Guardrail and crash cushions? Be honest, when was the last time you thought about either of these two important safety devices that are found on many of Seattle’s roads? Who really thinks about them until they are needed?
Good news! Your Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) thinks about
Old guardrail near Fort Lawton in need of replacement.
them a lot and our crews are working hard to keep them upgraded and in good condition.
Did you know that SDOT is responsible for the upkeep of nearly 67,000 linear feet of guardrail (the equivalent of 186 football fields) and the more than 30 crash cushions across the city? SDOT crews replace guardrail and crash cushions if they have been damaged from an accident. In addition, our crews work to upgrade both items to current standards so that they are safe and ready to do the job if needed.
New guardrail!
The guardrail and crash cushion replacement program is one of the lesser-known, though critical, programs that is funded by the Bridging the Gap (BTG) Transportation levy package, passed by Seattle voters in 2006. Thanks to BTG, more than 10,500 linear feet of guardrail and 10 crash cushions have been replaced in the first five years of the levy program. More than 1,800 linear feet of guardrail and two crash cushions will be replaced this year.
 Workers installing crash cushion on NE 45th Street Viaduct. |
 An installed crash cushion. |
BTG programs are working hard to make Seattle streets safer for all users!