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Update – Bridging the Gap Signal Work Completed for 2013

One of the pieces of the Bridging the Gap (BTG) transportation initiative is the evaluation and installation of new signals and maintaining the equipment that keeps those signals functioning properly. The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) had several goals related to signal up keep in 2013 and those goals have been met.

For 2013, SDOT said it would install three new left-turn signals, two new signals and complete eight major maintenance projects. SDOT also committed to evaluating 25 intersections for left turn improvements and evaluate 40 intersections for possible new signals.  As of today all of this work has been completed for the year and crews are continuing preventative maintenance work on the 1,070 signals across the city. They expect to wrap up that work in mid-December.

New signal in cityRESIZENew left turn signals have been installed at: Beacon Avenue S and S Spokane Street, 4th Avenue S and S Dawson Street, and at 20th Avenue W and W Dravus Street. Two new traffic signals have been installed at:  Queen Anne Avenue N and Highland Drive and at First Avenue S and S Walker Street.

New signals and the requests for evaluation of a particular location are not cheap and every request, whether implemented or not , must go through a lengthy process of on-site monitoring, data analysis, evaluation, review, more number crunching before final approvals. The actual installation phase entails another equally lengthy process and none of this could happen without the funding from the BTG.

While a lot of the work that is completed by BTG is highly visible (paving, new sidewalks, bridge replacement, restriping work); it is the less visible work that helps keep traffic (all modes!) moving and safe. If you would like more information on BTG please visit the website.