For pedestrians walking along State Route 7 in Parkland and Spanaway, getting across the road is set to become safer. A project slated to start in April will see new pedestrian signals installed along the highway, as announced by the Washington State Department of Transportation. The upgrade aims to enhance the current crosswalks, swapping out the old flashing signs for new overhead signals at 11 different points.
The work, scheduled to occur primarily at night to minimize disruptions, will impose single-lane closures in both directions at each crossing. According to the WSDOT announcement, contractor crews will begin in Spanaway at 188th Street South and progress northward to Violet Meadows Street South in Parkland. While the installation is underway, southbound SR 7 will see closures from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. Monday through Thursday, with extended hours on weekends. The northbound lanes will follow suit with their own set of overnight closures.
Once the new signals are in place, daytime lane closures will be necessary for activation. The specific dates for these closures will be announced once work schedules are solidified. Upon completion, the traffic lights mounted on mast arms and poles will display green arrows when not active. When pedestrians trigger the signals, the lights will switch to red to enable safe crossing.
But the improvements don't end with lighting. Sidewalk updates will also be part of this project, ensuring compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act standards. Adjustments are also planned for median islands at some intersections. Expected to wrap up this fall, the project is designed not just to add signals, but to broadly raise the bar for pedestrian safety.
The Washington State Department of Transportation urges travelers to exercise caution in the vicinity of the work zones. "Slow down – drive the posted speeds for worker and traveler safety. Be kind – workers are out there helping to keep people safe and improve the roadways. Pay attention – both to workers directing travelers and surrounding traffic. Stay calm – expect delays, leave early or take alternate routes if possible; no meeting or appointment is worth risking someone’s life." the WSDOT release emphasizes.
