Government
Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program
Since 2020, Tukwila has invested over $1.5 million dollars in traffic calming and safety improvements. In October 2025, the department presented an update to City Council on the program and the results of the most recent round of evaluations. The current budget authorizes up to $495,000 for construction in 2026. An additional $1.4-$1.5 million dollars is needed to implement the currently prioritized Level 1 improvements and one Level 2 improvement previously identified.
Traffic calming projects that are moving forward include:
- S 144th St from 42nd Ave S to 48th Ave S (near Foster High School)
Improvements will focus on creating a safer environment for students and families traveling to and from the school, with attention to pedestrian crossings and vehicle speeds. The estimated timeline for this work is September 2026 - 40th Ave S / 42nd Ave S from E Marginal Way to S 140th St
This corridor serves multiple residential areas and key travel routes. Planned enhancements aim to reduce speeding, improve visibility, and support safer walking and biking. The estimated timeline for this work is October 2026 - 47th Ave S from S Ryan Way to the City’s north boundary
This long north–south segment will undergo evaluation for traffic calming, pedestrian safety upgrades, and improved neighborhood connectivity. The estimated timeline for this work is August 2026 - S 148th St from Tukwila International Blvd to 42nd Ave S
As a major east–west route, this corridor will receive improvements designed to enhance pedestrian access, reduce conflicts between travel modes, and support safer travel for all users. The estimated timeline for this work is August 2026
Other projects on the priority list include: Tukwila Elementary Safety Improvements, Cascade View Elementary Safety, Impact Charter School Safety Improvements, Macadam Road Speed and Safety Improvements, City-wide Residential Speed Limit Review, and S Ryan Way Pedestrian Safety Improvements.
These three school locations will see new school zone signs posted with a reduced speed limit to 20mph as well as other signage improvements. New striping and crosswalks will be added at multiple locations as part of the annual striping program by Public Works crews. All of these improvements are considered Level 1 treatments within the Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program (NTCP).
The next level of improvement types, called Level 2, include physical changes to the curbs or road surface. Level 2 installations being considered at this time include raised crosswalks, curb bulb-outs to reduce the length of pedestrian crossings, and potential implementation of chicanes which create pinch points where only a single vehicle can pass through at a time. Additional street lighting may also be considered around the schools.
Two Level 2 improvements that are currently in the 2025 – 2027 City’s Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) include reconfiguring the intersection at S 124th and 50th Pl S in Allentown to remove the eastbound free right turn and add sidewalks on the north side of S 124th St where no walkway currently exists. The project is majorly funded by a grant award from the Transportation Improvement Board. Design is scheduled to be started in 2026. The other Level 2 project in construction is the Southcenter Blvd and 65th Ave S which is nearing completion. A new traffic signal is being installed along with an expanded King County Metro bus stop. Construction is anticipated to be fully completed in the June 2026.