Fauntleroy Creek Culverts Replacement Program

Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) involves designing public places to help people feel safer and reduce crime. The following principles are incorporated into the final design:

• Natural Surveillance: Open spaces with good lighting and clear views
• Territorial Reinforcement: Design shows what areas are for public use and what areas are private, and how they should be used
• Access Control: Public areas that are easy to find and private areas are limited or blocked
• Care and Maintenance: Clean, well-kept spaces show that people care about the area, which helps prevent problems
• Limiting public access to the creek and culvert is an important goal of this project. The repaired creek will be a natural area with new plants and erosion controls that need protection. The culvert is far below the road, so it cannot be seen easily from above. Stairs will be included only for maintenance workers and will be fenced and locked so the public cannot use them.
• The end of Southwest Barton Street at 45th Ave Southwest will stay open to the public, as it is today. On the west side of 45th Ave Southwest, there will be a small public space called 45th Landing. The eastside of 45th Ave Southwest will still provide parking access for nearby buildings.

The Seattle Police Department’s Crime Prevention Unit reviewed the design plans and shared some of the following suggestions:

• Lighting: New streetlights will be placed next to the 45th Landing to improve visibility
• Territorial Reinforcement: The 45th Landing will include large rocks, special pavement, low plants, street lighting, and a metal fence that cannot be climbed. These features reflect the creek below and allow sitting and play, but not large camping activities.
• Natural Surveillance: The street end and 45th Landing can be seen from sidewalks, the street, and nearby homes above. Neighbors have been encouraged to report suspicious activity right away.
• Target Hardening: The 45th Landing fence and gate are strong and have small holes that prevent climbing but still allow limited views. A solid wood fence and gate on the east side block access to the stairs and slope.
• Wayfinding and Signage: The 45th Landing will be open at all hours. Signs will show the Landing’s name and address so emergency responders can find it easily. Signs will also explain that the stairs to the creek are closed to the public and only for SPU maintenance staff.
• Landscaping: Plants will stay low, with tall tree canopies, so views remain open. No large bushes will be used.
• Maintenance: Regular cleanup of trash and graffiti is recommended. A clean space is less likely to be damaged.
• Activity Generator: Educational signs about the creek restoration will encourage schools, churches, and community groups to visit and use the space.

The community can expect some of the following construction impacts:

• Temporary road closure of 45th Ave SW between SW Wildwood Pl and SW Director Pl for up to 2 years
• Pedestrian access will be maintained when it is safe to do so; at other times, detours will be required. Detours will be shared prior to construction.
  • SPU is committed to minimizing disruptions as much as possible during construction and will work closely with residents and businesses to communicate any planned closure, or alternative routes during construction. More information will be provided as the project nears construction.
• Changes to the intersection of SW Director St and California Ave SW
• There will be temporary parking restrictions near the project site for the duration of construction along 45th Avenue Southwest. These restrictions will be communicated to the community beforehand, allowing people to plan accordingly.
  • At project completion, the total number of parking spots will remain the same. The location of parking spaces may change and number of accessible parking spots will be reduced.
• The construction of the culvert will impact trees, some of which are currently in poor condition. While one of our objectives is to retain as many healthy trees as possible, some trees may not sustain the impacts of construction. To the extent feasible, we are planning to create wildlife habitat snags or re-purpose as habitat logs any trees that cannot be retained successfully.

• • Once the project is complete, SPU will restore any areas that have been disturbed by construction with a mix of native coniferous trees as well as evergreen and deciduous understory plants. The use of predominantly coniferous trees will help the forest’s natural succession process and encourage longevity by adding sturdier and more durable trees to the ecosystem.
• Noise, vibrations, dust, and lights typical of construction work
• Project duration and working hours:
  • Approximately 2 years from 2026 to 2028
  • Construction and maintenance hours
    • In general, you can expect construction work: 7 am - 10 pm on weekdays and 9 am - 10 pm on weekends and legal holidays
    • For more information about noise, see Seattle Noise Ordinances

To stay informed about the project, please sign up to receive project email updates.

Looking east

Looking northwest

Replacing the old culverts offers many benefits to local neighborhoods, including:

• Improving creek resiliency to higher flows from anticipated climate change
• Restoring fish passage – this supports Tribal treaty rights and SPU's commitment to racial and social justice
• Considering community safety in culvert design
• Enhancing the community's connection to the Fauntleroy Creek Watershed
• Providing safer working conditions for SPU maintenance crews

The project team is sharing information with the broader neighborhood. This includes adjacent property owners, residents, and community groups. The Meeting & Events section of this webpage will list upcoming engagement opportunities.

What we heard from the Community 

During our previous outreach efforts, we heard mixed support for the 45th Ave SW Landing. Some community members highlighted their concern for public safety. They had concerns about properties next to the landing. Others mentioned possible impacts due to project-related construction. The potential for educational features at the landing excited others.  People also appreciated having salmon through the area.   

