12th and Pike reopens as city wraps up main construction on longer than expected sewer overhaul

The intersection when it was still fully under repair (Image: CHS)

Seattle Public Utilities has provided an update on the much longer and much more involved than planned construction project and street closures at 12th and Pike, telling CHS crews have completed the main construction phase of the major sewer repair project.

CHS reported last month on neighborhood business and community concerns around the long closure and the Seattle Department of Transportation’s handling of prolonged city street closures.

The project is also a symptom of how the city tends to some of its largest infrastructure needs, pushing back timelines due to budget and schedule considerations as significant problems from aging pipes only get worse. The summer construction timeline on the 12th and Pike project had to be doubled to six weeks of closures after excavation crews ran into unmapped wiring, old concrete, and tangled utility lines.

In the SPU update provided to CHS Friday morning, SPU says the intersection has been “officially” reopened to traffic. Restoration work on sidewalks and ADA ramps will continue through late October, running during adjusted off-peak hours (9 AM to 3 PM) and temporarily pausing from October 2 to October 4 for the nearby Elysian Brewing Great Pumpkin Festival.

Through the final phase, SPU says the intersection and pedestrian storefront access will remain open, with most street parking available.

The full announcement is below.

Reaching out to follow up on your recent coverage: Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) has been working since early July to repair the sewer pipes located on E Pike St and 12th Ave. This work is part of SPU’s ongoing efforts to address aging sewer infrastructure in this area of Capitol Hill. On Friday September 25th crews completed the construction phase of the repair project at the 12th Ave and E Pike and reopened the intersection to vehicular traffic.

While the intersection is now open, crews will continue their vital restoration work through late October. To help ease impacts on the community, working hours have been adjusted to 9 AM to 3 PM to better accommodate peak traffic periods.

With the roads reopened, we encourage you to visit the businesses at E Pike and 12th.  with your family, friends and co-workers to show the businesses there your support! This project has been challenging for the neighborhood, and local small businesses in particular have felt the impact. Your support can make a meaningful difference as the area returns to normal activity.

From September 25th to late October, crews will focus on restoring sidewalks and ADA ramps near the intersection. Work will pause from October 2nd to October 4th to support the Capitol Hill Elysian Brewing Co. Great Pumpkin Festival. Crews will resume restoration work on October 5. During this period, the intersection will remain open, storefront access will be maintained for pedestrians, and most street parking will be available. Only the parking spaces adjacent to active work areas will be temporarily blocked during working hours.

We deeply appreciate the community’s patience and cooperation as we complete this important infrastructure repair. Now that traffic is flowing and parking is easily available, we invite you to visit 12th and E Pike to support our local businesses and help re-energize the block.

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