On Monday March 16th the Fremont Siphon Replacement Project began with the demolition of the former Praxair building at NW 36th Ave and 2nd Ave NW. The extensive project is expected to take two years and Fremonsters can expect to see several phases of construction and closures. King County is overseeing the replacement of the Fremont Siphon, a major sewer pipe that runs under the Ship Canal between Fremont and Queen Anne, and hosted a series of public meeting and open houses in the lead up to the project.
During a community meeting at the Fremont Library on March 2nd, the King County team presented an overview of the project including construction timelines, closures, detours, and what community members could expect during construction. Several residents of Canal Street expressed concerns as the west end of NW Canal Street and 2nd Ave NW will be closed during a duration of construction. A portion of parking along NW Canal Street will be temporarily eliminated to provide two way access and a turn around. Community planners addressed these concerns and noted residents’ feedback.
What does the Fremont Siphon do?
The Fremont Siphon has provided safe, reliable sewer service to north Seattle and other cities in north King County for decades. Sewage and stormwater from more than 100 square miles of pass through the Fremont Siphon every year to be cleaned and safely discharged at the County’s treatment plant in Magnolia. During storms, the pipe carries up to 220 million gallons per day, making it one of the most heavily used pipes in the regional sewer system.
The existing Siphon is nearly 100 years old and has reached the end of its of service life. The new pipes will ensure north Seattle and northern King County continue to enjoy safe, reliable sewer service for decades.
Here are some of the biggest impacts for Fremonsters:
- Work hours are Monday- Friday from 7 am to 6 pm and Saturdays from 9 am to 6 pm as necessary.
- There will be increased activity and noise throughout the duration of the project.
- A long-term Burke-Gilman Trail detour will come into effect after the project begins. This detour will be paved and take cyclists and pedestrians slightly closer to the Canal for approximately the distance of a block before rejoining the trail.
- As the contractor prepares to install the new pipe 2nd Ave NW will be closed for a time.
- The west end of NW Canal Street will be closed at the same time as 2nd Ave NW and remain closed during the next phase when crews connect the siphon.
A new odor control facility will be constructed on the site of the former Praxair building. The surrounding space will be restored with vegetation and given a “park-like” feel. Beginning in 2013 King County planners work with the Fremont community to design a facility with community input. For more in-depth details about the final design visit this page.
King County will continue to engage the community for the duration of the Fremont Siphon Project. A 24-hour project information line is available for questions or concerns at (206) 205-5428. Updates will be made available at www.kingcounty.gov/fremontsiphon and the project team can be reached there as well.
