is being recalled....

Julia Dallas

Butter safe than sorry: FDA recalls nearly 80,000 pounds of Costco product

The Food and Drug Administration certainly gives little margarine for error after recalling nearly 80,000 pounds of Costco butter last month.

15 hours ago

Image:The Seattle Police Department was on the scene in the Chinatown-International District Friday...

Steve Coogan and Luke Duecy

New info about suspect accused in series of Seattle stabbings revealed

Prosecutors in King County are releasing new information about the man arrested on suspicion of multiple Seattle stabbings.

16 hours ago

Photo: A teen girl was arrested following a demonstration in downtown Seattle....

Julia Dallas

17-year-old girl arrested during downtown Seattle demonstration

A teen girl was arrested while participating in a demonstration in Belltown and downtown Seattle during the weekend.

17 hours ago

Seattle sidewalks in disrepair to be prioritized by City Council