Information from Seattle Department of Transportation

by Ethan Bancroft on May 24, 2024

At-a-glance:

• We’re moving forward with Alki Point Healthy Streetupgrades, based on robust community input over the past several years.
• We paused the installation briefly to meet with marine mammal and environmental stewardship stakeholders and listen to their concerns. Construction is now expected to begin as soon as June. 
• This Healthy Street offers a unique space for community members to walk, bike, and roll while taking in views of Elliott Bay and West Seattle’s Alki Beach and marine reserve.
• Newest features in response to community feedback include:  
  • Welcome signs  
  • Additional load zones that can be used by school buses 
  • Inviting community artwork celebrating nature  
  • Adding parking time restrictions and guidelines on more nearby streets to make it easier for visitors to find a space. 
• Previously announced additions based on community requests: 
  • A 10-foot path along the beachfront separated from people driving,  
  • Three new ADA-accessible parking spaces,  
  • New public parking signs and guidelines at two nearby locations  
• Toward the end of the year, we’ll share an evaluation with vehicle speeds, foot traffic, and parking use, and include a user experience survey. 
• For the latest details, please visit our website and sign up for email updates.

We’re moving forward to install the permanent features on Alki Point Healthy Street in West Seattle. More than two years of outreach and engagement have resulted in a final design that includes many elements requested by the community. These include a 10-foot-wide space for pedestrians and cyclists, 3 new ADA-accessible parking spaces, speed humps, clearer signage, and more.

Together, these new elements will help build a positive space where people can be active, connect with friends and neighbors, and enjoy Alki Point’s spectacular views. We’re excited to make these enhancements permanent so all people can enjoy this unique area for years to come.

Since 2020, we have been evaluating and updating Healthy Streets across the city based on community use and public feedback. Healthy Streets are a commitment in the Mayor’s Transportation & Climate Justice Executive Order, guiding our work to prioritize and expand actions that equitably reduce or eliminate greenhouse gas emissions within the transportation sector. These efforts also closely align with the recently adopted Seattle Transportation Plan, the City of Seattle’s 20-year vision for the future of transportation in Seattle, in particular around Livability and Streets for People elements.

Councilmember Rob Saka, who represents District 1 and West Seattle, has been engaged in bringing together all concerned stakeholders – hearing the many voices through meetings, emails, and phone calls. 

“My office has been engaged in bringing together all concerned stakeholders – hearing the many voices through meetings, countless emails, and phone calls.  After extensive communications with impacted communities and SDOT, we are in support of SDOT’s proposed changes to the Healthy Street to address the concerns.  While compromises may not fully satisfy everyone, we look forward to continued community involvement in the evaluation report that will be published this fall as to how these changes are working.  We believe that Alki Point is a most treasured area to be enjoyed by all.”  – Seattle City Councilmember Rob Saka

Alki Point is a regional park and marine reserve habitat, as well as a destination for many popular outdoor activities like kayaking and paddle boarding, whale watching, exploring the low tides, and taking in views of sunsets and the mountains.

While people can still drive to destinations on the street – or park on the street to visit the beach – safety improvements like speed humps, improved signage, and striping and markings help discourage speeding so that the street stays calmer and safer for all travelers.

“Alki’s beachside vibe is one-of-a-kind in Seattle, and I’m proud of our work to make Alki Point Healthy Street upgrades a permanent feature that everyone can enjoy for years to come. I’ve heard first-hand from residents how important this space is for leisure, sightseeing, environmental education, and building social connections. Based on robust community input, our plans balance the needs of a variety of visitors and travelers.” – Greg Spotts, Director, Seattle Department of Transportation