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Better Sidewalks Mean Safer Routes to School

While school is out for summer, we’re excited for all the safety improvements that will be done for the start of the new school year! One of the projects we’re currently wrapping up is new sidewalks on S Orcas St in Beacon Hill.

These new sidewalks extend from Beacon Ave S to 32nd Ave S on the north side of the street and offer a safer and more comfortable way to access Dearborn Park Elementary.

As a top priority for the school, we completed sidewalks on the south side of the street in 2013. Thanks to Move Seattle, which supports our Safe Routes to School Program, we were able to come back and complete sidewalks on the north side of the street!

We’re also stretching our program even further by making existing sidewalks on S Orcas St more comfortable using low-cost methods. Between 32nd Ave S and 35th Ave S, we’ll be using new trees and curb stops to separate parking from sidewalk space, to ensure that sidewalks remain clear. Once these projects are complete, you can look forward to a more accessible Dearborn Park Elementary!

By the way, the Seattle School Traffic Safety Committee is accepting applications for new members to help make walking and biking to school in Seattle safer and easier, the deadline to apply is August 17, 2017. The volunteer committee advises the Mayor and City Council about school traffic safety, including adult crossing guard locations, school traffic signs and signals, school safety patrols, bicycle facilities, sidewalks and student traffic safety education. Click here for more information.