King County is set to begin a major project aimed at enhancing pedestrian safety and calming traffic on 16th Avenue SW between SW 100th Street and SW 107th Street in White Center.

The project, which is scheduled to begin construction in the summer of 2025, includes a variety of changes to the roadway, including repaving, new lane markings, bike lanes, and sidewalk curb extensions.

Upcoming Road Work

Before the major construction begins, the county will replace a worn-out drainage pipe under the north side of SW 104th Street5.... This work will occur in three phases in March and April 20256.

• Phase 1: No parking will be allowed on the north side of SW 104th Street between 15th and 16th avenues SW for 1-2 weeks. This is to allow for construction equipment to be parked in the parking lane.

• Phase 2: The intersection at 16th Avenue SW and SW 104th Street will be closed to through traffic for two weeks. The north side of 16th Avenue SW at SW 104th Street, between the green building and Chop Shop commissary, will be closed in both directions. Detours will be in place via SW 102nd St. to 15th Ave SW to 16th Ave SW for northbound traffic and SW 106th St. to 15th Ave SW to 16th Ave SW for southbound traffic.

• Phase 3: Limited parking will be available on the north side of SW 104th Street between 16th and 17th avenues SW for 1-2 weeks, while no parking will be allowed on the south side of the road.

Pedestrian Safety and Traffic Calming Project

The improvements along 16th Avenue SW are designed to slow traffic and create a safer environment for pedestrians and cyclists.

The project includes:

• One lane in each direction: This will help prevent speeding and make crossings safer for pedestrians.

• Center turn lane: This will provide a safer space for drivers to make left turns and allow traffic to flow freely in the main travel lanes.

• Sidewalk curb extensions: At SW 104th and SW 106th street intersections, these extensions will shorten crossing distances for pedestrians and help drivers see them.

• Rapid flashing lights and new pedestrian crossing signs: These will be installed at intersections without traffic signals to alert drivers when pedestrians are crossing at SW 104th and SW 106th streets.

• Bike lanes in both directions: New five-foot wide bike lanes will separate cyclists from motor vehicle traffic, with an additional two-foot buffer zone on each side.

Construction Timeline and Impact

Construction is scheduled to begin in the summer of 2025, with road paving and new lane markings being added. Work will generally occur during the day, from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday, although overnight work will be necessary for paving, which is expected to last about 12 days.

During construction, residents can expect:

• Noise from construction equipment.

• Temporary lane closures and possible traffic delays.

• No on-street parking in active work areas.

• Potential temporary sidewalk closures with detours.

• Possible brief limitations to driveway access.

Access to businesses and homes will be maintained throughout the project.

Community Involvement

The project was designed with significant community input, including two surveys and community meetings.The community was given two design options, one with bike lanes and one without, with the community ultimately choosing the option with bike lanes.The decision to include bike lanes was also supported by traffic safety experts.

Project Funding

The total estimated cost of the project is $1.9 million and is funded by COVID Relief grant money, a grant from the national Highway Safety Improvement Program, and local funds.

King County encourages community members to contact them with any questions or concerns. Updates on the project will be regularly posted on the project website.