Miller Creek Daylighting Project

Project Location

Near South 144th Street and Des Moines Memorial Drive South.

Project Overview 

This project is part of the implementation strategy for Burien’s Northeast Redevelopment Area (NERA). The project includes relocating and daylighting approximately 500 linear feet of stream channel that currently passes through a combination of degraded natural channel and failing culverts in the vicinity of South 144th Street and Des Moines Memorial Drive South, along with stormwater quality improvements to the roadway along Des Moines Memorial Drive South.

Improvements include:

  • Relocation of a segment of Miller Creek that currently passes through two culverts totaling 465 feet, both of which act as total fish passage barriers and are failing and in need of replacement, as well as 170 feet of degraded open channel
  • Construction of more than 1,300 feet of new stream channel designed to minimize erosion and increase habitat
  • Installation of two new fish-passable concrete box culverts
  • Stormwater conveyance and water quality treatment facilities
  • Construction of 1.4 acres of new floodplain to provide additional riparian habitat and flood storage 

Project Status

Construction began in the spring of 2023 and was temporarily halted in February 2024 due to delays in material procurement and permit timing restrictions. Work resumed in June 2025. The connection to the new creek channel has been completed, and all remaining project work is expected to be complete by fall 2025. The Cities of Burien and SeaTac, and the Port of Seattle are working together to schedule a ribbon cutting ceremony for later this year. 

Neighborhood Impact 

The completion of the Miller Creek Stream Restoration Project will result in 1,200 feet of realigned stream free of fish passage blockages. Floodplain, large woody debris and native plantings will provide enhanced fish habitat, reduced flooding impacts, and improved amenities along Miller Creek Trail. This project is the result of a partnership between the Cities of Burien and SeaTac and the Port of Seattle.

Project Manager

Dan O’Brien
Stormwater Engineer
(206) 248-5520
[email protected]

 

Updated October 7, 2025