About Public Works

Department Overview
The Public Works Department is responsible for the operation and maintenance of the City's infrastructure including, streets, traffic (signs & markings and traffic signals), surface water and parks. Public Works is also involved in the design and construction of the City's capital projects.
Public Works services are provided to the community through a variety of contracts with private contractors and public agencies. As a contract City, Kenmore is able to choose between several outside agencies and private contractors to take advantage of each venders' abilities. Kenmore's partnership with the City of Lake Forest Park Public Works has proven to be effective in providing public works services such as street sweeping, slope mowing, and asphalt repair.

Streets
There are over 72 miles of street in the public street system. The Public Works Department is responsible for the maintenance and repair of the street system including, pavement management, vegetation control, street sweeping, shoulder maintenance, snow & ice removal, and bridge maintenance.
SR 522 is the responsibility of the Washington Department of Transportation (WSDOT). To report a street or traffic concern related to SR 522 please call the WSDOT radio at (206) 440-4490.

Asphalt Overlay Program
The City streets are Kenmore's most valuable asset and the City's Asphalt Overlay Program is part of a maintenance plan designed to prolong the life of city streets. Starting in 2000 the City has resurfaced an average of 2.92 miles of street per year at an average annual cost of $262,000.
Streets are selected for resurfacing using a pavement management program that rates the conditions of city streets, which allows the City to prioritize streets for maintenance. Streets are then grouped together by location to minimize cost associated with mobilization of paving crews.

Street Sweeping
During the fall and winter months arterial streets are swept monthly and residential streets are swept every other month. This schedule begins in mid to late October and continues through January. The street sweeping program not only keeps streets clean it also keeps debris from blocking storm drains and ditches, helping to minimize flooding. If you have questions regarding the street sweeping program please call the Public Works Department at 425-398-8900.

Traffic
Signs and Markings
Signs - If you know of a damaged, missing, or down sign or if you would like to inquire about having a new sign installed please call the Public Works Department.
Striping - Arterials are striped twice a year neighborhood collectors are striped annually.
Signals
The City of Kenmore Maintains the traffic signals at three intersections.

• NE 170th St & 68 Ave NE
• NE 153rd St & Juanita Dr NE
• NE 155th St & Simonds Rd NE

The traffic signals on SR 522 and the remaining signals in the City are maintained by the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) for questions regarding the operation or timing of these signals please call WSDOT at 206-440-4490.

Traffic Calming
Traffic conditions on residential streets can greatly affect neighborhood livability. When traffic problems become a daily occurrence, our sense of community and personal well-being is threatened. When streets are safe and pleasant, the quality of life is enhanced. The City of Kenmore is committed to preserving the quality of life, and our Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program is one of the tools we use.
For more information on Traffic Calming, please call us at 425-398-8900. Get More Info

Surface Water
The Public Works Department maintains the public drainage system consisting of catch basins, conveyance pipe, detention ponds, tanks and vaults. If you have a surface water concern please call 425-398-8900.

Parks
The Public Works Department is responsible for the maintenance of 4 parks including, Kenmore Park, Tracy Owen Station, Linwood Park, and Wallace Swamp Creek Park. Moorlands Park is maintained by Northshore School District. Get more info