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NE 65th Street Bicycle and Pedestrian Improvements
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PROJECT UPDATE
In Seattle, we want people of all abilities – from our 5-year old kids to our 80-year old grandparents – to be comfortable moving about the city, whether on foot, by bike, riding transit, or driving a car. Safety is SDOT’s number one priority and we are committed to improving safety for everyone that uses our transportation system. As part of this commitment, SDOT will be making safety improvements where NE 65th Street and the Burke-Gilman Trail (BGT) intersect. After examining the relatively low traffic volumes on NE 65th Street, the amount of BGT use, current walking, biking, and driving behavior, and the existing sightlines, SDOT determined that an increased level of awareness can be provided by installing stop signs for motor vehicles on east and westbound NE 65th Street and for bicyclists eastbound on NE 65th Street and westbound on the cycle track. The stop signs on the BGT will remain in place. SDOT anticipates that the improvements will be in place within the next month. SDOT will continue to assess the traffic control at this location over the next year and if we find the intersection is not performing as anticipated, we will revisit the project.
For details on how these safety improvements affect road and trail users, please see our FAQ here
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After reviewing feedback from open houses and meetings with community groups, SDOT is moving forward with plans to install a two-way cycle track along the south side of NE 65th Street between the Burke-Gilman Trail and Sand Point Way NE, and pedestrian enhancements at the intersection of NE 65th Street and Sand Point Way NE.
Please see the links below for copies of the presentation from the September open houses, project diagrams, and an FAQ containing answers to all the questions received from the community through 9/26/12.
Frequently Asked Questions
Project Schematics
Turning Movement Schematics
Open House Presentation
Open House Invitation
Construction Notice
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Project Goal:
SDOT is proposing a family-friendly connection between the Burke Gilman Trail and Magnuson Park that serves people of all ages and abilities who ride bicycles. To make this connection today, people on bicycles must either ride in the street, which is not comfortable for all types of riders, or on the sidewalk, which affects pedestrians.
These improvements will connect to an upcoming project within Magnuson Park to create a continuous non-motorized off-street connection all the way from the Burke Gilman Trail to Lake Washington. As Magnuson Park has redeveloped over the last five years, the Parks Department has regularly received requests for comfortable, safe, family-friendly connections between the Burke Gilman Trail and Magnuson Park.
Project Description:
The project would install a two-way cycle track along the south side of NE 65th Street. A cycle track is an exclusive bike facility that combines the user experience of a separated path with the on-street infrastructure of a conventional bike lane. A cycle track is physically separated from motor traffic and distinct from the sidewalk.
The cycle track would be ten feet wide and separated from vehicle traffic by a sturdy metal barrier. At the cycle track entrances two driveway approaches, the separation height would be at curb height to preserve sightlines. The existing and proposed cross sections are shown below.
The project will also include pedestrian improvements at the intersection of NE 65th Street and Sand Point Way NE, which are being coordinated with Seattle Public Utilities and the Parks Department. These improvements include new curb ramps for people with strollers, wheelchairs, and other mobility challenges; a curb extension on the east side of the intersection to shorten the crossing distance of NE 65th Street, better aligned crosswalks; larger waiting areas; improved drainage; and improved location of pedestrian signal call buttons.
*Note: Barrier has openings for driveways.
Changes to Parking and Traffic:
Parking would be removed on the south side of the street, eliminating 23 of the 44 spaces. A recent parking study showed no more than five spaces being used at any of the times studied. Both nearby condominium complexes provide onsite parking for their residents and a small amount of guest parking.
We anticipate some increase in queuing on eastbound NE 65th St because motorists waiting to make a left turn on to Sand Point Way NE will delay motorists who currently can make a right turn on red. During the busiest afternoon hour, this would increase delay by an average of ten seconds.
Emergency access would be maintained at the condominium driveway.
Benefits of the Project:
- Dedicated space for people driving, walking, and biking
- Increased safety and comfort for families riding with children and other more cautious bicycle riders
- Decreased risk of collisions from “dooring” (car doors suddenly opening in front of bikes) and from vehicles overtaking bikes
- Increased awareness of all road users
- Better non-motorized access to the park, which decreases demand for vehicle parking close to Magnuson Park natural areas
- Lower speeds on NE 65th Street (speeds on NE 65th are greater than 30mph)
- Shorter crossing distance for pedestrians at NE 65th & Sand Point Way
- Better connections between Magnuson Park and the Burke Gilman Trail for all users
Questions or Comments about the NE 65th Street Magnuson Park connection project? Contact SDOT at walkandbike@seattle.gov or call (206) 684-7583. |
