City of Seattle, WA

01/27/2023 | News release | Distributed by Public on 01/28/2023 00:26

LEVY DOLLARS AT WORK | We built smoother sidewalks & protected mature trees on Aurora Ave N!

We worked to connect this improved sidewalk while preserving a large tree directly adjacent to it. Photo: SDOT.

Blog stats: 600 words | 4-minute read

At-a-glance:

This week, we finished repairing sidewalks along the eastern side of Aurora Ave N, from NE 85th to N 105th St. The result: safer, smoother travel for people walking and rolling.

Our sidewalk repair program is possible thanks to your tax dollars through the Levy to Move Seattle. We recently addressed damaged sidewalks along the east side of Aurora Ave N (State Route 99), between NE 85th St and N 105th St.

We completely rebuilt damaged sidewalks on some blocks and smoothed, repaired, or replaced smaller damaged sections of the sidewalk in other areas. We also widened some sections of the sidewalk. People can now walk or roll more comfortably along this stretch of Aurora.

We adjusted our plans and designs based on community priorities. This included finding innovative ways to save the existing mature trees along Aurora while completing sidewalk repairs.

Check out this short video about the project and the perspectives of local businesses owners, community representatives, and our director Greg Spotts.

Video highlighting the Aurora Ave N sidewalk upgrades & tree preservation project. Video: SDOT.[Link]Our crews pouring fresh concrete for the new sidewalk on Aurora Ave N at N 91st St. Photo credit: Ethan Bergerson[Link]Before: sidewalk near Aurora Ave N and N 101st St[Link]After: new sidewalk near Aurora Ave N and N 101st St[Link]Before: sidewalk near Aurora Ave N and N 97th St.[Link]After: sidewalk near Aurora Ave N and N 97th St (photo taken slightly to the north)

We are always looking for innovative solutions to balance priorities. In this case, we could preserve trees and other people- and climate-friendly elements of our transportation system while keeping people moving. This is another way we efficiently put Levy dollars to work to achieve more!

We used metal plates to bridge over existing tree roots that were growing close to the height of the new sidewalk. The metal plates allow for a "non-skid" walking surface under 1 ½ inches thick. The slim profile reduces impacts on roots, letting the trees stay where they are while ensuring the sidewalk is accessible.

In some places, we raised the sidewalk to be installed over tree roots or moved the sidewalk slightly, so it didn't affect the tree roots. We also expanded the sidewalk where we could to maximize our use of the right of way, so it's wider and more comfortable for people walking and rolling.

[Link]Photo of a mature tree near Aurora Ave N and N 103rd St. Photo: SDOT

Map of the project area

[Link]Map of Aurora Ave N sidewalk upgrades and large street trees in the area Graphic: SDOT.

The project helped advance two of our core values and goals: mobility and sustainability.

[Link][Link]Mobility and sustainability are two of our six core values and goals. Graphic: SDOT[Link]This work was made possible by the voter-approved Levy to Move Seattle. Graphic: SDOT.