The Duwamish Longhouse and Cultural Center on West Marginal Way SW. Photo Credit: SDOT Flickr. Summary
- Improvements and changes are planned for West Marginal Way SW.
- These include an interim pedestrian signal and painted crosswalk at the Duwamish Longhouse, and a new pedestrian pathway on the west side of West Marginal Way SW between the Duwamish Longhouse and SW Idaho St.
- Go on our Virtual Walking Tour with our on-the-ground video of West Marginal Way SW.
- We are also hosting a Virtual Open House on Thursday, February 18 from 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. We will gather feedback on the planned and proposed projects to ensure the consideration of broad community and stakeholder concerns ahead of planning, design, and installation in mid-2021.
Since the closure of the West Seattle High-Rise Bridge in March 2020, we’ve seen increases in the number and speed of vehicles driving along West Marginal Way SW. Acknowledging that West Marginal Way SW is a Major Truck Street that needs to accommodate large trucks, we are working to prioritize safety and mobility for everyone while best managing the increased traffic.
This year, we will begin making several safety and mobility improvements along this busy corridor.
Duwamish Longhouse Crossing and Signal
In 2021, we will build an interim pedestrian signal and crosswalk to provide a safer crossing for people accessing the Duwamish Longhouse. We will also install a sidewalk on the west side of West Marginal Way SW between the Duwamish Longhouse and SW Idaho St. The permanent signal will be installed as soon as 2022.
Bike Network Connections
Last summer, people in West Seattle took the Reconnect West Seattle survey and shared that they wanted better bike connections along West Marginal Way SW. After looking at several options, we have proposed a two-way protected bicycle lane in the southbound curb lane. This would provide a connected and comfortable bike route for all ages and abilities from the Duwamish River Trail (SW Idaho St) to the West Seattle Bridge Trail.
Design Options
There are three street design options for the southbound curb lane of West Marginal Way SW in the vicinity of the Duwamish Longhouse and south of the proposed bike lane.
These options include:
- Extending the proposed bike lane south
- Extending the existing on-street parking north
- Opening the lane back up to general traffic
Speeding and Vision Zero Goals
We are committed to Vision Zero goals of eliminating traffic fatalities and serious injuries, and reaching those goals by reducing speeding and crashes. Last year, we installed six speed radar signs along West Marginal Way to help reduce the travel speeds from 40mph to 30mph – the new speed limit. However, speeds are still averaging above the posted speed limit on West Marginal Way. Redesigning the street with some of the previously mentioned design options may further encourage slower travel speeds.
Freight and Business Access Updates
Since the bridge closure, we have heard concerns from the freight and business community about access and mobility along the corridor. We are working with the freight community and businesses along West Marginal Way SW to improve freight access along this corridor. More updates on freight access will come soon.
Take a Virtual Walk of West Marginal Way SW! Check out our brand-new walking tour video of West Marginal Way SW below for more on-the-ground experience and information.
We are hosting a Virtual Open House on Thursday, February 18. We will gather feedback on the planned and proposed projects to ensure the consideration of broad community and stakeholder concerns ahead of planning, design, and installation in mid-2021.
To learn more and share your thoughts, please join us at our Virtual Open House on Thursday, February 18 from 6 – 7:30 p.m. Use this link to join: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88433928185. Or, if you prefer to just watch the open house, you can view it on YouTube.
To request an interpreter or accommodations for persons with disabilities at the Virtual Open House, please contact us at 206-400-7511 or WestSeattleBridge@seattle.gov at least 3 days prior to the meeting date.