Denny Way ITS (Intelligent Transportation Systems) Project

April 14, 2023

What's happening now?

The following construction activities will be taking place over the next couple of weeks on Denny Way at Western Ave, 4th Ave, 5th Ave, 9th Ave, and Fairview Ave:

  • Ongoing electrical work along the corridor.

Nighttime and weekend work on Denny Way between Fairview Ave and Minor Ave:

  • On Friday, April 14, crews will be prepping to pour concrete sidewalks at Fairview Ave and Minor Ave. This work may continue through the night until 5 AM the next day.*
  • On Saturday, April 15, crews will be pouring concrete sidewalks at Fairview Ave and Minor Ave, as well as performing electrical work at 5th Ave.
  • Detours will be in place for people walking, biking, and rolling.

*Construction schedules may shift due to inclement weather, delays with material shipments, or other unforeseen circumstances. This project has a Temporary Noise Variance. We'll prioritize completing high-impact work before 10 PM.

What to expect during construction
Construction activities will include demolition and trenching through roadway intersections and sidewalks to install electrical conduits; signal foundation and pole work; installation of new ADA-compliant curb ramps; and pavement restoration. 

During construction, you can expect:

  • High-impact work
  • Hauling trucks loading and unloading materials
  • Temporary staging of equipment and materials near work sites
  • Dust, noise, and vibration
  • Sidewalk closures and pedestrian detours
  • Advance notification to businesses and residents of driveway closures
  • Business access will be maintained. Adjacent trees will be protected during construction and any disturbed vegetation will be restored.
  • Off-peak traffic restrictions and detours
  • Temporary pavement surfaces and steel plates in roadway  

On November 3, 2021, we hosted a construction drop-in session. During the online event, we answered questions about:

  • Project improvements
  • Construction impacts
  • Pedestrian access and crossing times
  • Signal timing adjustments
  • How to stay informed

You can access the online event summary here, a full recording of the event here, and read a summary of the Q&A session

Project Description

We use a variety of technologies to improve multi-modal travel across the city, including upgrading traffic signals. These technologies are known as Intelligent Transportation Systems, or ITS. ITS plays a key role in a safe, efficient, and innovative transportation system that works for all travelers. Much of what we do is not visible to the traveler.

This project will have minor impacts during construction to the southeast corner of Denny Park located at Denny Way and 9th Ave N, on Seattle Parks and Recreation property:

  • Install new Accessible Pedestrian Signals (APS) push buttons on a 4.5-foot pushbutton post.
  • Replace existing signal cabinet at this location with a new signal cabinet equipped with a new service disconnect cabinet.
  • Replace curb ramps at this corner and restore sidewalk pavement.
  • A traffic control plan and pedestrian detours will be in place during construction. Adjacent trees will be protected during construction and any disturbed vegetation will be restored.
  • Minor changes within Denny Park have been determined to be de minimis under Section 4(f) of the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) Act of 1966. Compliance with Section 4(f) is required for projects receiving federal funding.

Project Map

Map showing project area on Denny Way from Western Ave to Minor Ave N.

Funding

This project is funded in part by the 9-year Levy to Move Seattle, approved by voters in 2015, and by funds by the Federal Highway Administration. 

Schedule

Project schedule graphic showing planning phase from early 2016 to late 2018, design phase from late 2018 to late 2021, and construction phase from late 2021 to late 2022.

The project underwent several months of hold during planning and design phases to align scope with funding.

Project Materials

Preconstruction mailer (October 2021)

Construction drop-in session (November 2021)

Other SDOT projects in the area

Transportation

Greg Spotts, Director
Address: 700 5th Ave, Suite 3800, Seattle, WA, 98104
Mailing Address: PO Box 34996, Seattle, WA, 98124-4996
Phone: (206) 684-7623
684-Road@seattle.gov

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The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) is on a mission to deliver a transportation system that provides safe and affordable access to places and opportunities for everyone as we work to achieve our vision of Seattle as a thriving, equitable community powered by dependable transportation.