Construction on Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) Lakeridge Slope Stabilization Project has begun. This is an important step toward restoring Taylor Creek and protecting the Rainier Beach community from flooding and environmental harm.
What is the Lakeridge Slope Stabilization Project?
SPU owns and maintains a sewer line buried beneath the slopes of Dead Horse Canyon in Lakeridge Park. Recent monitoring has shown movement in two slope areas near the line. If left unaddressed, further movement could damage the sewer, and a sewer failure here would mean a harmful overflow directly into Taylor Creek.
To prevent that, SPU will install underground micropile walls at two locations along the canyon. Micropiles are small-diameter, reinforced structures drilled into the ground to anchor and stabilize the surrounding slope. One structure will be installed on the east side of Taylor Creek, and one on the west side. Together, they’ll protect both the sewer line and the pedestrian trail above it.
How will the park be impacted?
The pedestrian trail through Dead Horse Canyon will be closed during construction, which will take place from mid-April through November 2026. For safety, public access to the park will not be allowed due to heavy equipment going up and down the trail.
We know this trail is well-loved by the community, and we appreciate your patience while this important work takes place. Lakeridge Playfield will not be impacted.
What happens next?
The Lakeridge Slope Stabilization Project is the first of two Taylor Creek Early Works Projects to move into construction. These early works projects are paving the way for SPU’s larger Taylor Creek Restoration Project, which is a major effort to address localized flooding and sediment buildup, remove fish passage barriers, and restore natural habitat along Taylor Creek and its watershed. Once complete, the restoration project will also improve equitable community access to open space in Southeast Seattle.
Stabilizing the canyon slopes now is essential for this project. It protects critical infrastructure, reduces risk to Taylor Creek, and sets the stage for the full restoration work ahead.
Stay in the loop
We’ll continue to share updates as construction gets underway. To receive future project updates directly in your inbox, sign up for the Taylor Creek project mailing list.
