Changes proposed for the Nickerson Street Corridor 2009

Revised June 3, 2009

Thank you for your interest in the Nickerson Street Rechannelization Project.  As you may know, in the summer of 2008 SDOT removed three marked crosswalks along Nickerson Street with a commitment to the community that we would evaluate for other improvements along the corridor.  These crosswalks were removed because they no longer met national guidelines for marked pedestrian crossings.  SDOT is currently evaluating changes to the W Nickerson Street corridor between the Fremont and Ballard Bridges and these impacts related to the Alaskan Way Viaduct Project.  We are working with the Alaskan Way Viaduct project team to make sure that the overall mobility of the north end is taken into consideration before making a decision about Nickerson Street.  We hope to complete this by the end of the year.

In the meantime, we do have plans to improve the pedestrian access at the W Emerson Street Interchange from the transit stop on the northwest side of W Nickerson St to the southeast side.  This project will be completed this year.

The comment period has recently ended and we are working to compile questions and answers.  We will send these out after we complete our evaluation later this year.

Contact the Pedestrian and Bicycle Program at walkandbike@seattle.gov or (206) 684-7583.

This project is part of the “Bridging the Gap” transportation levy approved by Seattle voters in November 2006.

Project Description

Existing	Proposed

To improve safety, pedestrian access and bicycle usage, SDOT will be making changes along the Nickerson Street corridor between the Ballard Bridge and W Florentia St. These changes are designed to:

• improve pedestrian crossing safety
• improve Nickerson Street for bicycling
• provide a wider travel lane for motor vehicles
• improve access to transit

The proposed changes will include:

• One lane of motor vehicle traffic in each direction (currently there are two)
• New two-way center turn lane
• New westbound bicycle lane and sharrow markings in a wide eastbound lane
• New pedestrian median islands at several locations
• Smooth the sharp curve at 8th Ave W

Parking will not be impacted. SDOT staff is working with King County Metro to evaluate existing bus zone locations and pedestrian connections. We will develop a proposal for new marked crosswalks and median islands this spring before project implementation.

What to Expect During Construction

• Lane closures
• Pedestrian detours
• Parking restrictions
• Moderate construction noise and dust
• Normal work hours will be 7 a.m. – 4 p.m., with occasional night time and weekend work
• Regular notices with more location specific information during construction