1st Ave NE Shared-Use Path

What is a shared-use path?

A shared-use path is a 2-way shared space for people of all ages and abilities to walk, bike, roll, and scoot. The path is typically 12-ft wide to allow space for people traveling in different ways to comfortably pass each other in both directions. A shared-use path can be a great option for getting to/from schools and parks where people may be walking alongside kids on scooters or bikes because it provides more space and has more separation from vehicles than a typical bike lane.  

Why are you building the path on the east side of the street instead of upgrading the existing west side walking path?

When 1st Ave NE was built, it was not centered in the right of way. This leaves more space on the east side of the street to build the path. There is not enough space to build a standard 6-ft sidewalk with a planting strip or a protected bike lane on the west side without rebuilding the street and centering it. The east side of the street has upwards of 19-ft of unimproved right of way that allows us to create this important connection to James Baldwin Elementary School, Northacres Park, and the future Pinehurst Station with available funding. 

Will parking be allowed on the east side of the street?

No. To make room for the path and the drainage buffers south of NE 125th St, we need to remove all parking on the east side of the street. We are not changing the existing parking on the west side of the street nor the existing parking on nearby streets.

Will the path have lighting?

Yes. We will install lighting to improve visibility and safety for path users. The lighting type is still being reviewed and may include pedestrian-scale lighting, upgraded streetlamps, or a combination of both. Regardless of the type of lighting we install, the new lighting is designed to focus light on the path/street and minimize light to homes behind them. 

How tall are the new speed cushions?

The new speed cushions are 3.5 inches tall at their highest point.

I live on the east side of the street, what will happen to my driveway?

We will install a 10-ft wide driveway connection across the shared-use path to connect to your existing driveway. At street level, we will install 5-ft “wings” (flared openings) on each side of the driveway to provide 20-ft of space at street level for turning into/out of driveways.  

Are you making drainage improvements?

Yes. Between NE 120th St and NE 125th St we will install planted drainage buffers that help collect and filter stormwater. From NE 130th St to NE 125th St we will install a curb and conveyance system that will help direct stormwater to the City's drainage system. 

Will you relocate utility poles or mailboxes? 

Utility poles: We are working with Seattle City Light to relocate poles that conflict with the path alignment. 

Mailboxes: We’re working with the United Stated Postal Service to determine new locations for mailboxes that conflict with the path. USPS makes the final determination on mailbox locations and types. 

When does construction start and how long will it last?

Construction is expected to start as soon as October 2026 and last approximately 7 months. Once we have selected a construction contractor, we will provide an updated schedule.

Will I have access to my home during construction?

Yes. Pedestrian access to your home is maintained 24/7. When the path is constructed in front of your home, we will close your driveway for up to one week while we clear the area and install the path. When your driveway is closed, you will need to park any vehicles you need access to in an alternate location. We will contact you before the closure so you have time to prepare.

If you have a medical condition or disability and are unable park off-site and walk to your home, we may be able to provide an accommodation. Accommodations are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and are not guaranteed. We will still need to close your driveway to build the path but may be able to provide nearby parking during the closure. Please email 1stAveNEPath@seattle.gov to request an accommodation.

How will students get to James Baldwin Elementary during construction?

The west side walking path will remain open for students walking and biking. We will close sections of 1st Ave NE during construction and will have signed detours. We’ll coordinate with Seattle Public Schools to reroute buses and share detour maps. Please sign up for our newsletter so you get the most current construction information and detour maps.

What if I have things in front of my home where the path will be built?

If you have personal items in the right of way (public property) in front of your home, you need to remove them before construction starts. Any items left in the right of way when construction begins will be removed and discarded.

Are you removing trees to build the path?

Yes, we need to remove approximately 13 trees near Northacres Park and along the project area to make room for the shared-use path. We will plant 26 new trees. You can see the locations of the trees being removed and where we will plant replacement trees on the project diagrams under the “Project Design” section of this website.   

When possible, we adjusted the project design to minimize tree removal, including narrowing the path at some locations. In the area along Northacres Park, we narrowed the street lanes at the intersection of 1st Ave NE and NE 130th St to provide space for the path and to preserve more trees along the park. We also evaluated shifting the path into Northacres Park rather than along 1st Ave NE to avoid tree removal. This alternative was not selected because of costs for using Parks property and safety concerns for people walking through wooded areas after dark when the park is closed. 

Will you plant trees or bushes in the landscaped buffer?

We will plant a low growing, drought tolerant seed mix in the landscaped areas between NE 125th St and NE 120th St. We are not planting trees in the landscaped area because there is a water line that runs under it. Tree replacements within the project area will be planted in the right of way behind the new path.

How close will new trees be to my driveway?

New street trees are planted a minimum of 7.5-ft from driveways followingSDOT design standards. Most new trees will be planted 16-ft from driveway edges.