Sidewalk Development Program
March 27, 2025
What's Happening Now?
Join us for a neighborhood walk to share ideas for sidewalk and walkway locations!
Thank you, Hillman City!
Building Sidewalk and Walkway Connections
Sidewalks help people walk safely. There are currently more than 2,000 miles of sidewalks in Seattle, yet nearly a quarter of Seattle streets are missing sidewalks. SDOT is committed to increasing the number of sidewalks in the city.
The Seattle Transportation Plan (STP) includes a Pedestrian Element that prioritizes each segment of missing sidewalk throughout the city based on factors such as proximity to frequent transit and schools, safety, and equity. We use this prioritization to make the difficult choice about where to focus our new sidewalk investments.
Will SDOT build new sidewalks and walkways in my neighborhood?
The Seattle Transportation Levy aims to build 350 blocks of new sidewalk and walkways by the end of the 8-year levy, with 250 built in the first four years. We are holding “walkshop” events that include walking and talking with people in neighborhoods around the city to help decided where new sidewalks and walkways are most needed.
The neighborhoods that are a part of this effort so far are: Pinehurst, Northgate, Delridge, Highland Park, Hillman City, South Park, Mt. Baker Station Area, Graham Street Station Area, Rainier View, Cedar Park, and North 130th Station Area. These neighborhoods were selected based on a need for better access to public schools, parks, light rail, streetcar, and frequent transit.
Neighborhood Walkways
These are quick-build walkways made from paint, asphalt, and barriers. They’re usually on local streets with less traffic but can be temporarily built on busy streets.
Neighborhood Walkways - Examples
Painted walkway with wheel stop delineators and flex-posts
A traditional concrete sidewalk with curbs
At-grade concrete walkway with wheel stop delineators
Traditional concrete sidewalk with curbs and planting buffer, typically used on arterials
A bright blue painted sidewalk with wheel stop delineators and flex-posts
An at-grade painted walkway
A natural drainage buffer between the walkway and the road
At-grade asphalt walkway
Neighborhood Walkways - Examples
Painted walkway with wheel stop delineators and flex-posts
A traditional concrete sidewalk with curbs
At-grade concrete walkway with wheel stop delineators
Traditional concrete sidewalk with curbs and planting buffer, typically used on arterials
A bright blue painted sidewalk with wheel stop delineators and flex-posts
An at-grade painted walkway
A natural drainage buffer between the walkway and the road
At-grade asphalt walkway
Frequently Asked Questions
Cost effective walkways are an alternative to traditional “curb-and-gutter sidewalks” that are raised from the street by a curb. Cost effective walkways can consist of paint or street-level asphalt or concrete. We choose walkway treatments based on several factors, including the space available on the street, drainage needs, existing infrastructure, impacts to parking, slopes, and estimated construction costs.
Traditional concrete sidewalks cost $400,000 or more per block to construct, whereas cost effective walkways can often be installed for under $100,000 per block. Over 11,000 blocks citywide currently have no sidewalks. We implement cost effective walkways where we can to maximize resources and provide dedicated pedestrian space on as many streets as possible.
We use our Seattle Transportation Plan and Safe Routes to School Action Plan to prioritize which streets have the highest need for new pedestrian routes. We typically install cost effective walkways on nonarterial (residential) streets, as they have the lowest traffic volumes, allowing us to install walkways that are comfortable and inviting spaces. We may also install cost effective walkways on arterial (busier) streets as an interim measure and where street conditions allow a cost effective walkway to be constructed.
Like any other standard sidewalk, cost effective walkways are managed as city-owned assets and are maintained by adjacent property owners and SDOT crews. If there are maintenance concerns with a cost effective walkway, any member of the public may submit a request to repair the walkway.
Some cost effective walkways, such as painted walkways, are often designed to be temporary improvements before a traditional sidewalk is built. In these cases, maintenance may be coordinated with the future sidewalk project.
Funding
New sidewalks are paid for by the Seattle Transportation Levy and school zone speed camera funds. We also look for state or federal grants.