1st Ave NE Shared-Use Path

Updated April 10, 2025

What's Happening Now?

We’ve made changes to the project scope to match available funding and will build the path in 2 phases so that we can make improvements near Northacres Park sooner. See below for more details on what has changed and the new schedule. We also plan to host an open house in May and will share more details soon.

Changes to the project scope

Project limits: The path will now go from NE 130th St to NE 120th St instead of to NE 117th St. We will make additional crossing improvements at NE 120th St to connect to James Baldwin Elementary School, the existing sidewalk on the west side, and the Ashworth Ave N Neighborhood Greenway
Traffic calming: We heard that speeding is an issue along 1st Ave NE and will install speed cushions to help calm traffic
Drainage: After evaluating our stormwater requirements, we no longer need to construct bioengineered swales. We will review the existing drainage ditches and will use a planted buffer between the street edge and the new path to help with stormwater management in areas without drainage ditches.
Lighting: We will install lights along the path to increase visibility and safety. The lights are designed to focus light on the path and minimize lighting on adjacent properties.

Changes to the project schedule

We’re building the project in 2 phases so that we can make some improvements in late 2025 to support access to Sound Transit's upcoming Pinehurst Station, connect to the NE 128th St Walkway, and make it easier and safer to get to Northacres Park.

Phase 1: In late 2025, we’ll start building the section of the shared-use path between NE 130th St and NE 125th St which includes:

A new crosswalk at N 128th St for access to Northacres Park and the N 128th St Walkway
An all-way stop at the intersection of 1st Ave NE and NE 120th St
New ADA curb ramps (in select locations)
Improvements to the 1st Ave NE and NE 130th St intersection to make it easier and safer to get to the Sound Transit's upcoming Pinehurst Station

Phase 2: In 2026, we’ll build the section of the shared-use path between NE 125th St and NE 120th St as originally planned, which includes:

Raised crossing at NE 125 St to keep people walking, biking, rolling, and scooting at path level
Speed cushions to calm traffic

Check out our Frequently Asked Questions and read below to get more information about the project. Please reach out if you have any questions or comments and be on the lookout for upcoming community events.

Project Overview

As part of the Safe Routes to School program, we are building a shared-use path for people walking, biking, rolling, and scooting on 1st Ave NE between NE 130th St and NE 120th St. This new path creates a safe and comfortable place for people of all ages and abilities to get to James Baldwin Elementary School and Northacres Park. It also creates connections to future walking and biking improvements on NE 130th St to help people get to Sound Transit’s upcoming Pinehurst Station and new bus service from King County Metro.

We’re building the shared-use path in 2 phases (see Schedule section below for more details):

Phase 1: NE 130th St to NE 125th St
Phase 2: NE 125th St to NE 120th St

Project elements include:

New 12-ft wide concrete shared-use path for people walking, biking, rolling, and scooting on the east side of 1st Ave NE from NE 130th St to NE 120th St
Raised crossing at NE 125th St to keep people walking, biking, rolling, and scooting at path level
New all-way stop at NE 120th St for safer access to James Baldwin Elementary
A new crosswalk at NE 128th St for access to Northacres Park and to connect to the N 128th St Walkway
Improvements to the 1st Ave NE and NE 130th St intersection to make it easier and safer to get to Sound Transit's upcoming Pinehurst Station
Speed cushions to help calm traffic
New curb ramps that comply with Americans with Disabilities (ADA) standards (in some locations)
Public art on the shared-use path designed by students at James Baldwin Elementary

Project Design

Project Background

The 1st Ave NE Shared-Use Path project is the result of community feedback that identified a need for improved safety and accessibility between Northacres Park and James Baldwin Elementary School (formerly Northgate Elementary School). We heard community priorities through the NE 130th St Shoreline Multimodal Access Study and in direct conversations with area stakeholders such as James Baldwin Elementary. Community priorities included:

Sidewalks on 1st Ave NE between NE 120th St and NE 130th St
Safe Routes to School for the new James Baldwin Elementary School (formerly Northgate Elementary School)
Crossing improvements at the intersection of NE 125th St and 1st Ave NE
Provide connections to and through Northacres Park

Schedule

Schedule graphic showing 60% design phase

Planning and design (in progress): We’re sharing the project design, asking for community feedback, and finalizing the project design.

Construction: We are building the project in 2 phases.

Phase 1: In late 2025, we’ll build the section of the shared-use path between NE 130th St and NE 125th St which includes:

A new crosswalk at N 128th St for access to Northacres Park and the N 128th St Walkway
An all-way stop at the intersection of 1st Ave NE and NE 120th St
New ADA curb ramps (in select locations)
Improvements to the 1st Ave NE and NE 130th St intersection to make it easier and safer to get to Sound Transit's upcoming Pinehurst Station

Phase 2: In 2026, we’ll build the section of the shared-use path between NE 125th St and NE 120th St as originally planned, which includes:

Raised crossing at NE 125 St to keep people walking, biking, rolling, and scooting at path level
Speed cushions to help calm traffic

*Construction schedules are subject to change based on crew and material availability.

Funding

Funding is provided by Safe Routes to Schools, New Sidewalks program, and other SDOT walking and biking programs.

Project Materials

Project factsheet (Spring 2025)
Frequently Asked Questions (Spring 2025)
Project Factsheet (Fall 2023)