University Place school-crosswalk project reaches summer construction phase as district bond work advances
Construction is underway on University Place’s School Crosswalk Safety Improvements project, changing pedestrian routes near four school campuses and setting a July work period at Elwood Drive and 27th Street West during summer recess.
Sound Pacific Construction began work May 27, 2026, according to the City of University Place. The city posted its construction announcement June 5, with an update dated June 3.
The project is separate from the University Place School District’s building program, but both developments affect school access and facilities. District voters approved a bond in February 2026 that will replace two primary schools and renovate Curtis High School.
Three school-route segments are included
The city project covers three identified route segments. The first is 27th Street West between Elwood Drive and Grandview Drive. The second runs from Grandview Drive West to 40th Street West. The third follows 40th Street West toward 78th Avenue Court West.
The routes serve pedestrians near U.P. Primary, Curtis Junior and Senior High School, and Narrows View Elementary School. Planned work includes new Americans with Disabilities Act ramps, sidewalks, paving, signage, illumination, channelization and stormwater upgrades.
For parents, students, pedestrians and drivers, the immediate change is construction along routes used to reach school. The city planned the portion at Elwood Drive and 27th Street West for July, when schools are on summer recess, to reduce conflicts with school traffic.
Bond sets school replacement and renovation scope
The district’s bond program covers two primary-school replacements: Sunset Primary School and Chambers Primary School. It also covers renovation work at Curtis High School, which the district identifies at 3717 Grandview Drive West in University Place.
In total, the approved bond scope includes two primary-school replacements and one high-school renovation. The February vote establishes that program scope, but the cited district material does not establish that construction has begun at every school.
What the sources establish about timing
The city has identified July as the summer-recess window for the Elwood Drive and 27th Street West work. The city notice does not state a total construction cost or a completion date for the overall crosswalk safety project.
The district’s bond page describes the approved projects but does not provide a complete project schedule in the cited material. That means the currently documented construction start applies to the city’s school-route project, while the bond information confirms the future replacement and renovation scope rather than a start date for each school project.
Residents can therefore expect immediate city construction on school-area pedestrian infrastructure, with larger district facility projects approved but not fully scheduled in the cited sources.
Sources
- Work Begins on Safe Routes to School Project, City of University Place
- Bond Construction Projects, University Place School District
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