The City of Burien is working on or has recently completed the following infrastructure projects. These community investments help build a healthy and livable community for all.
Boulevard Park Flood Reduction Project
Location: Boulevard Park neighborhood between South 120th Street to the north, 12th Avenue South to the west, Des Moines Memorial Drive South to the east, and South 136th Street to the south.
Project Details: A primarily privately owned stormwater conveyance system flows through the Boulevard Park neighborhood west of Des Moines Memorial Drive in Burien. This neighborhood has experienced nuisance flooding for many years, but circumstances have changed in recent years that have exacerbated this flooding and resulted in annual significant flooding of several properties and structures beyond what was experienced previously. This study analyzes the likely causes of both the long-term chronic flooding and the more recent severe flooding, presents possible solutions, and proposes a recommended solution to alleviate this flooding event permanently.
Project Status: Project is currently in its second phase. The initial phase included completing a flooding study in 2022 and working with Valley View Sewer District to incorporate stormwater improvements into its sewer main extension project. The City of Burien repurposed $400,000 in COVID-19 American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to help cover cost of the stormwater component of the project. An interlocal agreement is being drafted for the partnership, with plans to enter construction in the fall or winter of 2025. This work is expected to resolve the most significant chronic flooding issues near the 1200 block of South 124th Street. A potential third phase of this project could be started as early as 2026, utilizing federal water resources funding administered by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. This funding is for $5 million with a 25% match from the City of Burien and would include additional stormwater improvements downstream of the phase two work.
Miller Creek Daylighting Project
Location: Near South 144th Street and Des Moines Memorial Drive South
Project Details: This project relocates and daylights approximately 500 feet of stream channel that currently passes through a combination of degraded natural channel and failing culverts near South 144th Street and Des Moines Memorial Drive South. The project also provides environmental enhancements along the corridor and stormwater quality improvements for roadway runoff.
Project Status: Construction began in spring 2023 and has been temporarily shut down since February 2024 due to delays in material procurement and permit timing restrictions. Work resumed in December for 1-2 months, then paused again until summer 2025. Work is expected to be complete by fall 2025.
Fourth Avenue SW Pedestrian Improvement
Location: Fourth Avenue SW between SW 156th Street and SW 160th Street
Project Details: This project will provide pedestrian improvements for better accessibility and promotion of pedestrian safety, especially for school children. A new sidewalk will be installed on the east side of the roadway and bike lanes will be installed on both sides.
Project Status: Work on the final design (including right-of-way and environmental considerations) is underway and on schedule. Construction is expected to begin in the summer of 2025.
South 140th Street Trunkline Project
Location: South 140th Street between Eighth Avenue South and Des Moines Memorial Drive South
Project Details: This project will install a new stormwater trunkline along South 140th Street to accommodate existing development and facilitate future development. Project will include bioretention to address roadway impacts to water quality in nearby Miller Creek.
Project Status: Project design is essentially complete, and construction is expected to begin in summer 2025.
South 136th Street Sidewalk Improvements
Location: South 136th Street between First Avenue South and Des Moines Memorial Drive South
Project Details: This project reconstructed sidewalks on both sides of South 136th Street that were severely damaged by mature tree roots. Existing trees were removed and new landscaping was installed where space allowed. Street parking on the north side of the street was eliminated, bike lanes were installed, water quality features were constructed, and a new Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB) was installed at Third Avenue South for pedestrian crossings.
Project Status: Project was completed in March 2025.
SW 148th Street Intersection Improvements
Location: SW 148th Street between Fourth Avenue SW and Sixth Avenue SW
Project Details: This project will reconstruct the traffic signal and add a northbound right turn lane at SW 148th Street and Fourth Avenue SW, construct a new traffic signal at SW 148th Street and Sixth Avenue SW, upgrade pedestrian facilities to meet accessibility (ADA) requirements, reconstruct a rockery at SW 148th Street and Fourth Avenue SW, and add pedestrian-level lighting on the south side of SW 148th Street.
Project Status: Work will continue through the Fall of 2025. Expect some traffic congestion and minor delays throughout the project period.
Lakeview Park Play Equipment Replacement
Location: Lakeview Park, 422 SW 160th Street
Project Details: The City of Burien replaced Lakeview Park’s playground equipment and associated park furnishings. We replaced the equipment within the same footprint while incorporating play features suitable for the 5- to 12-year-old age group. The equipment for the 2- to 5-year-old age group was installed in 2019 and is not due for replacement.
Project Status: Project was completed in March 2025.
Chelsea Park Playground Equipment
Location: Chelsea Park, 839 SW 136th Street
Project Details: The City of Burien plans to replace the 24-year-old playground equipment and associated park furnishings at Chelsea Park in 2025. The new equipment will fit within the existing footprint and feature age-appropriate designs for the two primary age groups: 2- to 5-year-old toddlers and 5- to 12-year-old youth. Community feedback will be gathered in early 2025 to determine which features the new equipment should have.
Project Status: Project scoping and community engagement planning have started. Equipment will be installed between late 2025 and early 2026.
