Dexter Avenue N : Buffered Bike Lanes

BACKGROUND

In 2011, the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) is planning to resurface Dexter Avenue N from Roy Street to the Fremont Bridge. The repaving project creates an opportunity for SDOT to implement a “Complete Streets” approach to the roadway whereby we strive to improve the conditions for all users of the street – including pedestrians, cyclists, transit, and those who live on the street.

On June 29th, SDOT conducted an open house for the project. We heard more than 100 comments from people including cyclists, pedestrians, transit riders and people who live or work along the street. After reviewing these comments, SDOT conducted additional analysis of the roadway conditions and revised the draft proposal.

On August 19th, SDOT conducted a second public open house at the Swedish Cultural Center.

The revised plan includes:

• Repaving Dexter from Roy Street to the Fremont Bridge.
• Removing the two-way left turn lane in areas where it’s infrequently used.
• Providing a left turn lane at intersections with high turn movements.
• Retaining one travel lane in each direction. Travel lanes will be wider than they are currently.
• Constructing raised bus islands at in-lane transit stops.
• Providing a six-foot bike lane in each direction between the travel lane and the parking lane.
• Painting a two to three foot buffer zone between the bike lane and the travel lane.

We expect the new configuration to result in motor vehicle speeds that are more in line with the speed limit (30mph), improved safety for pedestrians and cyclists, faster and more reliable transit operations, and wider travel lanes to provide adequate space for motor vehicles. The proposal will also reduce conflicts between bikes and buses by installing the bike lane between the curb and the transit island at most locations where there is a bus stop.

These changes are scheduled to take place in 2011. This project is funded by the “Bridging the Gap” transportation levy approved by Seattle voters in 2006.

Back to the Bicycle Program: Projects and Plans page