ROAD WORK UPDATE: What happens on 16th SW next week
An updated reminder from King County Roads as the 16th SW closure approaches:
Drainage system upgrade to close 16th Ave SW intersection in White Center, March 11 to April 1
The north half of the 16th Avenue SW and SW 104th Street intersection is scheduled to be closed March 11 through April 1 as King County crews replace an aging drainage pipe. The work is being done by the Road Services Division of the Department of Local Services.
The intersection closure is Phase 2 of a three-phase drainage upgrade on SW 104th Street between 15th and 17th Avenues SW. The entire project, which began March 3, is expected to take up to six weeks total.
This work lays the groundwork for upcoming pedestrian and traffic safety improvements as part of the 16th Avenue SW Pedestrian Safety and Traffic Calming Project.
Businesses on 16th Avenue SW remain open, traffic detour on 15th Avenue SW
Drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians will follow a signed detour onto 15th Avenue SW between SW 102nd and SW 106 streets. Local access on both sides of the intersection will be maintained, and businesses on both sides of the intersection will remain open throughout the closure.
After the road reopens, work on SW 104th Street will continue through April 18, with lane shifts, parking restrictions, and temporary traffic control.
Detour map:
Part of a bigger plan to improve safety on 16th Avenue SW
This drainage project is the first step in a larger effort to improve 16th Avenue SW for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers. Starting this summer, the 16th Avenue SW Pedestrian Safety and Traffic Calming Project will bring major safety upgrades, including:
-New paving on 16th Avenue SW from the White Center Cutoff (north of SW 100th Street) to SW 107th Street. All paving work will happen at night.
-New road design with one lane in each direction, a center turn lane, and bike lanes.
-Sidewalk curb extensions at key intersections to improve visibility and shorten pedestrian crossings.
-Flashing pedestrian crossing lights and high-visibility signs at intersections without traffic signals.“We’re taking a smart, step-by-step approach to improve this intersection,” said Tricia Davis, Director of King County Road Services Division. “By replacing the underground pipe now, we avoid tearing up the road twice. We appreciate the community’s patience as we make these much-needed improvements.”
By upgrading drainage now, King County prevents future disruptions and keep summer improvements on track.
For more information, visit www.kingcounty.gov/16thAveSW, contact Broch Bender (Bbender@kingcounty.gov or 206-263-1189) or email AskLocalServices@kingcounty.gov.
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March 11th, 2025 at 10:51 am
Slow down on residential streets especially 18th Ave Sw , there are tons of cars speeding down the street many people live on! Stop speeding before you end up killing somebody or by running into their car when people are attempting to pull out of their driveway
March 11th, 2025 at 9:39 pm
Today was an absolute SH*^#$OW. People! The detour and road closed signs are there for a reason…. so many people ignoring them and continuing south on 16th only to have to U-turn, parades of cars. And articulated buses, trash trucks and the like driving through parking lots! You’d think a KING COUNTY road project would let KING COUNTY Metro know about re-routes. You need to do W A Y better, King county before someone gets hurt.
March 17th, 2025 at 2:56 pm
The bike lanes are the most stupidest idea yet that I have seen in White Center area and the bus only lanes on 16th Avenue are stupider also! I’m trying to walk around my neighborhood and I have been almost run over by speeding cars who are speeding through residential streets because they are irritated and mad due to the detour signs. Slow the heck down. I guess putting a 4 way stop by taco time on 17th Avenue and putting other 4 way stops signs by the new apartment building that was just built a few years ago on 17th Avenue and 100th will not be put in until someone dies! Because that is what the department of king county has said.