Seattle Has a Low-Cost Plan for 250 Blocks of New Sidewalks

[Updated 11/3/2015] Stephen Fesler reports on a plan announced recently by Seattle Mayor Ed Murray construct at least 250 blocks of new sidewalks over the next nine years and "to give more Seattleites more options when it comes to getting around on foot..."

Central to the proposal is a concern for lowering the cost of pedestrian facilities. According to Fesler, "[The mayor's] plan would implement more cost-effective techniques in sidewalk materials and designs. In fact, some 'sidewalks' might not even be what we consider as a traditional sidewalk. Murray is also proposing the development of new tools for and partnerships with private individuals to construct walking facilities." The mayor's proposal would aim to construct the 250 blocks of new sidewalks at the cost of 150 blocks of concrete sidewalks constructed in the traditional model.

A press release from the Mayor's Office reveals more about how and where the city would undertake the new sidewalk construction program.

The scale of the proposal also hinges on the Move Seattle, which is up for vote today. Fesler reported in August about Seattle's disconnected network of sidewalks, a legacy of the city's history of incorporation.

This post was updated from miles to blocks to represent the accurate distance measured.