46th Avenue South Safe Route to School Project

Project Overview

46^th Avenue South is a vital route that serves the residents of Tukwila by connecting Thorndyke Elementary School, Foster High School, and Showalter Middle School. The street serves as a major route for pedestrian and vehicular traffic and is heavily used by students, families, and school staff traveling to and from the nearby schools, particularly during drop-off and pick-up periods. The street currently consists of a single-lane road with narrow shoulders and little refuge for pedestrians.

The City of Tukwila 46^th Avenue South Safe Route to School Project will create a new walking path from South 144th Street to South 150th Street. The project will provide a safer, more accessible route for students, families, and other pedestrians walking to and from the school. Improvements may include a dedicated sidewalk, safer crossings, improved visibility, and separation between pedestrians and vehicle traffic.

Because additional right-of-way may be needed to construct the sidewalk and associated improvements, some properties adjacent to the project may be affected. Property owners should be aware of potential right-of-way acquisition, easements, temporary construction impacts, driveway modifications, landscaping changes, and other property-specific impacts, with the goal of minimizing impacts and maintaining access throughout construction.

Project Status

Updated September 2^nd, 2026

The project is currently in the planning phase, with formal design anticipated to begin in October 2026. During the planning phase, the City will evaluate existing roadway and site conditions, school access and operations, pedestrian circulation, drainage and utilities, and potential right-of-way needs. Because the improvements may require additional right-of-way and could affect adjacent properties, early coordination with the schools and other stakeholders will be an important part of the planning and design process.

Timeline

The timeline provided below is approximate and subject to change based on project needs, stakeholder coordination, permitting, funding, and other factors that may arise during project development.

Contact info

If you have any questions or would like additional information about the project, please feel free to contact the project manager:

Joe Dapcevich
Joe.Dapcevich@TukwilaWA.gov
(206) 902-6690