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A straight path for pedestrians

Pedestrian path at construction site

Pedestrian path at construction site

Crossing the street to avoid a blocked sidewalk next to a construction zone is about to become an infrequent experience for Seattle’s walkers.  SDOT briefed the Seattle City Council Transportation Committee this morning on a proposed set of new guidelines and regulations governing pedestrian pathways around construction zones.  You can view the full recommendation here . SDOT will be taking public comments through Sept. 15.

In response to a Council-requested audit, SDOT did a lot of research on best practices used in other cities to balance the needs of the walking public with the City’s goal of promoting economic growth.  SDOT staff even took a trip to Washington, D.C., to see that city’s successful regulations in action first-hand.

The proposal incorporates creative new ideas to reduce sidewalk closures and keep high-volume ped pathways open next to construction zones.  Recommendations include encouraging covered walkways, improving signs and ensuring walkways can be navigated by people with limited mobility.  The proposal will be formally adopted after the comment period has ended, so stay tuned!

Covered pedestrian path at construction site

Covered pedestrian path at construction site