How the design has changed due to this feedback

Feedback from previous outreach efforts helped change the landing design:

• Size of the area reduced
• More screening added to reduce visual impact to nearby properties
• Ornamental fencing added for security and to restrict access to the ravine
• Amenities to increase aesthetic: signage, low maintenance planting beds, lighting, and boulders

Please subscribe to the project email list to receive updates about the project and stay informed about opportunities to share your input.

What is a culvert?

A culvert is a tunnel-like structure or pipe that allows water from a creek or river to flow under a roadway, trail, or railroad. Culverts are typically made of pipe, reinforced concrete, or other materials, and they come in a variety of shapes to match the road and existing stream.

Why does the culvert need to be replaced?

The culvert at 45th Ave SW is deteriorating due to age and wear. This means that the culvert may not work properly, which increases the risk of flooding and can even lead to the culvert collapsing. Repairing the culvert is not possible due to the culvert’s age and condition. The current culvert is also an obstacle for fish swimming up and downstream. Replacing the culvert is an opportunity to improve drainage in Fauntleroy Creek and ensure native fish can successfully swim or pass through.

What is “fish passage” and why is it important?

Fish need to access upstream habitats. Some culverts, especially those built a long time ago, are an obstacle for the fish. By replacing the culvert, Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is helping improve the habitat for fish to ensure their passage in the area. Fish passage is also a crucial part of respecting Tribal treaty rights, as many Tribes rely on fishing for cultural, spiritual, and economic purposes.

What are the project goals?

The primary goal of this project is to prevent the failure of the roadway culvert and the associated potential impacts to public safety and the environment.

Replacing the culvert will also:

• Improve creek resiliency to higher flows from anticipated climate change
• Restore fish passage, which supports Tribal treaty rights and SPU’s commitment to racial and social justice
• Provide safer working conditions for SPU maintenance crews

What is the timeline for this project?

Early planning for this project occurred between 2016 and 2019. The project is currently finalizing the design phase, which will continue through 2025. Construction is tentatively scheduled to begin in 2026 and anticipated to be completed in 2028. The project timeline may change depending on feedback from the community and other related parties, permitting, and other factors.

How is the project being funded?

This project was paid for in part by the King County Flood Control District. This project is also supported with funding from Seattle Public Utility ratepayers and from Washington’s Climate Commitment Act (CCA). The CCA supports Washington’s climate action efforts by putting cap-and-invest dollars to work reducing climate pollution, creating jobs, and improving public health. Information about the CCA is available at Washington Climate Action.

How will surrounding businesses and residents be affected by this project?

During construction, residents, businesses, and visitors will experience more noise, light, road closures, dust, and traffic than usual. Sidewalk impacts are expected along 45th Ave SW. SPU will take steps to lessen potential inconveniences to the surrounding community. Residents and businesses will be notified about potential impacts in advance of construction activities.

Will the roads be impacted by this project?

During construction, there will be a road closure of 45th Avenue Southwest for approximately two years. Pedestrian access will be maintained when it is safe to do so; at other times, detours will be required. Detours will be shared prior to construction. SPU is committed to minimizing disruptions as much as possible during construction and will work closely with residents and businesses to communicate any planned closure, or alternative routes during construction. More information will be provided as the project nears construction.

How will this project impact parking?

There will be temporary parking restrictions near the project site for the duration of construction along 45th Avenue Southwest. These restrictions will be communicated to the community beforehand, allowing people to plan accordingly. At project completion, the total number of parking spots will remain the same.  The location of parking spaces may change and number of accessible parking spots will be reduced.

Will this project impact trees?

Yes, the construction of the culvert will impact trees, some of which are currently in poor condition. While one of our objectives is to retain as many healthy trees as possible, some trees may not sustain the impacts of construction. To the extent feasible, we are planning to create wildlife habitat snags or re-purpose as habitat logs any trees that cannot be retained successfully. Once the project is complete, SPU will restore any areas that have been disturbed by construction with a mix of native coniferous trees as well as evergreen and deciduous understory plants. The use of predominantly coniferous trees will help the forest’s natural succession process and encourage longevity by adding sturdier and more durable trees to the ecosystem. 

What will the project look like when it is finished?

The roadway improvements, such as paving, sidewalks, and street trees, will be replaced in a manner generally consistent with existing conditions. Impacted parking lots on the east side of 45th Ave SW will be restored. On the east side of 45th Ave SW, the current fencing at the end of the SW Barton St public right-of-way will be replaced in a similar fashion with the addition of a concrete traffic barrier wall for the lower portion of the fence. On the west side of 45th Ave SW, the project proposes adding a small and informal amenities area (the “45th Ave SW Landing”). The design team has created illustrative graphics representing the proposed conditions from street level that can be viewed on the project website.

What will neighbors see from the street level?

