SDOT will Reconstruct the Stairway at E Spruce Street and Lake Dell Avenue

Today, July 30, a Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) crew started work on a project to re-construct the stairway at E Spruce Street and Lake Dell Avenue.  The stairway was built in 1945 and no longer meets Seattle’s safety standards.  The reconstruction project is one of 507 public stairways that are being funded by the SDOT Stairway Rehabilitation Project.

The first phase involves work on the retaining walls before the stairway re-construction can begin. This will be followed by the installation of the forms for the staircase and walkway. The final phase involves filling the structure with concrete.  Nearby residents can expect to hear heavy machinery and trucks during the work, but the crew will make every effort to minimize impacts to the surrounding community. Upon completion, users will see a new addition to the side of the staircase – a bike runnel – which allows bicyclists to push their bikes up the stairs.

During the work the staircase and dirt path must be completely closed until the completion of the project which is expected near the middle of September.  A detour map will be posted at the top and bottom of the stairway. 

To make comments, the public can either call SDOT’s Bike and Walk information line: 206-684-7583 or send an email to: walkandbike@seattle.gov

 Contact:  Peg Nielsen, 206-684-8114