West Seattle Neighborhood Greenway

Updated November 22, 2021

What's Happening Now?

Construction is complete for West Seattle Neighborhood Greenway! With the Phase 2 expansion completed in November 2021, the West Seattle Neighborhood Greenway takes you from Alaska Junction to the High Point Library, Fairmount Park, and all the way to Roxhill Elementary School.

Thank you, West Seattle. The West Seattle neighborhood greenway project would not have been possible without the feedback and effort we received from the community, and your Levy to Move Seattle tax dollars. Together, we're building a City grounded in what we've heard from you. If you have any remaining questions or concerns about the West Seattle Neighborhood Greenway, please contact us at 206-684-ROAD (7623) or 684-Road@seattle.gov

Traffic diverter and signal

At 35th Ave SW and SW Graham St, we built a push-button activated signal and installed a traffic diverter. These changes allow people biking and walking to safely wait for the traffic light to turn red and then cross 35th Ave SW. The traffic diverters at this intersection also restricted some dangerous turning movements for people driving. This is to reduce the chance of conflicts between people driving and people walking and biking.

Speed hump

On neighborhood streets, we built speed humps to reduce traffic and slow down people driving. This helps make the streets safer and calmer. 

Project Description 

We began working with West Seattle in summer 2016 to select a route for a new north-south neighborhood greenway. Hundreds of people gave feedback via an online survey, public events, and conversations with the project team. We heard requests for a neighborhood greenway with:

  • improved connections to the Junction and Westwood Village, as well as parks and schools
  • fewer hills to climb
  • slower speeds
  • safer crossings at busy streets like 35th Ave SW

Project Elements

West Seattle neighborhood greenway study area:

  • During phase 1 of outreach, we invited people to learn about and share their preferences on several route options.
  • Greenway route options at the north end included the Alaska Junction business district, Camp Long entrance at SW Dawson St, and the existing Delridge greenway east of the West Seattle Golf Course at SW Brandon St.
  • Our proposal for the south end included the greenway route going north-south on 30th Ave SW, 34th Ave SW, and 36th/37th Ave SW.

You can see the routes we studied and learn more about what we heard in the first phase of outreach here.

West Seattle Greenway Route

click to enlarge


Greenway route map

New crossing signal: 35th Ave SW and SW Graham St

There have been 2 traffic fatalities in recent years at this intersection—a person walking and a person biking. The community's reaction to these crashes and the response we received to our earlier survey have demonstrated a desire for a change at this location so that it feels safer for people, is better lit, and creates a more inviting connection to the new multifamily and retail construction on the corner. We think this intersection improvement can make it more family-friendly and dynamic so people want to visit, shop and play, nearby, no matter how they get around.

Specifically, the changes include:

  • Adding a push-activated crossing signal for people using the Greenway. When activated, the signal will turn red for people driving on 35th Ave SW.
  • Removing high-risk turning movements:
    • People driving on SW Graham St (eastbound and westbound) will not be able to turn left onto 35th Ave SW or to drive straight through to the other side of SW Graham St. They can only turn right onto 35th Ave SW.
    • People driving southbound on 35th Ave SW will not be able to turn left or right onto SW Graham St. They will need to drive around one block to access SW Graham St.
    • People driving northbound on 35th Ave SW will not be able to turn left onto SW Graham St. They can still turn right onto SW Graham St.
  • Building new crosswalks
  • Improving lighting at the intersection
  • Painting green markings for people biking to cross the intersection
  • Building speed humps on SW Graham St approaching the intersection 

Crossing signal proposal
Click to enlarge

Project Description

The West Seattle Neighborhood Greenway project came from city planning efforts and community requests. The Bicycle Master Plan (BMP) calls for neighborhood greenways primarily located on 34th Ave SW, as well as 36th Ave SW / 37th Ave.

We’ve been engaging with people in West Seattle to help us design a neighborhood greenway that connects residents with schools, parks, local businesses, and the greater transportation network. The new greenway will bring affordable, active transportation options for all ages and abilities.

The route, shown in the map above, was selected after listening to the community and reviewing existing transportation plans and traffic data.

The north route connects to the Junction and the south route combines what people liked about both 34th Ave SW and 30th Ave SW. The selected route avoids the steepest hills and prioritizes streets with lower vehicle speeds and traffic volumes. It connects people to popular business districts, schools, parks, transit, and Seattle’s growing bike network.

What's a Neighborhood Greenway?

Neighborhood greenways are safer, calmer residential streets for you, your family, and neighbors. We make people walking and biking the priority.

Neighborhood greenways can include:

  • 20 mph speed limit signs
  • speed humps to calm traffic
  • stop signs for side streets crossing the neighborhood greenway
  • signs and pavement markings to help people find their way
  • easier crossings of busy streets with crosswalks, flashing beacons, or traffic signals

Funding

Approved by voters in 2015, the 9-year, $930 million Levy to Move Seattle provides funding to improve safety for all travelers, maintain our streets and bridges, and invest in reliable, affordable travel options for a growing city.

Schedule

The first phase of outreach started in summer 2016 and concluded in December 2016. Phase 1 construction was completed in 2018 and Phase 2 construction was completed in 2021.

Materials


We are committed to building a productive, inclusive, and collaborative relationship with all who live, work, or travel in the project area. Please contact us with any questions.

If you need this information translated, please call (206) 684-4193.

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Transportation

Greg Spotts, Director
Address: 700 5th Ave, Suite 3800, Seattle, WA, 98104
Mailing Address: PO Box 34996, Seattle, WA, 98124-4996
Phone: (206) 684-7623
684-Road@seattle.gov

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The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) is on a mission to deliver a transportation system that provides safe and affordable access to places and opportunities for everyone as we work to achieve our vision of Seattle as a thriving, equitable community powered by dependable transportation.