179th Avenue Sidewalk

Project vicinity map

Project Description

The 179th Avenue Sidewalk Project will construct three segments of new sidewalk along the west side of 179th Avenue SE, between 154th Street SE and 157th Place SE. Proposed project elements include concrete sidewalk, planter strip, curb ramps, drainage improvements, pavement markings, bike lane extension, and site restoration. Once complete, this project will provide continuous sidewalk between W Main St and 154th St SE.

City staff applied for several grant programs to help fund this project, including the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) Safe Routes to School Program and the Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC) Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) Program. In 2018, the City received notice of award from PSRC for $73,200 of Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) funds for the design phase, in addition to $561,450 for the construction phase. These grant funds were first available to be obligated in October 2021. The remaining project expenses will be paid using local funds, primarily collected from Transportation Impact Fees and supplemented as necessary with Real Estate Excise Tax.

In 2021, City staff worked with WSDOT to obligate grant funds for the design phase. The City received FHWA fund authorization with a federal share of $73,200 for preliminary engineering. The City solicited for professional engineering and right-of-way services in November. Toole Design was determined to be the most qualified consultant to perform the requested services for this project.

In 2022, Toole Design will provide topographic surveying, environmental analysis, geotechnical engineering, civil engineering, right-of-way services, and public outreach, in addition to permitting assistance and coordination efforts with WSDOT. Property acquisition will need to be negotiated with two residential ownership interests, in addition to securing Temporary Construction Easements (TCE) for up to six residential parcels. City funds will be used for the right-of-way phase.

Final plans, specifications, and estimate (PS&E) will be developed for construction, which is planned for the Spring of 2023. The City intends to select a Construction Management consultant to oversee the construction phase.