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About SPU
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Drainage & Sewer System
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Natural Drainage Systems
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Street Edge Alternatives
Street Improvements
The curvilinear roadway, one of the most prominent features of the project, is 14 feet wide (18 feet wide at the intersections). The project team was focused on reducing the paved surfaces where possible. The roadway is wide enough for 2 standard size cars to pass each other slowly.
Vehicle considerations
To address the need for larger vehicles or emergency vehicles to pass when they can not use driveways or parking areas, the edge of the roadway has no curb, and two feet of grass shoulder on each side is designed to accommodate vehicle loading.
The 2-foot concrete border defines a stream-like alignment, serving both a safety and functional purpose. It provides tight control of final paving elevations, which is necessary for the drainage system, and visually defines the roadway edge.
Parking access and sidewalk design
Angle and parallel parking stalls are grouped between swales and driveways. The number of parking spaces provided was determined by owners to meet their needs. Most properties have alley access with parking.
The sidewalk also follows the curvilinear design. It is along only one side of the street to reduce the impervious area. This should be sufficient for a residential street.
Design summary
Deviations from standard guidelines in roadway and sidewalk alignment and width, and use of natural stone and native plantings in the urban street right-of-way represent the design’s ability to meet functional needs in a creative way.
From a neighborhood perspective, SEA Streets explores a new approach for improvements to areas that have none. This has been the focus of study by Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) and Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) over the 4 years.
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