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Northwest Sector
15th Ave NW / NW Leary Way, map
Respondent #18, 7/31/08
The intersection of 15th Ave. NW and NW Leary Way is under the Ballard Bridge in the Northwest Sector. It is a busy intersection in a growing area. The first picture was taken from the NW corner of 15th Ave NW and NW Leary Way, looking south toward the on-ramp to the bridge. This is a particularly dangerous intersection, as cars go speeding through the crosswalk when it is green for pedestrians. There have been numerous accidents, close calls, and complaints. The second picture was taken at the same intersection, from NW Leary Way heading west. This picture shows the double set of traffic lights, which causes much confusion for cars stopped before the bridge. Cars often see only the second set of lights under the bridge, and will go when they are not supposed to, causing regular collisions and near-collisions with cars and pedestrians crossing NW Leary.
Seattle Department of Transportation (SDoT) Response
(We) have requested data regarding the collision history of this intersection. We will work with the arterial street operation group to determine whether visibility and pedestrian safety at this intersection can be improved.
With regard to your specific comments about the double set of lights westbound on NW Leary Way, we will re-align the lights so that the second set is not visible from the stopping location of the first set of lights before the bridge. This should prevent westbound motorists from relying on the second set of lights in determining whether they have the right-of-way.
Again, thank you for taking the time to write.
Back to Northwest Sector list of critical crossings.
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