White Center Now: The blog about White Center

Just in from King County Local Services – the big 16th SW project is about to begin:

King County Road Services will start night work on July 16 to repave roads and add safety upgrades in White Center. Crews will work overnight for about three weeks to reduce daytime disruptions. The project includes new safety features on 16th Avenue SW to support safer crossings and calmer traffic.

White Center is getting a much-needed road refresh this summer as King County Road Services, a division of the Department of Local Services, begins construction on the 16th Avenue SW Pedestrian Safety and Traffic Calming Project.

Crews will repave sections on three roads and add new safety features to 16th Avenue SW over a three-week period, starting Wednesday night, July 16. Crews will work Monday through Friday from 6 p.m. to 4 a.m., so businesses can stay open, and parking will remain available during the day.

“This project is about more than fresh pavement,” said Tricia Davis, Director of King County Road Services. “We’re improving safety for everyone who uses the road—whether they walk, roll, bike, or drive—and doing the work in a way that supports local businesses and keeps daytime traffic moving.”

Where we’re working:

16th Avenue SW between SW 100th and SW 107th streets
SW White Center Cutoff between SW 100th Street and 17th Avenue SW
SW 100th Street between 14th Avenue SW and just west of 11th Avenue SW

At all three locations, crews will grind out the old pavement and repave the full width of the road. On 16th Avenue SW, they will also install a new road design layout that includes bike lanes, a center turn lane, and one travel lane in each direction. The other two roads will be repaved but keep their existing configuration.

Once the new pavement and striping are in place on 16th Ave SW, crews will return to add safety features such as curb extensions, flashing lights, and high visibility signs. On-street parking will increase slightly, from 43 to 46 spaces. These final touches will roll out later this summer and into early fall.

Why night work?

Paving at night reduces daytime traffic delays, helps businesses stay open, and keeps street parking available for customers and residents.

What to expect:

Construction may be noisy. Residents within a few blocks may hear equipment and feel vibrations.
Work could take longer if crews face bad weather, equipment problems or unanticipated issues.
Outreach staff will go door-to-door on July 10, and 12 to provide information and answer questions.

Free earplugs available

While supplies last, community members can pick up free earplugs at:

White Center Library
The Log Cabin at Steve Cox Memorial Park
The White Center Food Bank
Or request a pair by emailing AskLocalServices@kingcounty.gov. Be sure to include your mailing address.

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