Denny Way ITS (Intelligent Transportation Systems) Project

March 17, 2023

What's happening now?

The following construction activities will be taking place over the next couple of weeks on Denny Way at 1st Ave, 4th Ave, 9th Ave, Dexter Ave, and Fairview Ave:

  • Signal work at Dexter Ave
  • Ongoing electrical work

      Please note: Construction schedules may shift due to inclement weather, delays with material shipments, or other unforeseen circumstances.

      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. Work will be done sequentially along Denny Way at each signalized intersection, beginning at Western Ave and moving east.

      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.