Summary
- We’ve completed two key projects along West Marginal Way SW as part of our larger plan to Reconnect West Seattle.
- On top of that, we’ve decreased the speed limit from 40 MPH to 30 MPH.
- As we continue to do our part, we’re asking you to do yours: please adhere to the 30 MPH speed limit for everyone’s safety.
- SPD will be increasing speed limit enforcement along West Marginal Way SW.
We’re well on our way – West Marginal Way, that is – to making the improvements we talked about back in September.
We’ve completed our planned work for 2020 along West Marginal Way. In addition to tree-trimming and vegetation removal as needed, these improvements consist of:
Installing six speed radar signs to reinforce the 30 MPH speed limit: People speed consistently along West Marginal Way, where we recently reduced the speed limit from 40 MPH to 30 MPH. The speed radar signs are intended to reduce speeding, which is unsafe for all travelers, including people pulling in and out of driveways. The speed radar signs were placed along West Marginal Way from SW Marginal Pl to SW Front St.
Streamlining the intersection at Highland Park Way SW: Our goal was to reduce wait times and increase travel volume by moving the bus stop and creating a new right-turn only lane, as well as restricting left turns, which will no longer be allowed from westbound Highland Park Way SW onto West Marginal Way.
Even with the speed radar signs, we’re still seeing high speeds. People driving too fast or otherwise have caused several – sometimes serious – collisions.
Therefore, to keep everyone safe, the Seattle Police Department will begin additional enforcement on West Marginal Way. That means that if people driving are going too fast, they’re now more likely to be pulled over and receive a monetary citation.
West Marginal Way on a rainy Seattle day.
Please remember: Slowing down from 40 MPH to 30 MPH on a three-mile stretch only adds 90 seconds of travel time.
We recognize 90 seconds can seem like a long time, but it probably won’t make a difference in how late people driving really are to an appointment or event. In contrast, a fatal crash can occur and change lives in less than one second.
West Marginal Way is a work in progress, and we look forward to delivering more planned improvements throughout 2021. This includes a sidewalk near the Duwamish Longhouse and Cultural Center next spring. This will be followed by the Duwamish Trail Connection, an interim crossing signal at the Longhouse, and freight improvements.