Public Works Update 2026-01-23
CITY GOVERNMENT
When a residential water service is replaced, the existing service line is formally abandoned and disconnected from the water main. This process includes removal of the corporation stop and installation of a repair band to restore the integrity of the water main. The Utility Team completed a service abandonment in the 6600 block of East Mercer Way.
The Utility Team completed the installation of a new potable water service line for a residential property located in the 5300 block of Butterworth.
Leak detection is a key component of the water-loss reduction program. The process utilizes acoustic listening equipment deployed on water mains and service lines, as well as water meters and distribution valves to identify subsurface leaks. The Utility Team performed leak detection activities on West Mercer Place and identified a pinhole leak on a residential service line originating from the water main. The leak was repaired and water service was restored.
The Utility Team conducted scheduled maintenance on the sanitary sewer collection infrastructure near the 3600 block of 72nd Avenue SE, utilizing high-pressure jetting equipment to dislodge and extract debris, sediment, and other obstructions from the collection lines, thereby improving conveyance capacity and reducing the risk of blockages.
Parks Maintenance repaired a vandalized door lock at the Bicentennial park storage building this week and currently the Luther Burbank restroom are out of service due to a water leak. Portable toilets are in place.
Natural Resources is updating our trails inventory to plan and prioritize work over the next few years. The crew also installed beaver deterrent cages around trees in Luther Burbank Park this week and replaced trail signage in Pioneer Park.
New tree planting is complete on Island Crest Way between 27th and 28th St. Eight trees and over 200 yards of new soil have been installed to support our urban tree canopy in this location.
ROW staff removed a tree damaged from a vehicle collision near the 4800 block of ICW this week
ROW staff also dedicated time to the Town Center replacing crosswalk signs, a damaged decorative trash receptacle, and preparing a median for new concrete curb.
Sewer Pump Station 23 and 25 Generator Replacements - Puget Sound Energy (PSE) has completed the transfer of utility power at the PS 25 site, allowing the existing diesel generator to be safely taken out of service. Crews are now removing remaining electrical connections, ducting, and concrete vault connections and preparing the site for the next phase of work, which includes using a crane to remove the old generator and install the new one. PS 25 work remains on schedule for completion in February.
Sound Transit Traffic Signals – This week, City staff met on site with Sound Transit representatives and their contractor, Titan, to review punch list work at the new City-owned traffic signal at the SE 27th Street and 80th Avenue intersection. This signal is 99% complete with only a few punch items remaining to complete. The new WSDOT-owned traffic signal at the North Mercer Way and 76th Avenue intersection still has electrical punch list work to be completed in the coming weeks. Both signals have been in operation since last fall.
Sub Basin 46a.3 Watercourse Stabilization - Staff are currently reviewing the 90% design package for this project and have recently conducted site visits to field check design elements. This project will stabilize nearly 500 feet of open channel watercourse within the City-owned SE 53rd Place Open Space tract. The primary goals of the project are to stabilize stream banks, reduce erosion, and improve water quality. Work will include constructing natural log jams in the stream to trap and store sediment, stabilizing stream banks with logs and rocks, and replanting disturbed areas with native plants and trees. The consultant is currently working on environmental permitting, which should be completed by the end of 2026. Construction is planned for summer of 2027.