First of all we’d like to thank the people who took time to provide us with input on bicycle and truck improvements we were considering for the south end of the Ballard Bridge. We received 37 comments–a record for our young blog. After considering the comments and meeting with a small group of bicycle and freight stakeholders, we are no longer planning to use the design originally proposed. Instead, SDOT is taking the following steps:
- Review sign placement for the southbound traffic to give motorists more advance notice that bicycles will be entering the road.
- Trim trees in the area to improve visibility for traffic and bicyclists.
- Paint the curb cut where bicyclists enter the road to help alert drivers.
- Evaluate speeds of southbound traffic on 15th Avenue W. Depending on the results of the speed study additional measures may be taken including installing a radar speed sign, or lowering the speed limit.
For more details read a letter from SDOT Director Grace Crunican on the subject. If you would like to read the comments we received check here.