Seattle Department of Transportation began making pedestrian improvements at 3rd Avenue NW and NW 56th Street and NW 55th Place today (Monday), as part of its Neighborhood Street Fund and Safe Routes to Schools program.
Project elements include:
- Changing NW 55th Place to one-way, southwest-bound
- Creating an all-way stop at the intersection of 3rd Avenue NW and NW 56th Street to improve pedestrian crossing safety, especially for West Woodland Elementary students
- Separating NW 55th Place from 3rd Avenue NW and NW 56th Street
- Adding curb extensions on 3rd Avenue NW and at the intersection of NW 55th Place and NW 55th
- Street to shorten the length of pedestrian crossings
- Upgrading curb ramps to be compliant with current Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards
- Adding minor drainage improvements
Project Benefits:
- ADA-compliant curb ramps, for smoother and better access
- Curb bulbs to facilitate safer, shorter crossings for pedestrians and bike riders
- Adding signage to reduce vehicle speeds and notify drivers of pedestrian crossings
Work will take about eight weeks, depending on the weather. Construction will result in short-term parking and lane restrictions on NW 56th Street, NW 56th Place and 3rd Avenue NW; temporary road closures on NW 56th Street and NW 55th Place (residential access will be maintained); temporary pedestrian and bicycle detours around the work areas; and tree trimming at intersection of 3rd Avenue NW and NW 56th Street. Work will typically be done between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays, with some weekend work possible.
