City of Fircrest
Emerson Street Sidewalk Extension
Thelma Gilmur Park to Alameda Ave
TIB Award Amount
$530,190
Region: Puget Sound   |   Legislative District: 28   |   Length: 1,300.00 ft. FY 2021 Sidewalk Program (SP)

Existing Conditions

Emerson Street is an arterial roadway with over 14,500 cars a day. The south side of the street has multi-family developments, residential side streets and an adjacent park. There are no sidewalks or ADA ramps on the south side of Emerson Street between Alameda Avenue and the Thelma Gilmur Park. The Themlma Gilmur Park crosswalk across Emerson Street is dangerous due to the lack of curb cuts and flashing light beacon. Along this route, there is 200 ft of dirt path that is obstructed by a slope, causing pedestrians to walk in the road. Pedestrian traffic includes school children, bus riders, active individuals and parks users. There were 6,200 rides taken from the 6 bus stops within this route in 2018. School children walk to two local schools, Whittier Elementary and Evergreen Primary. Students are not allowed to walk to Evergreen due to the lack of sidewalks and crosswalks. People use the park for exercise and events, but with limited parking, people must cross Emerson Street.

Project Funding

  TIB Funds Local Funds Total Costs
Design 49,705 5,679 55,384
Right of Way 0 0 0
Construction 480,485 54,898 535,383
Project Totals $530,190 $60,577 $590,767

Local Match

TIB Participation Local Match Minimum Local Match
89.7% 10.3% 10%

Summary of Improvements

  • Improves pedestrian safety;
  • Completes gap;
  • Removes ADA barriers

Description of Improvements

In 2017 The Emerson Street sidewalk project was implemented from Orchard Street W to Alameda Avenue Through that project, the City of Fircrest sought to address the need for a better transportation system, one that is accessible with connections between destinations and designed to encourage healthier lifestyles and independent living, particularly for under-served populations and children. The Emerson Street Sidewalk Extension continues the sidewalk on Emerson Street from Alameda Avenue to Thelma Gilmur Park and fills a sidewalk gap. This project includes the addition of ADA ramps, and a light beacon at the crosswalk at Thelma Gilmur Park to improve the accessibility and safety for school children, transit users, pedestrians and park users. In 2019 the City of University Place is adding ADA ramps and crosswalks at 67th Avenue and Emerson Street to make the crossing safer. Once the last gap is finished, Emerson Street will offer multi-modal travel choices that support safe and convenient access for all users.