Need and Benefits

The N 148th Street Non-Motorized Bridge will address several current and future needs and provide many benefits, including:

Transportation options for a changing neighborhood. In 2016, the City of Shoreline developed the 145th Street Station Subarea Plan to address future land use and transportation needs near the future Sound Transit Shoreline South/148th Station. As the area changes, the bridge will help serve residents, business owners, retail customers, and commuters. The bridge is part of the City of Shoreline’s greater planning efforts for the N 145th Street Corridor and access to new transit opportunities. You can learn more about other related projects in the area by visiting the Destination 2024 website.

Link light rail access. By 2024, the Shoreline South/148th Station will open, bringing light rail and eventually bus rapid transit service to Shoreline. More than 80% of working Shoreline residents travel outside of the city to reach their places of employment, with almost two‐thirds commuting to Seattle. Traffic in the station area is projected to increase by more than 25%.

Improved safety and reduced travel times. Paths that are separated from the road and designate space for pedestrians and bicyclists increase safety and help reduce the risk of collisions with motor vehicles. Shoreline is currently divided by I‑5 with few overpasses/​underpasses for crossing. A new bridge will provide direct access and decrease travel times to the station area from west side neighborhoods by at least ten minutes for those walking and biking. The new bridge will also improve bike routes to the Interurban Trail, the future Trail along the Rail, the existing Burke-Gilman Trail, and potential future regional bicycle networks.

Location

The new bridge will cross over I‑5 at N 148th Street. The project consists of three main parts: the Bridge Span over I‑5; West Trail Connection; and East Bridge Landing.

Click image to enlarge.

The total projected cost for the N 148th Street Non-Motorized Bridge is approximately $31 million. The current funding provides for the project team to complete design and construction of the East Bridge Landing. Current funding ($11 million) is secure, but there is a $20 million funding gap.

The design phase of the project started in 2019 and will continue into 2022. Construction will occur in two phases starting in 2022:

Construction Phase 1. Because of the proximity to the future Shoreline South/148th Station, the East Bridge Landing and trail connection will be constructed, before the station is operational. This will avoid complex and more expensive construction if the landing were completed after the station is already open. The first phase of construction is planned for 2022 and 2023.

Construction Phase 2. Construction of the West Trail Connection and placement of the Bridge Span over I‑5 will occur when funding is secured. The City is targeting construction of Phase 2 elements by 2026, but no later than 2032.