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24th Avenue NW Safety Improvements (NW 56th Street to NW 65th Street)May 2007 SDOT will proceed with a lane rechannelization on 24th Avenue NW between NW 56th Street and NW 65th Street in Ballard. This change is expected to occur in summer 2007. To enhance safety for all street users, this project will reduce the number of motor vehicle travel lanes on 24th Avenue NW from four to three while adding a middle turning lane and bicycle lanes in both directions. On-street parking will remain. While no curb bulbs or bus bulbs are planned as part of this change, both would be possible with this configuration. The intersections of 24th Avenue NW with NW Market Street and NW 65th Street will not be changed.  Reducing the number of motor vehicle lanes will improve pedestrian safety along the entire corridor by reducing the number of motor vehicle lanes that pedestrians must cross. As a result, the existing uncontrolled marked crosswalk at NW 58th Street can be maintained. Dedicated bicycle lanes will connect to the Ballard Business District and to the future Burke-Gilman Trail. Motor vehicle access and safety will be improved by creating a protected space for vehicles making left turns. A similar treatment is already in place on 24th Avenue NW north of NW 65th Street. 
SDOT's analysis, including a model of this corridor, shows that motor vehicle capacity and operation along 24th Ave NW will be maintained with the lane reduction. In addition, a lane reduction will meet goals set out in the Neighborhood Plan to increase walking, biking and access to transit in the Ballard Business District. SDOT will work with King County Metro to monitor transit operations along this corridor and mitigate as needed. Future improvements to this corridor could include bus bulbs (allowing in-lane stops), traffic signal priority at NW Market St or NW 65th St, and possible bus zone consolidation or relocation.
SDOT conducted public outreach throughout the fall of 2006, including posting project flyers throughout the neighborhood and holding an Open House. A majority of the comments received by area residents were in support of this proposal. Thank you for your interest in this project. Comments or questions about this change can be directed to the SDOT Pedestrian and Bicycle Program at (206) 684-7583 or walkandbike@seattle.gov. Frequently Asked Questions: What will this new street configuration lanes look like? A similar treatment is already in place on 24th Avenue NW, north of NW 65th Street. Will there be changes to 24th Avenue NW at NW Market Street and NW 65th Street? The intersections of 24th Avenue NW at NW Market Street and NW 65th Street will not be changed. Are there going to be curb bulbs installed with this project? While no curb bulbs or bus bulbs are planned as part of this change, both would be possible with this configuration. Will the community lose its on-street parking? On-street parking will remain. Will this project reduce motor vehicle capacity? SDOT's analysis, including a traffic model of this corridor that includes future development, shows that motor vehicle capacity and operation along 24th Ave NW will be maintained with the lane reduction. How does this project relate to the Neighborhood Plan? Street reconfiguration will meet goals set out in the Neighborhood Plan to increase walking, biking and access to transit in the Ballard Business District. Will this project impact Metro Bus service? SDOT will work with King County Metro to monitor transit operations along this corridor and mitigate as needed. What future improvements are possible once this project is complete? Future improvements to this corridor could include bus bulbs (allowing in-lane stops), traffic signal priority at NW Market St or NW 65th St, and possible bus zone consolidation or relocation. Who do I contact with other questions? Comments or questions about this change can be directed to the SDOT Pedestrian and Bicycle Program at (206) 684-7583 or walkandbike@seattle.gov. |
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