Construction News

What’s happening now:

November 2026 update

LDWG has begun the third season of construction in the upper reach of the waterway to remove contaminated sediment. To protect certain fish species, in-water construction is limited to October 2026 through February 2027. Season 3 construction hours will be during both daytime and nighttime, Monday – Saturday. Hours will vary depending on the tides and the type of work being done. 

You can reach out to our team should you have questions or concerns. Reach out to us at info@ldwg.org or 1-888-561-LDWG (1-888-561-5394).

What to Expect During the Week of November 9 

During the week of November 9, crews will continue dredging at sediment management area (SMA) 17 near Duwamish Waterway Park (see map linked below). We expect work on the water to begin as early as 5:30 a.m., Monday through Saturday. 

Crews will also begin night work at SMA 1A and 1B, north of the 102nd Street bridge, Monday through Sunday. Work will start around 12 a.m. at the start of Tuesday, November 10, and continue through early Tuesday morning. Crews will begin moving equipment to the area and removing debris. As early as Wednesday, November 11, crews will begin dredging around 1 a.m. and continue working through the early morning. Since the construction schedule depends on the tides, start times will shift by about 30 minutes each night through Sunday, November 15.   

Crews will finish removing debris at SMA 5 on the east shore, then begin land-based excavation of the sloped bank. We expect this work to begin as early as 6 a.m., Monday through Saturday. 

What to Expect During the Week of November 16 

During the week of November 16, crews will continue dredging at SMA 1A and 1B. This work is expected to continue to occur at night and finish in the morning due to the tide schedule, Monday through Saturday. 

Crews will begin dredging at SMA 18, near Duwamish Waterway Park, and will continue land-based excavation of the sloped bank at SMA 5. We expect work at these SMAs to begin as early as 5:30 a.m., Monday through Saturday.  

Staying Safe on the Water During Construction

The Lower Duwamish is home to fishers, kayakers, paddlers, and others who spend time on and around the river. If you’re heading out on the river, a few simple precautions can help you recreate safely:

• Stay at least 100 feet from construction boats and equipment.
• Check out this Construction News page to see where work is happening before heading out on the river.
• This safety card provides some safety tips for paddling near active construction: Stay Safe During Cleanup Construction 3×5 card | Printable version

The greatest health risk associated with the Superfund site comes from eating contaminated resident fish and shellfish from the Lower Duwamish Waterway. Visit Public Health – Seattle & King County’s webpage Fishing for safe seafood to eat to learn what types of fish are safe to eat.

Remember, this is an urban water body. Public Health – Seattle & King County recommends that after you wade or swim in an urban water body such as the Lower Duwamish Waterway, shower with soap and water afterward for general hygiene health. If you go to the beach or contact mud while wading, wash your hands with soap afterward, especially before eating.

For more detailed information about safety on the Lower Duwamish, visit King County’s webpage Staying safe while using the river.