Sand Point Way NE & 40th Ave N

SDOT has completed a technical analysis of the unsignalized marked crosswalk at Sand Point Way NE & 40th Ave N. This crosswalk no longer meets city safety guidelines and will be removed.

Before deciding to remove this marked crosswalk, SDOT considered:

• reducing the number of travel lanes; and
• installing a traffic signal.

Because of the current traffic volume and the importance of Sand Point Way NE as a vehicle travel route, SDOT is not recommending a reduction in the number of travel lanes.

Further, this is not an appropriate place for a new signal. To meet federal standards for a pedestrian signal, a location requires 100 pedestrians an hour for a four-hour period, or 190 pedestrians in a single hour. This location does not have that volume of pedestrians.

Once this crosswalk is removed, the preferred pedestrian crossing for this section of Sand Point Way NE will be at the signalized intersection of Sand Point Way NE and 41st Ave NE.

It is also important to note that, according to Washington state law, a legal pedestrian crossing exists at every intersection regardless of whether or not a crosswalk is marked. Thus, pedestrians will continue to have a legal right to cross at this location.

SDOT will also be constructiong a new sidewalk along the west side of Sand Point Way NE connectiong this signalized intersection with 40th Ave NE.

For the safety of our crews who must work in traffic, and to reduce the impact on mobility in the area, this work may take place in the early morning hours or on a weekend.

If you have questions or comments about the removal of these crosswalks, please call SDOT’s comment line at (206) 615-1608.