Complete Streets

Play a video introduction to Complete Streets at WSDOT.

Complete Streets are streets for everyone. A transportation system that accommodates all forms of transportation is more accessible, comfortable, economical, sustainable and efficient in the travel space provided.

Complete Streets means planning, designing, building, operating and maintaining the transportation system that enables comfortable and convenient access to destinations for all people, and includes specific requirements for the pedestrian, bicyclist and transit rider experience. It is an approach to making our transportation system work for all of us, strengthening communities, expanding options for non-drivers, and making travel more predictable for everyone. Planning and designing Complete Streets projects uses a set of tools or treatments with a focus on the pedestrian and bicyclist level of traffic stress (PDF 511KB), connectivity, route directness and a safe system approach (PDF 107KB).

Complete Streets at WSDOT

In 2022, the Washington State Legislature added a Complete Streets requirement in RCW 47.04.035. This directs WSDOT that “in order to improve the safety, mobility and accessibility of state highways, it is the intent of the Legislature that the department must incorporate the principles of complete streets with facilities that provide street access with all users in mind, including pedestrians, bicyclists and public transportation users” and "integrate the state route into the local network" for “state transportation projects starting design on or after July 1, 2022 and that are $500,000 or more.”

Image

Complete Streets is delivered through existing project delivery at WSDOT. State transportation projects need to be screened to determine if they are subject to the Complete Streets requirement. Contact the relevant region lead to coordinate screening.

After screening if Complete Streets applies, the next step will be pre-design, including community engagement, that will inform any necessary changes to scope, schedule and project budget. Projects with Complete Streets requirements will then be designed and delivered through the standard agency process building off the pre-design work and design requirements outlined in the agency Design Manual.

Complete Streets implementation

• Complete Streets Implementation Project Delivery Memo (PDF 882KB).
• Design Bulletin: Level of Traffic Stress (PDF 702KB).
• Complete Streets Glossary (PDF 144KB).
• Design Manual (especially chapters 300, 1100, 1101, 1104, 1510, 1515, and 1520).
• Advancing the Safe System Approach for All Users Executive Order (PDF 107KB).
• Local Planning and Complete Streets flyer (PDF 310KB).
• Complete Streets Statewide Project Status Map, January 2025 (PDF 785KB).

Community engagement resources for Complete Streets 

• Level of Traffic Stress flyer (PDF 511KB)
• Complete Streets Basics flyer (PDF 4.3MB)

Connect with a Complete Streets region lead

• Eastern Region: email Shea Suski
• North Central Region: email Daniel Turner
• Northwest Region (Whatcom, Skagit, San Juan, Island counties): email Elizabeth Sjostrom
• Northwest Region (Snohomish, King counties): email Zack Howard
• Olympic Region: email Kaitlin Fauver
• Southwest Region: email Dylan Bass
• South Central Region: email Kathy Murray
• Washington State Ferries: email Frank Fiedler IV
• Rail, Freight and Ports: email Ryan Ragaza-Bourassa

WSDOT regions (PDF 507KB)

Presentations, projects and studies

Complete Streets requirements are delivered through regular WSDOT project delivery processes and not through a central prioritized approach. 

• Explore Complete Streets projects with active project websites
• Explore Complete Streets studies

Connected agency work

Complete Streets is connected to and supports many other agency goals and plans in addition to the specific requirements of the legislation, including:

• WSDOT Active Transportation Plan
• Reducing transportation greenhouse gas emissions
• Advancing the Safe System Approach for All Users Executive Memo (PDF 107KB)
• Environmental Justice
• WSDOT ADA Title II, Sections 504 and 508 Transition Plan
• WSDOT Strategic Plan, Vision, Mission and Values

Other Complete Streets programs and policies in Washington State

• Transportation Improvement Board's Complete Streets Awards (local jurisdictions)
  • RCW 47.04. 320 Complete Streets Grant Program
• Many jurisdictions throughout the state have their own Complete Streets policies. The best source for accuracy and specifics is their local documentation, but most jurisdictions that have a policy or requirement can be found on this map of Complete Streets policies.