One of the great things about working for the City and Department of Transportation is creating a network of streets that not only move people, but help build community and strengthen our great neighborhoods. On Tuesday, May 6 at 6:30 PM, at Thornton Creek School (7711 43rd Avenue NE) we’ll have a second opportunity to chat with people living in Wedgwood. Wedgwood was one of the first locations to get a neighborhood greenway. It is located along 39th Avenue NE between the Burke-Gilman Trail in the south and NE 80th Street in the north. Neighborhood greenways are safer, calmer residential streets for families and neighbors.
At the meeting on the 6th we’ll discuss the most promising extension and recommended safety improvements. The route was selected after receiving valuable community input at our March 27 open house and through emails, as well as conducting technical analysis. The map below shows recommended improvements. Not shown, but also included are wayfinding signs, sharrows, reducing the speed limit from 25 MPH to 20 MPH and pavement repair.
Project Map
The neighborhood does have gaps in its sidewalk system. One of our project goals is reducing speeds on these streets to make it safer and more comfortable for people walking to share the street with moving traffic. While ultimately SDOT is committed to building sidewalks, it is a costly, long-term effort and beyond the scope and budget of the current greenway project.
Greenway construction is planned for Fall 2014. We’ll see you next Tuesday!
P.S. During the analysis of the greenway extension, we also evaluated how the existing greenway on 39th Ave NE between NE 52nd St and NE 80th St was operating. Because the majority of drivers were exceeding the posted 20 MPH speed and to improve safety and comfort, we recommend installing speed humps and additional improvements, as shown on the map. Additional evaluation will occur this summer.