The new culvert will not be visible from the street, but the wing walls, maintenance access stairs, and ends of the culvert may be visible from adjacent residences. Some portions of the maintenance access may be visible from street level initially. Over time, the new plantings will grow to help obscure the maintenance access and culvert.

How will this project center public safety in its design?

Access to the creek will be restricted on both ends of the culvert for SPU maintenance only. The 45th Ave SW Landing has been designed to take into account feedback we received during previous public outreach efforts. Further, SPU is working with the Seattle Police Department to seek recommendations using Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles. Please visit the Seattle Police Dpartment's CPTED website for more information.

What is the status of the California Ave SW Culvert Replacement Project?

SPU previously collected feedback from several community groups and completed a preliminary review of design options for the replacement of the California Ave SW culvert. SPU will be replacing the existing, deteriorated culvert crossing the public right-of-way and adjacent Fauntleroy Church space with a new culvert structure that supports public safety, environmental stewardship, fish passage, and long-term facility maintenance. SPU has determined that an emergency repair is necessary to establish stabilization until the culvert can be replaced with a fish-passage structure in the future.

What did we hear from the community?

During our previous outreach efforts, we heard mixed support for the 45th Ave SW Landing. Some community members expressed their concerns for public safety, and proximity to the adjacent properties. Other community members shared their excitement about the landing and opportunities for educational features that shared more information about the culvert and salmon moving through the area.

How has community feedback informed the project’s design so far?

The 45th Ave SW Landing has been re-designed to take into account feedback we received in previous public outreach efforts. The size of the area has been reduced, additional screening has been added to lessen visual impact to adjacent properties, and ornamental fencing was added for security purposes. SPU is proposing that the space includes signage, low maintenance planting beds, lighting, and boulders.

How can I stay informed about the project’s progress?

Please sign up for email updates at www.seattle.gov/utilities/FauntleroyCreekCulverts to stay informed about the project and learn about upcoming opportunities to engage. SPU will communicate with residents and businesses through the project webpage, mailers, and email updates.

Who do I contact with questions? Have questions about the project?

SPU is happy to answer questions and provide information about the project, including the anticipated impacts to the neighborhood. Please reach out to the SPU Project Manager, Justin Record, at Justin.Record@seattle.gov or (206) 643-6037.

• Early Design and Planning: 2018 – 2023
• Mid Design: 2023 – 2024
• Final Design: 2024 – 2025
• Construction: 2026 – 2028

Construction could begin as early as 2028, pending input from our stakeholders and regulatory agencies, as well as completion of the project design and permitting processes. The design phase will begin in 2025, and we will keep the community informed as the schedule develops.

Existing culverts are barriers to fish passage

The culverts at 45th Ave SW and California Ave SW currently prevent fish from swimming upstream in Fauntleroy Creek. Fish access is especially important in the creek because of the high-quality habitat upstream. Despite being relatively small, the Fauntleroy Creek Watershed is in better condition than most of the City's urban streams.

SPU fish biologists, independent consultants, and biologists from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) have assessed the middle and upper reaches of Fauntleroy Creek and found them to be suitable habitats for fish. The middle and upper reaches of the creek have good water quality, ample forest canopy cover, the protection of City ownership for most of its area, and excellent community stewardship. Compared to other watersheds in Seattle, Fauntleroy Creek has fewer areas with poor-quality fish habitat and a lot with moderate-quality habitat that can be restored. It also has the lowest pre-spawn Coho salmon mortality of all our urban creeks.

Nearly all of the creek going up into Fauntleroy Park has been identified as "Type F" waters, meaning they support fish or have the potential to do so. New culverts on Type F waters need to meet state and federal requirements for fish passage, including the WDFW Stream Crossing Guidelines. Culverts need to be designed to allow fish to pass through easily, which likely requires constructing larger culverts.

Restoring fish passage is critical to support Tribal treaty rights

U.S. Supreme Court decisions and federal law have consistently affirmed the validity of the Treaty of Point Elliott (and other relevant treaties, collectively referred to as the Stevens Treaties) and associated Tribal treaty rights to hunt and fish in usual and accustomed areas.

Tribes ceded their lands in exchange for rights to take fish, which carried the implied promise the U.S. government would not significantly degrade the resource. The Stevens Treaties impose a duty upon the State—including its municipal corporations—to refrain from constructing or maintaining culverts that block passage of fish to or from Tribes’ usual and accustomed fishing places.

Culverts impeding fish passage to fish habitat violate Tribal treaty rights. As a public agency, SPU is committed to restoring fish passage and supporting Tribal rights and regional salmon recovery.

• Project Fact Sheet
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
• Fauntleroy Community Association Presentation (March 2024)

This project was paid for in part by the King County Flood Control District. 

This project is supported with funding from the King County Flood Control District and Washington’s Climate Commitment Act. The CCA supports Washington’s climate action efforts by putting cap-and-invest dollars to work reducing climate pollution, creating jobs, and improving public health. Information about the CCA is available at climate.wa.gov