Sarah Lemmon May 29, 2019 10:24am

We just received this update from Seattle Department of Transportation about the paving project that will affect Green Lake Way, specifically Green Lake Way N, N 50th St, and Stone Way N intersection.

After our engineers analyzed 8 different design options at this intersection, they found that the only way to make operational improvements would be to close one “leg” of the 5-way intersection and establish a 4-way intersection. This design change would require real estate acquisitions, significant increases to project funding, and at least 1 to 2 additional years of design and community engagement work. Unfortunately, these realities are beyond the scope, budget, and schedule of the current project. 

We’ll continue to look for future opportunities to improve safety and operations at this intersection that are within our scope and budget. This includes:

• Adding curb bulbs and upgrading curb ramps for Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility
• Adjusting crosswalks to make it safer for people walking and biking across the intersection
• Making minor adjustments to improve visibility and sightlines

1. N 40th St bike connections
   In an effort to provide better bike connections around N 40th St, we’re looking at additional safety treatments and have identified three potential intersections.  Project budget is limited, but the team will consider community feedback in implementing as many of the alternatives as possible.

• 40th and Wallingford Ave N – Traffic Signal Updates
  The proposed plan is to update and re-time the traffic signal to provide a Leading Pedestrian Interval for all crossings. A leading pedestrian interval gives pedestrians a head start at traffic signals by turning on the pedestrian signal 3-7 seconds before parallel vehicles are given the green light. This improves the visibility of pedestrians and can reduce vehicle-pedestrian collisions by up to 60%.
• 40th and Latona Ave NE – Rapid Flashing Beacons
  We’re considering the installation of rapid flashing beacons. This treatment alerts drivers to the presence of a pedestrian or bicyclist and increases yield rates at crosswalks.
• NE Pacific St and Latona – Rapid Flashing Beacons (see above)
  
  Opportunities for input: Now through June 30, submit your feedback on these alternatives through the online survey. These options will also be presented at the Wallingford Community Council meeting on Wednesday June 5^th, 7pm at the Good Shepherd Center, 4659 Sunnyside Ave N.