The North Bend City Council is taking steps to significantly upgrade pedestrian infrastructure in the Old Silver Creek neighborhood, a move that promises to tackle long-standing public safety and nuisance flooding issues. In its July 15 meeting, the Council voted unanimously to pass a resolution that will see Ryatt Construction spearhead the 5th Street, 6th Street, and Main Avenue improvements project, as reported by the City of North Bend’s official website.
These pivotal improvements are set to introduce sidewalks accompanied by storm drainage catch basins and conveyance pipes, aimed to dramatically decrease the flooding that has become all too familiar to local residents. According to Mayor Miller, “These improvements are made in the best interests of public safety and quality of life. While we all enjoy the occasional flock of ducks that visit the ponds created by drainage issues on these streets, pedestrian connectivity and a modern, effective drainage collection and conveyance system are essential components to a healthy neighborhood,” as noted by the city's announcement.
The Mayor also acknowledged the historical charm of the Old Silver Creek neighborhood, but emphasized the necessity of modernization for the wellness of its community. This sentiment reverberates through the commitment to not just temporarily alleviate, but to sustainably improve and protect the area.
The project, which is financially backed by a mix of Transportation Impact Fees, the Water Capital Fund, and the Storm Drainage Capital Fund, will introduce additional enhancements to pedestrian safety. These include the addition of curbs and gutters to serve as a protective barrier and an engineering tweak on a portion of Main Avenue that will lower the road surface to improve sight distances near the intersection with the Snoqualmie Valley Trail. Ahead of the project's anticipated commencement in August 2025, residents can look forward to not only infrastructural improvements but also the installation of longer lifespan ductile iron water pipes and valves, primed to notably increase fire flow and water reliability.
For those interested in following the project's progress or other local transportation development efforts, the City of North Bend's website offers an opt-in notification service, 'Notify Me,' which allows residents to tailor updates to their preferences. Detailed information regarding the transportation improvement plans can also be accessed via the Six-Year Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) webpage. The July 15 City Council Packet, available on the city’s website, provides an in-depth look at the forthcoming improvements. The city encourages its citizens to utilize these resources to keep abreast of developments that stand to significantly affect their daily lives and commutes.
