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Seattle Transportation Plan | Your ideas have helped identify transformational projects! What would you like us to do first? 

by on October 20, 2023

IMPORTANT – DRAFT SEATTLE TRANSPORTATION PLAN (STP) COMMENT PERIOD EXTENDED: You can still provide feedback on the DRAFT STP until October 31! 

One draft Seattle Transportation Plan (STP) project will better connect Downtown through the Chinatown-International District to the Rainier Valley. This project could include making changes to signals so that traveling along this section of the busy Rainier Ave S corridor is more efficient, safe, and predictable; supporting the business access needs of destinations like shops, restaurants, and cultural centers in the area; and making streets more enjoyable for people walking and rolling. 

Summary 

  • You and your neighbors have told us what you need in your transportation system. This resulted in a bold vision for the future of Seattle’s transportation network. 
  • We developed a list of transportation projects and programs to support this vision! We can’t do everything on this list, given resources available, so we want to know what you want us to prioritize. 
  • How do you think these projects and programs will change the way you get around the city? Which projects and programs are most important to you and your neighbors?
  • KEEP THESE IMPORTANT DATES IN MIND!

You and your neighbors have told us what you need in your transportation system.  

This resulted in a bold vision for the future of Seattle’s transportation network:  

Seattle is an equitable, vibrant, and diverse city where moving around is safe, fair, and sustainable. All people and businesses can access their daily needs and feel connected to their community. 

We developed a list of transportation projects and programs to support this vision! We can’t do everything on this list, given resources available, so we want to know what you want us to prioritize.

You might be wondering, “Where do we get the money to to fund near-term program, project and maintenance priorities?” That’s a good question. The voter-approved Levy to Move Seattle, which has historically funded about 30% of Seattle’s transportation budget, expires in 2024. We’re in the process of considering all of the transportation work we need to do, and developing a comprehensive and sustainable plan to fund near-term project and program priorities. This could include other funding sources that Seattle voters would need to approve. Your input on the STP project and program activities list will help us develop a funding plan that meets the needs of you and your neighbors. 

The project list includes new, transformational projects that could be implemented to achieve the STP vision, each with an estimated construction cost of over $10 million in current dollars.  

Some projects create more comfortable connections between walking, rolling, and bicycle routes. Others transform some of our busiest streets, welcoming people to linger with neighbors, visit local businesses with ease, and take reprieve during a busy day. Others ensure that people delivering our important goods from around the world can do so safely and efficiently. You’ll also see projects that support you and your neighbors in accessing other regional transportation investments, like new Link light rail stations.  

Below are just a few examples of the projects you’ll see on the STP Online Engagement Hub:  

  • Streamlining connections and making walking, rolling, and biking near the Chinatown-International District Link light rail station safer and more accessible 
  • Improving transit access and reliability from West Seattle to the Rainier Valley 
  • Connecting people walking, rolling, biking between NE 125th St and Shoreline to improve access to the future Link light rail stations on NE 130th St and NE 148th St 
  • Improving the connection between Little Saigon, First Hill, and Capitol Hill for people walking, rolling, biking, or taking transit, as well as for freight vehicles 
  • Improving safety and transit access on Aurora Ave N from the SR 99 Tunnel to NE 145th St 
  • Improving the transit and freight connection between and within Southwest and Southeast Seattle, which could include potential bus- and freight-only lanes 

You’ll also see a list of other things SDOT does, and we are calling these program activities. We have many program activities that help us deliver smaller projects and services, like: 

  • Installing new crossings near schools 
  • Installing new sidewalks 
  • Trimming and planting trees 
  • Filling potholes 
  • Making freight movement more efficient 
  • Creating easy-to-navigate public spaces with pedestrian wayfinding 
  • and much more 

We’ve also added new example ideas for what program activities we can do based on your feedback. Like projects, we’d like to know what program activities are most important to you. 

How do you think these projects and programs will change the way you get around the city? Which projects and programs are most important to you and your neighbors? 

Visit the STP Online Engagement Hub to learn about these projects and programs and share your feedback by November 20. 

Filed Under: SDOT