Later this year, the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) plans to make several upgrades to 2nd Ave between Pike St and Denny Way. To improve the safety and efficiency of travel and bike connections in downtown, SDOT will make traffic signal improvements, pedestrian improvements, and extend the existing 2nd protected bike lane through Seattle’s dense and vibrant Belltown neighborhood.
The project will include several features aimed at increasing safety for all modes of transportation:
- All traffic signals will be updated with new poles and signal heads. Timing improvements will increase efficiency for people walking, biking and driving through and around Belltown
- At the left turn intersections, signals will have a designated arrow for drivers to turn left which separates drivers from people walking and biking
- Three new traffic signals at Cedar, Clay and Vine streets will create safer turns and easier pedestrian crossings
- A two-way protected bike lane will be added on the east side of the street, including a 3-foot buffer with planters
- Parking will be relocated to the outside lane of the protected bike lane, similar to the existing bike lane on 2nd Ave
- Curb bulbs on the east side of 2nd Ave will be removed to create space for the protected bike lane and buffer, with landscaping improvements and sidewalk spot repairs throughout the corridor
The project is currently in design and is scheduled to begin construction in fall 2017. The protected bike lane extension is part of SDOT’s Center City Bike Network project and Vision Zero plan to end traffic deaths and serious injuries by 2030.
In the meantime, the existing 2nd Ave Protected Bike Lane is getting upgrades, including planter boxes, new traffic signals and raised passenger load zones and driveways. For more information, visit: http://www.seattle.gov/transportation/2ndavepbl.htm