Construction of the Roosevelt Way NE Paving & Safety Improvements Project will begin as soon as next month! In preparation for this work, we are hosting a project pre-construction open house on Monday, January 25, 5:30-7:30 PM, with a presentation at 6:15 PM, at the University Heights Community Center (5031 University Way NE, Room 108). You are invited to join us and meet the project team, hear details about project elements and expected construction impacts, and ask questions.
The project, with construction expected to last through late summer, will repave Roosevelt Way NE between NE 65th St to the south end of the University Bridge, creating a safer and more comfortable road surface for all travelers. In addition, the project will also:
- Create in-lane transit stops and consolidate bus stops to improve transit speed and reliability
- Install a permanent protected bike lane on the west side of Roosevelt Way NE between NE 65th St and the University Bridge to improve safety for people biking
- Install curb bulbs and pedestrian islands to shorten crossing distances and improve accessibility and visibility
- Replace substandard curb ramps to meet federal Americans with Disabilities (ADA) requirements
- Replace buckled or cracked sidewalks to improve safety for people walking
The new protected bike lane and in-lane transit stops remove on-street parking on the west side of Roosevelt Way NE from NE 65th to the University Bridge. A temporary protected bike lane was installed last year from NE 45th St to the University Bridge and will be upgraded to a permanent one with this project. Over the past year, SDOT worked with businesses and residents to develop an access and parking management plan to respond to this change.
We heard a variety of opinions on how on-street parking should be considered and managed. Some prefer more focus on travel options to reduce the need for on-street parking, while others wanted more certainty that parking would be available close to their homes or businesses. Small businesses without parking lots are interested in maintaining some all-day parking for employees and all need delivery access. Folks want to ensure those with mobility challenges can park close to destinations and have safe crossings of Roosevelt; and many requested two-hour parking on Roosevelt between NE 55th St and Ravenna Blvd.
To mitigate the loss of on-street parking, we are considering a number of changes, including:
- Adjusting the on-street parking time limits in some locations to better serve the needs of adjacent property owners and tenants
- Adding on-street parking on adjacent side streets to help restore what is being removed
- Expanding Zone 10 of the Restricted Parking Zone program, adding residential blocks west of Roosevelt Way NE and north of, and including, NE 56th St
For more please visit: http://www.seattle.gov/transportation/pave_roosevelt.htm