Construction on the Alaskan Way Safety Project has officially begun, according to an announcement from the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT). With partnerships that span the Port of Seattle and Cascade Bicycle Club, the project kicked off on December 2 and eyes a summer 2025 completion date. This large-scale endeavor aims to significantly enhance safety, accessibility, and connectivity along the bustling central waterfront for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists alike.
The SDOT blog details that the project will feature a 0.6-mile, two-way protected bike lane along the west side of Alaskan Way, stretching between Virginia St and Broad St. This is a move to create a substantially safer route for cyclists. Aligning with the city's Vision Zero initiative, Alaskan Way is set to be reduced to a single lane in each direction. This design hopes to not only slow to reduce speeding but also to maintain critical freight access.
Intersection safety is also getting a noteworthy upgrade. "Modifications will include pedestrian head start walk signals, bike-specific signals, No Turn on Red signs, and improvements to pedestrian crossings to enhance safety and visibility," reports SDOT. These changes are geared toward preventing accidents and improving the flow of both pedestrian and vehicular traffic through what has traditionally been a complex and often dangerous area.
Accessibility is another critical aspect of the Alaskan Way Safety Project. Sidewalks are slated to be repaired and new ADA-accessible curb ramps installed to make it easier for people with mobility devices to navigate.
