White Center To Get Smoother Roads Under New Safety Project

White Center will soon see smoother roads and safer streets as King County Road Services begins construction on the 16th Avenue SW Pedestrian Safety and Traffic Calming Project. Starting the night of Wednesday, July 16, crews will repave sections of three roads and install new safety features over a three-week period. Work will take place Monday through Friday from 6:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. to minimize disruptions for businesses and keep daytime traffic moving.

“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.”

The project includes:

• Repaving and upgrades along 16th Avenue SW between SW 100th and SW 107th streets, with crews grinding out old pavement and repaving the full width of the road. After repaving, a new layout will feature one travel lane in each direction, a center turn lane, and five-foot-wide bike lanes with two-foot buffer zones for safer cycling.

• Repaving SW White Center Cutoff between SW 100th Street and 17th Avenue SW, maintaining the current road configuration.

• Repaving SW 100th Street between 14th Avenue SW and just west of 11th Avenue SW, also keeping its existing layout.

Once new pavement and striping are in place on 16th Avenue SW, crews will return later this summer and into early fall to install additional safety improvements:

• Sidewalk curb extensions at SW 104th and SW 106th streets to make crossings shorter and improve visibility for drivers and pedestrians.

• Rapid flashing lights and new pedestrian crossing signs at intersections without traffic signals to alert drivers when pedestrians are crossing.

• Additional parking, increasing from 43 to 46 spaces, though some spots will shift sides to accommodate bike lanes and curb extensions.

Nighttime construction was chosen to reduce daytime traffic delays and maintain parking availability for customers and residents. However, neighbors should expect some noise and vibration. Work could take longer if weather or equipment issues arise.

King County outreach staff will visit nearby homes and businesses on July 10 and 12 to provide information and answer questions. Free earplugs are also available while supplies last at the White Center Library, the Log Cabin at Steve Cox Memorial Park, and the White Center Food Bank. Community members can also request earplugs by emailing AskLocalServices@kingcounty.gov with their mailing address.

“This busy road is used by people walking, biking, and driving, but right now it works better for cars and trucks,” project staff noted. “We’re updating it to make it safer and easier for everyone.”

Key goals of the project include:

• Reducing speeding by narrowing travel lanes and adding a center turn lane.

• Improving pedestrian safety with curb extensions and enhanced crossings.

• Creating safer bike routes with separated bike lanes and buffer zones to encourage more people to choose active transportation.

A third phase of improvements is planned for summer 2026. SDOT is currently monitoring traffic volume and speed data to inform the next round of safety and accessibility upgrades for the White Center community.

For more information about this project, visit King County Road Services online (https://kingcounty.gov/depts/local-services/roads.aspx).