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University Area Transportation Action Strategy
An Update to the 2002 University Area Transportation Study
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On Friday June 15th, SDOT staff and consultants working on the Action Strategy gave a presentation on the existing conditions of the study area and performance measures used for evaluation. Click below to view the presentation and accompanying handout.
Technical Background Information Handout
On May 15th SDOT gave a brief overview and update on the Action Strategy to the University District Chamber of Commerce. Click on the picture below to view the presentation.
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| Contact |
Direct your comments/questions to Casey.Hildreth
@Seattle.gov, SDOT Policy & Planning, (206) 233-3780
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Draft Final Report Now Available!
Public Comment Period thru May 14
On Friday, April 11th, SDOT released the draft final report and project recommendations for the University Area Transportation Action Strategy – a long range transportation plan for the greater University District area.
To view map of the proposed transportation projects, click here.
To download the draft final report, project recommendations, and technical appendices, please click on the links below.
Main Report - Part 1 of 2
Main Report - Part 2 of 2
Individual Project Recommendations: Projects 1-24
Individual Project Recommendations: 25-38, A-K
Appendix A: Performance Measures
Appendix B: Existing Conditions
Appendix C: Future Conditions
Appendix D: Project Pioritization Process
Appendix E: Cost Estimates
Appendix F: UATS/UATAS Project Comparison Table
Appendix G: Land Use Assumption
Appendix H: NE 45 th St BAT Lane Memorandum
Appendix I: 11 th/Roosevelt Couplet Memorandum
Appendix J: Public Involvement Review
The Action Strategy report provides:
- An overview of previous and ongoing plans in the University District, as well as neighborhood and land use context
- A description of existing and future transportation conditions by mode
- Discussion of transportation issues and project recommendations by location
- An overview of the process and available funding for implementation of Action Strategy recommendations
- Individual overviews of the project recommendations
- Technical appendices, including project cost estimates, prioritization criteria, and a review of public outreach
Citizens interested in reviewing and commenting on the report and project recommendations can access a hard copy at the University District Neighborhood Services Center, The University Heights Community Center, or the University District Library. Comment sheets at these locations are available to record written comments, which SDOT will collect after the public comment period is over. Comments or questions can also be sent via e-mail to casey.hildreth@seattle.gov or through the comment form at the left side of this webpage.
University Area Transportation Action Strategy
SDOT is updating its transportation plan for the large and dynamic area that includes all or parts of the University District, University Heights, Ravenna, Roosevelt, and Montlake neighborhoods. The update is called University Area Transportation Action Strategy ("the Action Strategy"), and it is in response to changes in major projects such as Sound Transit's North Link light rail, improved planning resources, and the desire for a better implementation strategy.
Local residents, property owners and businesses dedicated many hours to inform and develop the original University Area Transportation Study (UATS). The Action Strategy will in large part build upon their hard work, and will adopt the goals established in the UATS:
- To build on existing planning to provide a comprehensive, multimodal transportation plan for the area, and
- To serve as a blueprint for financing and prioritizing capital improvements in the University Area for the next 25 years.
Why Update the UATS?
The original study mainly evaluated projects against forecasted conditions in 2010. In order to assess the long-term needs of the community and the impacts of new growth, the City has decided to extend the timeframe out to 2030 - much like it has done for the South Lake Union Transportation Study and the Northgate Coordinated Transportation Investment Plan.
Another reason for the update is the recent selection by Sound Transit of a preferred alignment for North Link light rail. The two University District stations are in different locations than those assumed in the original UATS, and the City must re-evaluate transportation improvements in light of these changes.
SDOT staff and consultants are currently engaged with community stakeholders to assess the changing conditions since 2002. An updated Existing and Future Conditions Report is expected in May, and a draft list of recommendations will be available for public review in the fall.
Project Background
In early 2002, The City developed the University Area Transportation Study (UATS). The report included:
- Descriptions of existing and future transportation issues based on 2010 forecasts
- Identification of roadway, transit service, and pedestrian & bicycle facility improvements, including incentives for high occupancy vehicles and actions to reduce travel demand
- A list of eighty prioritized recommendations, including estimated project costs
Some of the recommended projects in the study area have been implemented by SDOT, including the installation of new sidewalks at NE 65th St. and Ravenna Blvd and safety improvements to NE Blakely St and 30th Ave NE. Other projects may no longer be needed as conditions have changed. However, a majority of the recommendations may still be relevant and need to be re-evaluated for implementation.
If you would like to submit comments or stay informed of activities related to the Action Strategy, please use the comment form or sign up to be on the email list. You may also direct your comments/questions to Casey.Hildreth@Seattle.gov, SDOT Policy & Planning, (206) 233-3780
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