Capitol Hill is such a progressive neighborhood that even our infrastructure is forward-looking. The Hill led the way in LED streetlights with an extensive test across Capitol Hill in 2009. We wrote about Seattle Department of transportation’s new-fangled magic pothole repair machine last week. Even this seemingly simple sidewalk repair we spotted this week on north Broadway is cutting edge. Here are the details and pictures of a new and improved repair technique from SDOT’s Richard Sheridan:

The work on Broadway near Roy is a trial effort for repairing sidewalks.  Instead of using asphalt to fill gaps, this approach sawcuts lifted areas of concrete using a patented process.  The approach could allow us to create walkway fixes that looks great and meet ADA standards for walkways.

We are testing it as a technique for sidewalk repair on three blocks on Broadway and will determine if it is a cost effective solution for maintaining walkways.

Any other suggestions for new and innovative tests for SDOT to roll out on the Hill?

Speaking of Broadway sidewalks, fellow Seattle ‘hood blog MyBallard reports that the photographer in the legal battle over photographs he took of the public art “Broadway Steps” held a benefit for his legal defense fund Thursday night. It doesn’t sound like much more than lawyer’s fees have progressed in the situation pitting photographer Mike Hipple against the artist Jack Mackie. We’ll follow up with Hipple to find out how the benefit went and what’s next on the legal front.