Seattle sits between the Olympics to the west and the Cascades to the east, and is known for its hilly topography and steep hillsides. These hillsides provide dramatic views, but occasionally pose problems for the infrastructure we’ve built along their sides. One case in point is alongside Lake Washington, north… [ Keep reading ]
In January, SDOT presented to the Northwest Universal Design Council on many of the specific aspects of designing an accessible pedestrian network that is usable for all pedestrians. If you wonder why, it is because Universal Design and accessibility are related. While accessibility generally refers to access for people with… [ Keep reading ]
SDOT Street Use right-of-way permit rates are changing—rewarding well-prepared applicants and moving to project/service-based permitting. In the midst of Seattle’s development surge, right-of-way permit rates have remained the same for 5 years. This has led to deferred service enhancements and backlogs as Street Use Permit Services now reviews and inspects… [ Keep reading ]
As we ramp up more transportation projects for 2016, so do our efforts to increase safety, mobility and quality of life for everyone traveling around Seattle. The recent opening of the street car, which now connects Capitol Hill to Pioneer Square, has been a great addition to our transportation network,… [ Keep reading ]
As part of a joint Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) and Seattle Police Department (SPD) effort, SPD has been issuing warnings and citations to motorists traveling in violation of posted restrictions of BAT (Business access and Transit) Lane use and Blocking the Box. What is “Blocking the Box”? Everyone who… [ Keep reading ]
When construction projects impact city streets and sidewalks, it can make it difficult for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers to get around. This is especially true for pedestrians with disabilities. As a recent KUOW story highlighted, pedestrian reroutes and detours can be confusing for visually impaired residents. In the past, this confusion has… [ Keep reading ]
On Friday January 29, 2016, 296 students from Cedar Park Elementary (Olympic Hills Interim) learned how to be safe while walking or biking to school. Monica Sweet, an active member of Lake City Greenways, presented the importance of reflectors for visibility at night. One of the parents, Karoliina Kuisma, also… [ Keep reading ]
