Seattle makes sidewalk closures during construction a last resort

The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) established a new rule Monday that makes closing sidewalks for construction a last resort.

The new rule, called "Pedestrian Mobility Around Work Zones Director’s Rule," introduces new standards and practices for construction that will limit the need for sidewalk closures. This includes new standards for the types of materials that can be used and where they can be placed, better directions for construction projects on establishing clear pathways and signage and more details on complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

"We want people traveling throughout the city to have safe, accessible and clear pathways, and builders to have consistent and predictable standards to follow,” SDOT Director Scott Kubly said. “This rule will make it easier to walk around our growing city.”

This new rule replaces the Pedestrian Mobility Around Work Zones Director’s Rule. SDOT is planning to work with current and existing projects to help them work within this new rule.

The Pedestrian Mobility Around Work Zones Director's Rule is part of a larger effort by the city called "Seattle Vision Zero" and the "Access Seattle Initiative" to make it easier to walk during construction periods.