Sidewalk Improvements

Construction Schedule:

This project is considered substantially complete. Weekly updates will no longer be posted. Only minor weather dependent work remains for the project. The remaining work will be completed in the next few weeks when the weather is dry and warm.


Project Info

Here you can see an aerial of almost the full scope of the project. The cost estimate for the project is $1.4 to $1.6 million dollars. Funding for the project is provided by Sound Transit and is part of the station access improvement grant. Looking at the legend on the aerial you can see the various types of improvements that will be completed. The orange line is where we will be filling in a sidewalk gap. The green lines represent sidewalks that are broken, cracked, or in disrepair. The black lines represent sidewalks that have trip hazards. The blue circles represent driveway approaches that are either broken up and in disrepair or they do not meet ADA standards. The red ex’s represent curb ramps in street intersections that are broken or do not meet current ADA standards.


Maple Street & Alder Avenue

One unique intersection that will be reconstructed is the intersection of Maple Street and Alder Avenue. From the sketch shown you can see we will be installing curb bulbs. Curb bulbs improve safety at the crosswalks but shortening the distance a pedestrian has to cross the street. The curb bulbs also help to provide a better visual for drivers to see pedestrians getting ready to cross the street.


Rivergrove Area

One area that we will be replacing sidewalks outside of the Sound Transit area is in the Rivergrove Neighborhood at the South end of town. This picture shows a portion of the sidewalk replacement located on 143rd Avenue East.

Construction Schedule:

This project is considered substantially complete. Weekly updates will no longer be posted. Only minor weather dependent work remains for the project. The remaining work will be completed in the next few weeks when the weather is dry and warm.


Project Info

Here you can see an aerial of almost the full scope of the project. The cost estimate for the project is $1.4 to $1.6 million dollars. Funding for the project is provided by Sound Transit and is part of the station access improvement grant. Looking at the legend on the aerial you can see the various types of improvements that will be completed. The orange line is where we will be filling in a sidewalk gap. The green lines represent sidewalks that are broken, cracked, or in disrepair. The black lines represent sidewalks that have trip hazards. The blue circles represent driveway approaches that are either broken up and in disrepair or they do not meet ADA standards. The red ex’s represent curb ramps in street intersections that are broken or do not meet current ADA standards.


Maple Street & Alder Avenue

One unique intersection that will be reconstructed is the intersection of Maple Street and Alder Avenue. From the sketch shown you can see we will be installing curb bulbs. Curb bulbs improve safety at the crosswalks but shortening the distance a pedestrian has to cross the street. The curb bulbs also help to provide a better visual for drivers to see pedestrians getting ready to cross the street.


Rivergrove Area

One area that we will be replacing sidewalks outside of the Sound Transit area is in the Rivergrove Neighborhood at the South end of town. This picture shows a portion of the sidewalk replacement located on 143rd Avenue East.

Questions & Answers

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  • Are you planning on improving Main Street sidewalks from Wood to Meade? I have replace our office driveway and sidewalks this past Nov. The sidewalk in front of our office is breaking up and the city water meter is encroaching the sidewalk which is a trip hazard. Also the school District is adding the Commons on the opposite side of the, it would be nice the upgrade on both sides of Main. nice to see the upgrade on both sides

    Flipside asked almost 3 years ago

    The current sidewalk project will not be replacing sidewalks on Main Street from Wood to Meade. City crews will take a look at the water meter to see if there is a trip hazard. Per state law and the Sumner Municipal Code (Chapter 12.20), it is generally the property owner's responsibility to maintain and repair all damaged sidewalk abutting their property. The City is responsible only when the damage is caused by a street tree (a tree that the City requires to be planted in the right of way) or when the damage is caused by actions of City staff (for example, damage caused by City work or the installation of City utilities). Property owners often contact the City to request the repair of all sidewalk damage and it is a common misconception that this is the City’s responsibility. But under law, the City is only responsible in limited circumstances.

  • Hi Andrew, it's impressive to see all the work being done. I've pretty much walked on all the sidewalks between Main Street and 410 over the years. At least by the map, the southern boundary for all this work seems to be Thompson. There's only one house on Snyder with a sidewalk in front. Because of this, people are forced to walk on this narrow street. What does the future hold for sidewalks on Snyder Lane?

    Catb1rd asked over 3 years ago

    Hello, yes you are correct that the work for the current sidewalk project stops at Thompson Street. For Snyder Lane the City does not have a set sidewalk project planned for this street at this point. The City is constantly evaluating the sidewalk system in striving to reach it's goal of being a walkable community and this street has been identified as a gap in the sidewalk system. The City is also constantly seeking grant funding for sidewalk projects to improve the sidewalk system and fill in sidewalk gaps. As an example, the current sidewalk project is funded by a grant from Sound Transit. Another option is that property owners are always welcome to install their own sidewalks by submitting a permit to the Development Services Department at the City.   

  • Curb bulbs may be safer for pedestrians, but they are dangerous for bike riders, forcing them into traffic.

    smsatkinson asked over 3 years ago

    Thank you for your comment.

  • Hi Andrew, I live on Ryan Ave and am very excited about this project! I am wondering if street lighting is part of it. When it is dark, it is challenging and virtually impossible when it's raining, to see folks on the sidewalk coming toward intersections. I've had a few close calls on my drive out of the neighborhood. Thank you for your time. Melissa

    Melvyn7 asked over 3 years ago

    Hi Melissa, as part of this project we will be installing electrical conduit and junction boxes down Ryan Avenue in preparation for future street lighting. The lighting will be installed at a later time with Puget Sound Energy.

Page last updated: 18 Feb 2022, 10:34 AM