Reconnect South Park

Reconnect South Park is a partnership between the City of Seattle and the South Park community aimed at improving mobility, expanding economic opportunities, and enhancing public health and safety. The project focuses on creating a more connected and thriving neighborhood by reimagining infrastructure along State Route 99 (SR-99). Grounded in extensive community engagement and technical analysis, this initiative ensures investments align with long-term prosperity, health, and quality of life.

Community participation is central to Reconnect South Park’s success. Residents, businesses, and organizations are encouraged to engage in the planning process by attending public meetings, sharing feedback, and staying informed about project developments.

For more information and how to participate, please visit the Reconnect South Park Story Map.

Reconnect South Park Story Map: Click here to view the Story Map.

SR-99 is part of the regional transportation network, primarily serving through-traffic rather than local South Park mobility needs. The Reconnect South Park Coalition—composed of community and business leaders and local organizations—is leading a collaborative planning process to develop a vision for the corridor’s future. The effort explores multiple scenarios that balance transportation functions with economic development, public health, and expanded access to community resources.

The City of Seattle is conducting technical studies and infrastructure planning to support South Park’s long-term investment strategy. These efforts aim to improve multimodal access, create commercial and residential opportunities, and enhance public spaces that contribute to a thriving and healthy neighborhood. Data-driven evaluation criteria, including safety improvements, health benefits, traffic efficiency, and economic impacts, guide this process to ensure long-term and community-focused outcomes.

South Park is a dynamic and active neighborhood in the Duwamish Valley, home to a mix of residential, business, and industrial sectors. The Reconnect South Park Coalition is actively engaging residents, businesses, and industry leaders to shape the project’s direction. Key areas of focus include enhancing pedestrian and bicycle access, improving transit connections, and identifying opportunities for future development that support economic vitality and public well-being.

Results from Initial Technical Analysis

• SR-99 serves as a regional transportation route with limited direct benefits for local South Park residents and businesses.
• Safe pedestrian and bicycle crossings are limited, with gaps of up to a half-mile between existing connections, impacting mobility and access to essential services.
• The corridor encompasses approximately 61 acres of right-of-way, offering significant potential for more efficient land use that benefits the community’s health, economy, and transportation options.
• The project is evaluating options to enhance mobility, expand public spaces, and strengthen economic activity while maintaining essential transportation functions.

Project Goals

• Improve Transportation Infrastructure: Modernize roads, crossings, and pedestrian/bicycle pathways to enhance safety, mobility, and public health.
• Advance Economic Growth: Expand commercial space, support local businesses, and create pathways for long-term job development, contributing to financial stability and health security.
• Enhance Public Health and Environmental Quality: Reduce environmental impacts, improve air quality, and expand green spaces to foster a cleaner, healthier community.
• Increase Community Connectivity: Address transportation barriers and improve access to employment centers, healthcare, businesses, and essential services.

The project is progressing through a phased evaluation process, which includes developing a community vision, assessing potential transportation solutions, and refining investment strategies. Upcoming milestones include:

• Spring 2025: Detailed analysis of transportation and land use scenarios, including health impact assessments.
• Summer 2025: Community engagement sessions and refinement of preferred alternatives, with a focus on safety and public health improvements.
• Fall 2025: Development of an implementation strategy with both short and long-term actions that support community health, economic sustainability, and mobility.