SDOT to add street-use inspectors; funds Twelfth Avenue South retaining-wall design and start of construction

SDOT told the Select Budget Committee the proposed 2026 budget includes new street-use construction inspection positions to respond to a heightened period of construction activity and major regional projects, and that it is funding design and the start of construction for a Twelfth Avenue South retaining wall damaged by winter storms.

The department said current staffing only allows it to complete roughly half of scheduled inspections in the intended time frame; the proposed budget adds three street-use inspector positions intended to close that gap so construction sites are properly managed and public movement around them is safe.

On Twelfth Avenue South (Beacon Hill), SDOT described a two-year project to design and construct a permanent retaining-wall solution after storms in 2021 and 2022 damaged a portion of the roadway. The 2026 funding will support design and start construction; SDOT said it expects to identify additional funds to complete construction in 2027 through the biennial budget process.

Ending: SDOT told the committee this staffing and project funding will help manage construction impacts from Revive I-5 and other regional works and pledged to provide updates on inspection timeliness and the retaining-wall schedule. The committee took no formal action during the presentation.