SDOT’s second-year draft Transportation Levy plan (2026) includes over 430 projects citywide, with targeted investments in West Seattle and Ballard focused on paving, safety, transit access, bike/pedestrian improvements, and bridge maintenance. These plans were released in early February 2026 and are being reviewed by the City Council’s Transportation Committee.
The 2024 Seattle Transportation Levy was approved by voters on November 5, 2024. The measure, known as Proposition 1, passed with approximately 66.8% support and replaced the expiring Levy to Move Seattle. It aims to modernize the city’s aging infrastructure by funding road paving, bridge repairs, transit connections, and enhanced pedestrian and bicycle safety across 11 key program areas.
The current levy accounts for approximately 30% of the Seattle Department of Transportation’s (SDOT) budget for core services. To ensure transparency, a Levy Oversight Committee composed of community members will monitor spending, and SDOT will publish annual workplans and progress reports.
Major Infrastructure Shifts Slated for West Seattle
Investments in West Seattle are heavily geared toward maintaining road functionality ahead of future light rail construction and enhancing safety for all travelers.
• Roadway and Paving: Major paving projects include SW Admiral Way, Delridge Way SW, and SW Roxbury St. Additionally, Fauntleroy Way SW (between 35th Ave SW and SW Alaska St) is prioritized for repairs to ensure it remains functional during the light rail build-out. SDOT is also evaluating major corridors such as 35th Ave SW (Alaska to Morgan) and Olson Pl SW / 1st Ave S for resurfacing.
• Transit and Signal Access: Improvements are slated for California Ave SW, 35th Ave SW, and Harbor Ave SW to enhance bus priority and signal timing. Specific "spot improvements" on SW Oregon St aim to increase reliability for Routes 50 and 128, while other funds will support connections to the future SW Alaska St Link light rail station.
• Safety and Multimodal Improvements:
◦ Pedestrian: New sidewalks are planned for SW Brandon St. General sidewalk infill is scheduled for High Point, Westwood, and the Junction, with a commitment that at least 22% of all new sidewalks in the program will be located in District 1.
◦ Bicycle: Trail upgrades are planned for Alki Ave SW and Highland Park Way SW. Notable projects include a new concrete-protected bike lane on Highland Park Way SW and a dedicated protected bike lane project named in honor of Steve Hulsman.
• Bridges and Structures: The plan includes ongoing maintenance for the West Seattle Bridge corridor, seismic upgrades, and repairs to stairways in hilly areas.
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Ballard: Safety and Connectivity
The spending plan for Ballard emphasizes safety upgrades near schools and the maintenance of major arterials and bridges.
• Roadway and Paving: Paving and resurfacing are scheduled for high-traffic corridors including 15th Ave NW, NW Market St, and Leary Way NW. These projects will be integrated with drainage and ADA-compliant curb ramp upgrades.
• Safety and Pedestrian Projects:
◦ Traffic Calming: The levy funds improvements in the Loyal Heights, Whittier Heights, and Sunset Hill neighborhoods, along with safety upgrades in school zones.
◦ Connectivity: The plan highlights Burke-Gilman Trail connections, pending the resolution of the "Missing Link," and sidewalk infill in West Woodland and Crown Hill.
• Transit: Reliability improvements are focused on Ballard–Downtown corridors, featuring enhanced signal timing and bus stop upgrades.
• Bridge Maintenance: Significant focus is placed on the Ballard Bridge, involving both general maintenance and seismic assessments.
