Expect the Unexpected
The Aurora Traffic Safety Project

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The Aurora Traffic Safety Project is a two year effort to improve safety along Aurora Avenue North. Between April 2005 to March 2008, 1,581 collisions occurred on Aurora – that’s nearly 46 collisions per month. This project was launched to reduce collisions on Aurora using near-term, low-cost solutions through engineering, education, and enforcement efforts.

This project is supported by a state grant from the Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC) and the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT). The Seattle Department of Transportation and the Seattle Police Department are leading this effort. Since October 2008, a task force consisting of over 40 local residents, community leaders, business owners, and state and local government has been working to identify issues and develop data driven solutions. Together we are working to reduce crashes.

This project builds off of the success of the Rainier Corridor Traffic Safety Project and Mayor Greg Nickels’ Aurora Action Agenda which highlighted the community's concerns about safety along this roadway.

Project Launch, June 18, 2009

On June 18th, 2009, SDOT Director Grace Crunican hosted a unique and lively event to officially launch the Aurora Traffic Safety Project. The event featured a walk for safety on Aurora to Bagley Elementary School. Walkers were accompanied by the sweet melodies of the accordion, the Feet First Chicken, and the Bagley Bee. After the walk, students and parents heard about the importance of this project from Director Crunican, Deputy Mayor Tim Ceis, Bagley Elementary Principal Kimberley Kinzer, parent Mary Sullivan. and SPD Captain Michael Fann. Then the Washington State Patrol and Seattle Police Department officially kicked-off the project by launching a motorcycle emphasis patrol on Aurora.

Walk for Safety	Crossing Aurora at N 80th St
Expect Pedestrians	Expect the Unexpected
The Bagley Bounce	Deputy Mayor Tim Ceis addresses the crowd
Bagley Elementary Principal Kimberley Kinzer	Bagley parent and involved neighbor Mary Sullivan
click to view larger versions

Project Benefits
The Aurora Traffic Safety Project will:

• Save lives
• Reduce collisions
• Reduce traffic congestion due to collisions
• Improve pedestrian mobility along and across Aurora Avenue North
• Raise awareness about the neighborhoods and businesses along the corridor

What to Expect
The Action Plan has been completed and the task force is moving forward with implementation. The program funds increased police enforcement, the development of educational materials and $250,000 in improvements to the road and signs. See the project Action Plan (link) for all planned actions and activities. Some of the highlights of the Action Plan include:

• New street name signs
• Improved regulatory and warning signs
• Radar speed signs at several locations accompanied by increased enforcement efforts at each location
• New stop bars at all signalized intersections to provide additional guidance emphasizing the point at which vehicles are required to stop
• New crosswalks and curb ramps at two locations
• An educational campaign intended to raise awareness about the characteristics of this roadway

For more information contact Jim Curtin, project manager, at (206) 684-8874 or email jim.curtin@seattle.gov.

To learn more about Traffic Safety Corridors visit: The Washington Traffic Safety Commission's Web site.

Project Partners