Information from Seattle Public Utilities

Seattle Public Utilities is working on several water management projects over the next few years and were out at the intersection of SW Wildwood Pl and 45th Ave SW, on March 9 to share a preview of the first one at 45th Ave SW.

What is the 45th Ave SW Culvert Replacement Project?  

SPU plans to replace the aging culvert under 45th Ave SW, near SW Wildwood Pl. The culvert is a structure that channels Fauntleroy Creek under the roadway. Replacing this culvert will restore fish passage, reduce the risk of culvert failure, improve resilience to anticipated climate change, and provide safer working conditions for crews.  

In addition to replacing the culvert, SPU is planning to construct a small public space on City-owned property on the west side of 45th Ave SW that will overlook Fauntleroy Creek. The project team is currently seeking feedback on what amenities the community would like to see in this space. Please visit the project website to learn more and take the survey through March 22. 

There are three culverts on Fauntleroy Creek: a lower culvert at Fauntleroy Way SW, a middle culvert at 45th Ave SW, and an upper culvert at California Ave SW. SPU is implementing a phased project to replace two of these culverts, those at 45th Ave SW and at California Ave SW. Due to the condition and age of the culverts, repairing them is not a viable strategy. The Fauntleroy Way culvert and associated fish ladder were built in the late 1990s and are not part of the Fauntleroy Creek Culverts Replacement Project. The 45th Ave SW culvert is the immediate focus of this project. 

SPU continues to investigate creek, drainage, sediment, utility, or other infrastructure issues within the Fauntleroy Creek drainage basin that may be addressed through this or other projects. 

Project Timeline

SPU is approaching the mid-design phase, also known as 60% design completion. The project team will continue to gather feedback from the community, permitting agencies, and other impacted parties to inform the project’s design. As the design moves forward, SPU will provide a more precise schedule. Community outreach will be ongoing throughout the project phases. 

● Planning and Early Design: 2018 – 2023 

● Mid-Design: 2023 – 2024 

● Final Design: 2024 – 2025 

● Construction: 2026 – 2027 

Questions about the project? We want to hear from you!  

Please contact: Jonathan Brown, Project Manager, at Jonathan.Brown@seattle.gov or (206) 561-2581.