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Study overview

When did the SR99 Pre-Design Study start?

The study began in 2022 but was paused in 2023 to comply with new statutory requirements and secure additional funding. With newly acquired funding, it resumed in 2024 and is expected to conclude in 2025.

How does this Study align with WSDOT’s commitments and principles?

The project reflects WSDOT’s commitment to Complete Streets, which ensures roadways are safe and accessible for all users—whether walking, biking, rolling, driving or using transit. Complete Streets are streets for everyone. A transportation system that accommodates all forms of transportation is more accessible, comfortable, economical, sustainable and efficient in the travel space provided.

We are also applying the principles of the Healthy Environment for All (HEAL) Act, which directs state agencies to address environmental health disparities that impact overburdened communities. WSDOT staff will assess how recommended improvements may impact these communities and vulnerable populations and will engage with those directly affected to identify strategies to reduce harm and increase benefit to all associated with the project. WSDOT is using the Washington Environmental Health Disparities (EHD) Map, census data and community input to help inform design.

What is the Study’s progress?

The SR 99 timeline, broken into six phases, begins in June 2024 and ends in December 2025. Agency engagement and community engagement occur throughout the entire timeline. The project is currently in the Phase “Adjust Options and Talk Tradeoffs” which goes from May to September 2025. Community Focus Groups will occur at the same time as this phase, and in March 2025. The four phases already completed are: “Review Current Conditions and Look at Future Plans” which ran from June to September 2024; “Assess community preferences and needs” which ran from September to December 2024; “Develop Options” which ran from January to March 2025; “Evaluate Options on Pros and Cons” which started in March 2025 and runs through May 2025. The next phase is “Recommended Improvement Options” which will run from October to December 2025.
SR 99 Study Timeline from June 2024 to December 2025

Community, tribal and agency engagement is happening throughout the study.

Schedule:

How much does the study cost? Where are the funds coming from? 

The study is funded with $800,000 from the Sandy Williams Connecting Communities Grant, $945,918 from a Puget Sound Regional Council Equity Grant and $147,613 in WSDOT funds.

What feedback has been provided to date and how has it been incorporated?

In 2022 an initial outreach surveyed 350 individuals to understand the SR 99 study corridor from their perspective. This feedback helped WSDOT develop the study purpose and needs.

Since late 2024, community engagement has included meeting with an equity working group, meeting with community members in focus groups, attending fairs and festivals, and outreach to community-based organizations. Meeting with different community members, community groups and working with local governments revealed preferences for local spot improvements as well as corridor-wide concepts.  Our outreach helped us learn from the community a desire for:

Three photos show a room with tables with enlarged paper maps of the SR 99 study area with sticky notes and people, a group of people huddled over one map, pointing to locations on the map, and a group of seated people listening with diagrams of the corridor in the background.
Community engagement for the SR 99 Study has included outreach to community-based organizations in 2024 and 2025. Now, it’s your turn to share your feedback.