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Mill Creek council selects cycle‑track design for Silvercrest Drive and adds 28th Drive SE to the project
Summary
After reviewing five cross‑section alternatives, the council directed staff to redesign Silvercrest Drive using Option E (cycle track) and voted to include a short section of 28th Drive SE to fill missing sidewalk gaps; council cited safety for students and future connectivity, and the motions passed unanimously.
Mill Creek's City Council on March 10 directed staff to redesign Silvercrest Drive using the cycle‑track cross section (Option E) and voted to include 28th Drive Southeast as part of the project scope, with both motions passing 6-0.
Public works staff presented five concept alternatives (A–E) that trade cost, parking and bike/pedestrian comfort; estimated city costs ranged roughly from $3.4 million to $6.4 million depending on the option and extent of work. Staff and the consultant emphasized the importance of a consistent cross‑section along a corridor and said grant opportunities (Safe Routes to School, WSDOT bicycle/pedestrian programs) could cover major portions of construction costs. City Engineer Dan Carmody noted a current capital allocation of $4.9 million in road‑improvement funds for the project and expected Silver Lake Water & Sewer to reimburse the city about $850,000 for pavement work tied to their utility replacement.
Staff recommended Options E (cycle track) and B (buffered bike lanes) as preferred tradeoffs; Option E provides two‑way separated bicycle facilities with a buffer and preserved on‑street parking alternatives. Several council members cited student safety and maintenance as priorities. Council member Cavalieri said Option E and Option B "seemed to check all the boxes" for safety, connectivity and grant competitiveness.
Council member Cavalieri moved to have staff proceed with redesigning Silvercrest Drive using Option E; the motion was seconded and passed 6-0. Separately, council voted to include a missing sidewalk segment on 28th Drive SE as part of the Silvercrest scope to improve corridor connectivity; staff said the cost estimate already included 28th Drive and that construction would be phased to coordinate with Silver Lake's water‑main work, keeping paving work outside rainy‑season risks.
Next steps: staff will pursue grant conversations with WSDOT and others, return in mid‑June with a 60% design package and seek authorization for final design and advertising; construction is anticipated in 2028 with phased coordination of Silver Lake's utility schedule.
