Sidewalks

Sidewalks are the building blocks of an effective pedestrian network. There are currently more than 2,000 miles of sidewalks in Seattle, yet many areas in the city do not have sidewalks at all.

SDOT is committed to increasing the number of sidewalks in the city. More money is now available to fund sidewalk construction as part of the Bridging the Gap levy for transportation maintenance and improvements. In addition to local funds, SDOT also looks for state or federal grants to build sidewalks.

Please refer below for additional information about sidewalk construction in Seattle.

Will SDOT be building a sidewalk in my neighborhood?
SDOT has a Sidewalk Development Program for the construction of new sidewalks throughout Seattle. Projects are selected using a prioritization criteria that considers several factors. These factors include distance to parks, schools, community centers and transit. Current projects are also being targeted within designated urban villages.

Please click here to see SDOT's sidewalk prioritization criteria.

Support for a particular project is taken into account when multiple projects receive the same ranking. If you support the construction of a new sidewalk on your street, e-mail the Pedestrian and Bicycle Program at WalkAndBike@Seattle.gov or call (206) 684-7583.

How much do sidewalks cost?
Sidewalks can cost anywhere from $40,000 to $300,000 per block depending on the specific circumstance such as the construction material (i.e. asphalt or concrete), drainage concerns, impacts to adjacent property and the inclusion of planting areas and/or curbs.

How long does a typical sidewalk project take?
Construction of sidewalks typically takes 2 weeks, though some larger projects can take longer. Issues such as weather and material availability also factor in to completion time. SDOT works hard to minimize the impact of sidewalk construction on adjacent property owners.

How can I find out what projects are happening?
SDOT's 2008 sidewalk projects:

• Greenwood Avenue North between N 132nd & N 136th Streets
  
• N 133rd Street between Greenwood Avenue North & Bitter Place North
  
• 28th Avenue NE at NE 127th Street
  
• 6th Avenue South between Yesler Way & S Washington Street
  
• S Washington Street between 5th & 6th Avenues S
  
• S Dearborn Street at 8th Avenue S
  
• 25th Avenue SW between SW Thistle & Cloverdale Streets
  
• 28th Avenue S between S Brighton & S Frontenac Streets
  
• S Frontenac Street between 28th Ave S & the Van Asselt Community Center