12th Ave NW Basin Drainage Improvements Project
The City of Seattle will construct drainage improvements in west Broadview.
Project description
The 12th Ave NW Basin Drainage Improvement Project will improve the drainage system in parts of west Broadview with severe flooding issues.
Location
Natural drainage systems will be located between 1st and 3rd avenues NW on NW 127th and NW 130th streets. Visit the NDS Drainage Improvements Map 2023.
Drainage conveyance pipes and detention pipes will be located mostly along 10th Ave NW and 11th Ave NW between NW 120th and NW 125th streets and along NW 125th St to 6th Ave NW.
What's happening now?
Our team has completed natural drainage systems and walkways designs. We are currently working with partners at SPU and SDOT on final design review and permitting. Once necessary permits are in-hand, the project will be advertised for bid to construction contractors. We expect to award the construction contract in early 2025 and begin construction in spring 2025.
See the NDS Drainage Improvements Map 2023 for approximate locations of the new walkways and natural drainage systems.
Construction for the underground detention pipe and conveyance project elements began in July 2022 and was completed in October 2023. Plant establishment is on-going through 2024 and is expected to end in 2025. A map of the project area is available.
Community benefits
This project addresses flooding issues in parts of Broadview and water quality in Mohlendorph Creek by improving the drainage system. We plan to reduce storm-related flooding by building new storm system improvements where there are none, to slow runoff and improve flows. The project may use a variety of tools in City of Seattle right-of-way along neighborhood streets to address flooding issues including:
- Installing natural drainage systems in feasible locations
- Converting ditch-and-culvert flow to a piped system
- Installing large, underground pipes to hold water and prevent flooding during storms
- Locating improvements to address priority flooding and allow for future expansion
Anticipated construction impacts
The project will build two main types of new storm system improvements: natural drainage systems and a combination of conveyance pipes and large underground storage pipes (grey infrastructure) to hold water and help protect against flooding during storms. Construction impacts may include:
- Construction-related noise, dust, vibrations
- Restricted street parking near work zones
- Partial lane closures
- Equipment being stored in the right of way
- Temporary access restrictions and limited access to some driveways during daytime working hours
Pedestrian access and access for essential services (such as emergency vehicles, mail delivery and garbage pickup) will always be maintained.
Any temporary access limitations to driveways will be communicated in advance by the construction management team.
Community engagement
Nov. 7, 2019 open house materials
- Frequently Asked Questions (PDF)
- Possible natural drainage system locations (PDF)
- Grey infrastructure improvements (PDF)
Nov 3, 2018 walking tour materials
- Walking Tour invite (PDF)
- Preliminary Concepts (PDF)
- Potential Feasible NDS Locations (PDF)
- Proposed 12th Ave NW Basin Drainage improvements (PDF)
- Deep infiltration well graphic (PDF)
- Examples of NDS (PDF)
2022
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Construction starts for pipe and conveyance elements
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Design of walkways and natural drainage systems
2023
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Construction resumes for pipe and conveyance elements
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Pavement and site restoration
2024
- Final design and permitting of walkways and natural drainage systems
2025
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Construction of walkways and natural drainage systems
The Broadview neighborhood has a history of observed sewer and drainage problems. During heavy rains, water can overwhelm Broadview’s sewer system and cause sewage backups into homes, which is a public health issue. Stormwater runoff can also flow from streets onto private property and cause damage. Broadview’s high groundwater table, poor draining soils, steep bluff to the west, lack of formal drainage system, and aging sewer pipes all contribute to the complexity of these issues.
From 2011-2016, SPU evaluated potential options to reduce stormwater flooding in Broadview. After extensive evaluation and talking with the community, SPU selected the 12th Ave NW Basin Drainage Improvements project. This project is currently in the design phase.
SPU has already completed two early action pilot projects in the Broadview neighborhood and two small projects:
- Flood Grouting Pilot Project -- In 2011, crews sealed mainlines and side sewers using flood grouting to reduce flows of stormwater into the sewer system.
- Backflow Preventer Pilot Project -- In 2011, SPU initiated a project to provide expedited protection to homes that have experienced multiple backups. Since installation, there has been a reduction in sanitary sewer overflows and claims.
- 11th Ave NW flooding reduction -- In 2017, SPU completed a flooding reduction/sidewalk improvement project along the 12700 block of 11th Ave NW to reduce stormwater flooding from the street onto private properties during storm events.
- NW 120th outfall replacement and drainage improvement -- In 2017, SPU installed a new outfall and improved stormwater drainage around 9th Ave NW and NW 120th St.
This project is partially funded by the King County Flood Control District.
Natural Drainage Systems Factsheet (PDF)
Drainage Improvements Map (PDF)
Broadview 12th Avenue NW Drainage Improvements:
SEPA Determination of Non-Significance 09/17/2020
SEPA Environmental Checklist