The 68th Avenue Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Improvements Project is one of the five voter-approved Walkways & Waterways bond measure projects.

Mayor Herbig Cuts Another Walkways & Waterways Ribbon

Mayor Herbig was joined by Deputy Mayor O’Cain and Councilmember Srebnik for the 68th Avenue Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Improvements Project ribbon cutting ceremony April 19, 2023. While the project had been mostly complete for almost a year, some materials delayed by supply chain issues were finally able to be installed. “Now that the final pieces are in place, we can officially cut the project ribbon,” said City Engineer John Vicente.

Approved by Kenmore voters as part of the Walkways and Waterways bond measure in 2016, the 68th Avenue project constructed 1.5 miles of new sidewalks from Kenmore’s downtown to the northern city limit. The project also included 3 miles of new bike lanes on both sides of 68th Avenue on the same stretch.

“I am very pleased with the final outcome of this project,” said Mayor Herbig. “I’m grateful to our residents for having the vision and desire to improve pedestrian and bicycle safety on 68th Avenue. This project truly propels Kenmore on the trajectory toward creating a thriving community where all people love where they live.”

Deputy Mayor O’Cain expressed her gratitude for the Kenmore residents who endured the construction activity. “The construction of the 68th Avenue sidewalks was a daily disruption and inconvenience, and our residents, especially those that live along the construction zone, were so patient. The project lasted a long time and wasn’t pretty, but it was worth it in the end—we have a beautiful road with continuous sidewalks and bike lanes.”

Other improvements included beautification amenities, including 1,500 linear feet of new landscaped planter beds, 45 new LED street lights, and 400 linear feet of boardwalk over banks and streams. A key feature of the project includes 7 new stormwater detention and water quality treatment locations, together with a new stormwater conveyance pipe system to improve water quality and flood prevention. A $1.16 million State Department of Ecology grant funded the water quality improvements. Northshore Utility District also partnered in the project and replaced substantial sections of aging sewer and water utility pipes.

“I would like to thank the hard work and professionalism of Senior Project Engineer Kent Vaughan, who managed this project. This project was complex and far from easy, and Kent, along with the City’s engineering team, did a fantastic job in getting this project in on budget and across the finish line,” said City Manager Rob Karlinsey.

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