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Bridging the Gap: A path to pedestrian improvements

 

BTG91614blogppost

Thanks to the Bridging the Gap (BTG) transportation initiative passed by Seattle voters in 2006, the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) is working to make it easier and safer to cross the road. Funding from BTG is available to remark crosswalks, make needed crossing improvements, install new signage in school zones, deploy the speed watch trailer and install pedestrian countdown signals across the city.

Since 2007, more than 4,700 crosswalks have been remarked, 185 crossing improvements have been implemented and 210 intersections have received the new pedestrian countdown signals. In addition, more than 196 improvement and signage upgrades have been made to school zones across the city and the speed watch trailer has been deployed more than 422 times.

While SDOT has made good progress on these valuable pedestrian improvements, work continues in 2014. So far this year the department has remarked 384 crosswalks; made 23 crossing improvements; installed pedestrian countdown signals at 45 intersections; deployed the speed watch trailer to 54 locations; and made 11 improvements to schools zones across the city.

Many of the improvements work in conjunction with our Safe Routes to School program making it easier and safer for kids all around Seattle to walk and bike to school. They bring awareness to all roadway users to be on the lookout for each other by creating more visibility to crossings; making drivers more aware they are entering a school zone; and providing immediate feedback to drivers about their speed through the use of the speed watch trailers.

For more information about BTG, its goals and accomplishments, visit the web site.