Walking - Crossing & Sidewalks

Pedestrian Crossings: Olympia's Pedestrian Crossing Improvement Program installs devices at intersections throughout the City to enhance pedestrian safety.  An example of a crossing improvements are the lighted crosswalks on 4th Avenue and State Avenue near Ralph's Thriftway.  Among the types of improvements are:
  • In-pavement lighting systems: Lights in the roadway that blink to warn motorists when a pedestrian is in the crosswalk;
  • Bulb-outs: Extensions of the sidewalk into the street to make the crossing distance shorter; and
  • Crossing islands: islands between opposing lanes of traffic, allowing pedestrians to cross one half of the roadway at a time.

Sidewalk Construction: Olympia's Sidewalk Program constructs sidewalks on the three types of higher traffic-volume streets:  Arterials, Major Collectors, and Neighborhood Collectors.  A recent study found there are 83 miles of missing sidewalk on these streets.  Olympia's Sidewalk Program Report (PDF) is now available.

Crosswalk Law: Motor vehicles are required by law to stop for pedestrians in their half of the roadway.  Dowload our printer friendly flyer for more information explaining the law.

Curb Ramps for Wheelchairs: On an annual basis, the City installs 25 to 30 access ramps on street corners for wheelchair access.  For more information, contact Public Works Transportation at (360) 753-8576.

Sidewalk Obstructions: It is illegal to park a vehicle on the sidewalk or block a sidewalk in any manner.  To report a blocked sidewalk, call the Olympia Police Department at (360) 753-8300.  For overgrown vegetation obstructing a sidewalk, call the City's Code Enforcement Office at (360) 753-8487.

For more information on sidewalk planning or about missing sidewalk segments, contact the Public Works Department at (360) 753-8497.

Also, in 2004, Olympia voters approved an increase in the utility tax to pay for new parks and sidewalks.  Learn more about how the Parks and Pathways money is being invested to improve walking in our community. 

Need More Information?   Contact the Public Works office.

Address:      924 7th Avenue, SE, Suite A 
                   Download a printer friendly (PDF) copy of directions to our office Hours:         Monday - Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Phone:        (360) 753-8588 
Email:         Public Works