Willow Creek Fish Passage Restoration Project

Updated: July 16, 2024

What's Happening Now?

Construction of a larger, replacement culvert, new cul-de-sac, and access driveway is currently underway. We will also re-route and daylight Willow Creek utilizing the existing ravine and channel as much as possible.

We will work closely with those affected to accommodate their needs. However, property owners in the area should be prepared for these extraordinary circumstances:

  • Parking restrictions will be in place to make room for the work zone.
  • Water main installation will temporarily impact water service to two houses and a fire hydrant.

Construction equipment on site and new routing being created for the creek

Pictures taken in July 2024 showing construction equipment and new routing for the creek

Project Background

In summer of 2021, The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) completed construction of the Northgate Pedestrian and Bicycle Bridge over I-5 in the Northgate neighborhood of North Seattle. The Bridge runs over and through the North Watercourse, which is a tributary to the South Branch of Thornton Creek. The Bridge project has impacted the North Watercourse by decreasing habitat and retaining the barrier to fish passage.

Upon completion of this project, we chose to mitigate for these impacts off-site at Willow Creek, which is located at NE 100th Street near Lake City Way. The proposed changes consist of re-routing the creek and removing two culverts, one of which is currently a partial blockage to fish passage.

Project Maps

A graphic map showing the city right of way on NE 100th street as it extends over Willow Creek

Pictured: Existing Conditions at NE 100th St

A graphic map showing the location of the proposed drainage pipe at NE 100th street which will re-route the creek from the right of way.

Pictured: The changes proposed to Willow Creek and the west end of NE 100th St

Project Library

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.