Public Works Update 2026-01-30
CITY GOVERNMENT
Parks Maintenance completed a water leak repair at the Luther Burbank restroom this week. The restroom is back in service.
Trails and Restoration Crew Lead Jaime Boggess obtained their WSDA pesticide license with an Aquatic Weeds Endorsement this week, enabling them to treat noxious weeds in our open spaces when needed.
Our volunteer program has acquired a new tool trailer. After many years of service our old leaky trailer has been retired. With the help of an Eagle scout who built a storage system, we have our new trailer set up ready to transport tools and supplies for volunteer events in the parks.
Water efficiency within the distribution system improved in 2025, with system leakage reduced to 4.9%. This is calculated by looking at the difference between the amount of water purchased from SPU and the amount of water billed to customers – it also takes into account water used for system flushing, sampling, and other City functions. This improvement resulted in a three-year average (2023–2025) leakage rate of 9.0%, compared to a leakage rate of 10.4% in 2024 and a three-year average of 11.0%. The replacement of all water meters in 2024 played a key role in this reduction by providing more accurate consumption data. Further reductions in system losses remain a priority. Ongoing initiatives include the replacement of aging water mains and continued leak detection efforts to improve system performance.
The Utility Team responded to an inoperable water service shutoff in the 5000 block of WMW. Field inspection determined the existing shutoff valve had failed and could not be repaired. The assembly was replaced with a new meter setter and shutoff valve, and the system was tested and verified to be operating correctly
The Utility Team completed the installation of a new potable water service for a residential property located in the 4000 block of 85th Ave SE. The scope of work included excavation, service connection, and system integration.
ROW staff conducted pothole repairs this week in the First Hill neighborhood.
Stormwater staff coordinated with the ROW staff using the street sweeper to clean the curb edges and uncovered catch basins along arterial medians this week.
First Hill Booster Station Generator Replacement - The bidding period for this construction project closed on Thursday January 29. The City received eight contractor bids. Over the next week, City staff will review and verify the lowest bidder to confirm they meet project requirements and are qualified to perform the work. Staff are scheduled to bring this project to the City Council at their February 17 meeting for contract award. Construction is currently estimated to begin in Q3 of 2026.
Lakeline Reach 1 Capacity Improvements - City staff and the project consultant team will conduct a boat-based reconnaissance of the Reach 1 project area next week. The visit will provide an initial look at shoreline conditions, pump stations, dock markers, and any visible portions of the sewer lakeline along the 2.5-mile stretch of Reach 1 of the sewer lakeline. This is the first of several planned site visits to document existing conditions. (Reconnaissance vessel used for inspections is shown in photo)
76th Avenue SE Mid-Block Crossing and ADA Improvements – The project team advertised for construction bids this week, with submissions due on February 19. The project includes improvements across five sites. An existing mid-block crosswalk will be upgraded in the 2700 block of 76th Avenue with new rectangular rapid-flashing beacons (RRFB), enhanced illumination, and ADA-compliant curb ramp upgrades. The intersections of North Mercer Way & SE 22nd Street and 77th Avenue & SE 29th Street will receive ADA-compliant curb ramp upgrades. On 84th Avenue near Luther Burbank Park, ADA-compliant curb ramp upgrades will be installed at SE 26th Street and a new ADA-compliant curb mid-block crossing will be installed in the 2400 block. A diagram of the project sites is shown in photo.
Neighborhood Stormwater Drainage Improvements - City staff are currently in the design phase of three separate stormwater drainage improvement projects. The first project will replace multiple pipe crossings under West Mercer Way between the 4800 and 5200 blocks of West Mercer Way. These culverts were video inspected in 2023 and found to be in poor condition. Replacement will use multiple methods including traditional open cut trenching, slip lining, and possibly pipe bursting. The second project involves small stormwater system improvements at six locations across the Island to correct issues identified in last two years by Public Works staff. The third project will repair and improve portions of the storm drainage system in the Island Point neighborhood (SE 80th and SE 82nd Streets) ahead of the 2026 Residential Street Overlays project.