Speeding towards an upgraded urban landscape, Seattle's streets are getting a major safety facelift, and bikers are set to benefit big time. The MLK Jr Way Safety Project, which kicked off last fall, is zooming towards a summer 2024 finish line. The intersection of S Judkins St and MLK Jr Way S could see the dust settling on upgrades a lot sooner, with work nearly wrapped up there.
Following the city’s rubber meets the road approach, three additional projects are on deck: the Beacon Ave S and 15th Ave S Safety Project, the Georgetown to Downtown Safety Project, and the Georgetown to South Park Safety Project. Set for a start date this year, they're now in the hot seat for contractor bids, as reported by the Seattle Department of Transportation.
Nearing the finish line of its nine-year sprint, the Levy to Move Seattle - making up a hefty 30% of the city's transportation budget - is the cash cow behind these street makeovers. This levy, which voters green-lit back in 2015, has to punch the clock by the end of 2024, and the City is delivering on its promise to beef up safety and bike lanes across the board, according to the same source.
In the race to make roads safer, the city's Vision Zero Top-to-Bottom Review shows they're not just spinning their wheels. These projects are a balancing act, aiming to cater to buses, freight, and everyday commuters, while cranking out miles of protected bike lanes. This strategy runs in parallel with expanding the citywide bike network, ensuring both two-wheelers and four-wheelers can navigate the urban terrain with ease.
