King County Local Services - Roads, Permitting, Community Service Areas

09/17/2026

It’s salmon season! Our crews spotted this gorgeous Chinook in Boise Creek, near the Boise X Connection Bridge. Last week we reconnected the stream after diverting it in July to protect it from construction debris during the bridge replacement project.

As part of this project, we relocated the bridge supports further from the stream, giving it extra room to move. We also installed large wood pieces and new streambed gravel to improve fish habitat. Looks like the salmon approve!

Learn more at KingCounty.gov/BoiseXBridge

09/16/2026

The intersection of Auburn Way NE, just north of S 277th Street is CLOSED as of today, September 16, after a fatal crash just north of the intersection. There is currently no estimated re-opening time.

Please use alternative routes and expect delays. Thank you for your patience.

And remember, if you see a road hazard, call our 24/7 Road Helpline: 206-477-8100.

09/15/2026

Enjoy the blooper reel you didn't know you needed, but will be glad you watched!

Have a home in unincorporated King County?

Have a home improvement project in mind?

Miss your chance to go to the first Home Improvement Fair?

Want to make sure you don't miss another (standing-room-only) "Residential Permitting 101" session?

Join us on Tuesday, Sept. 29, in White Center!
Technology Access Foundation (605 SW 108th Street, Seattle)
6 - 8 p.m.

Viewer Advisory: No hammers were thrown in the production of this video!

Video description: Two Department of Local Services staff members take several takes, reminding residents of the upcoming home improvement fair while standing outside.

09/15/2026

King County has opened the application period for $2.7 million in community‑led grants through the Elevate Skyway Community Fund and the Uplift White Center Community Fund. Eligible organizations and community groups are encouraged to apply for funding to support projects and programs that benefit residents in the unincorporated areas of Skyway/West Hill and White Center/North Highline.

Applications are due no later than October 11 at 11:59 p.m. Learn more at kingcounty.gov/local-services/PB

These grant opportunities are part of King County’s Participatory Budgeting program, a community‑designed process that centers lived experience, racial equity, transparency, and trust. Funding priorities and the 2026 grantmaking process was shaped by a Community Advisory Board, and community members will review and score all eligible proposals.

To support applicants, King County will host several information and technical assistance sessions:

Uplift White Center Community Fund Information Session
September 15, 5:30–7:00 p.m.
White Center Library, 1409 SW 107th St., Seattle

Elevate Skyway Community Fund Information Session
September 16, 5:30–7:00 p.m.
Skyway Resource Center, 12610 76th Ave. S., Seattle

Technical Assistance for Proposal Writing (Virtual; this session will be recorded)
September 21, 5:30–6:30 p.m.
Join via Zoom: Meeting ID 863 0765 0352
Interpretation available with pre-registration by September 16. Meeting Registration: https://kingcounty.zoom.us/meeting/register/3uFwOP-oSKqKgDiMeegUPQ #/registration

Technical Assistance for Proposal Writing + 1‑on‑1 Support (In person)
September 23, 5:30–7:00 p.m.
Skyway Resource Center, 12610 76th Ave. S., Seattle

Get more information on the King County Local Blog: https://kingcountylocalblog.com/2026/09/14/application-window-opens-for-participatory-budgeting-grants-in-skyway-and-white-center/

09/14/2026

Heads up, South King County Crews began work today, September 14, on the SE 456th Way drainage improvement project, near house number 20800.

This project will fix a sinkhole near the basin, pictured above. Without repair, water would continue bypassing the pipe, pulling down more material and could eventually wash out the road. These improvements will help protect and maintain the roadway for years to come!

Construction will be on weekdays, between 7 am and 4 pm, for up to two weeks. Work will mainly be in the road shoulder, but at times crews may reduce the road to one lane to safely complete the project. If that happens, flaggers will direct two‑way traffic through the open lane. Please expect delays and drive carefully!

For more information visit KingCounty.gov/MyCommute or head to the link in our bio!

09/14/2026

Don’t forget to review and comment on the draft Fairwood Subarea Plan by September 26!

To learn more, please join us this Thursday, September 17 at 6 p.m. at our Virtual Informational Meeting. You will have a chance to hear from County planners, ask questions, and learn what happens next. You can register online for the meeting in the “Upcoming Events” at publicinput.com/fairwood-plan.

We will also hold Office Hours at the Fairwood Library on Wednesday, September 16 from 4-6 p.m. – Library Office Hours. Stop by and say hi!

In the meantime, you can review and comment on the plan here: publicinput.com/fairwood-plan

09/11/2026

As early as September 21, 2026, contractor crews working for King County will repave 3.23 miles of NE Big Rock Road between the Duvall city limits and Kelly Road NE. During construction, the road will be reduced to a single lane on weekdays, between 7 am and 6 pm. Flaggers will direct two-way traffic using an open lane. Please expect delays of up to 20 minutes. Learn more at: KingCounty.gov/NE-Big-Rock-Road 

PLEASE NOTE: Paving is highly weather dependent, and this work can be rescheduled or delayed due to crew, material, or equipment availability. For the latest updates, visit KingCounty.gov/MyCommute (link in bio).

09/11/2026

As early as September 14, 2026, Road Services crews will begin construction on a drainage improvement project in Fairwood on SE Petrovitsky Road near 151st Ave SE.

During construction, the right lane and shoulder will be closed, allowing crews to safely work. Crews will shift all westbound traffic on SE Petrovitsky Road into the turn lane near 151st Ave SE. The lane shift is expected to be in place each weekday, from 7 am to 3:30 pm for about two weeks.

Please expect minor delays. Learn more at KingCounty.gov/MyCommute (link in bio)

Slide 1 and 2: Sections of this rusted and degrading metal pipe will be repaired by installing a heavy-duty plastic liner this fall.

Slide 4: SE Petrovitsky Road and 151st Ave SE looking east.
Slide 5: Map of the project location.

09/10/2026

Crews have officially finished installing all culvert pieces for the NE 128th Way Culvert Replacement Project, and one day ahead of schedule! This marks a major milestone for the project.

Intermittent closures at the Avondale Road NE intersection began on September 8 so crews could safely prepare and position the crane needed to guide each culvert section into place. By September 9, installation was complete and every piece is now set.

Thank you to the community for your patience as we completed this necessary work.

Learn more: KingCounty.gov/NE-128th-Culvert-Project

09/10/2026

Liz Stead will join King County Department of Local Services as its new Permitting Division Director.

Department of Local Services Director Leon Richardson made the announcement today after an extensive search for the person who will help guide permitting activity for approximately 250,000 residents and businesses in the unincorporated areas.

“We are excited that Liz will be a member of our team,” Richardson said. “She brings a wealth of experience in both local government and the private sector that will directly benefit the Permitting Division. She has an extensive background in permitting, code enforcement, long-range planning, SEPA compliance, land use, leadership, and a myriad of other areas directly related to DLS’ work.”

Read more on the King County Local Blog:

Liz Stead will join King County Department of Local Services as its new Permitting Division Director. Department of Local Services Director Leon Richardson made the announcement today after an exte…