Starting next week: Pedestrian and bike safety improvements at Union Bay Place NE & 30th Ave NE

On Monday, November 17, the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) will begin construction of several measures that were identified in the University Area Transportation Action Strategy to improve mobility and safety, including the following:

Union Bay Place NE
• A new paved/painted pedestrian pathway along both sides of Union Bay Place NE between NE 45th Street and 30th Avenue NE.
• A raised crosswalk at 30th Avenue NE and the Burke-Gilman Trail to alert drivers of this crossing and slow vehicle speeds.
• New sidewalks approaching this crosswalk along 30th Avenue NE between NE 50th Street and Union Bay Place NE.
• Upgraded curb ramps to be compliant with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards.

Blakeley & 25th
Once the work above is completed (in approximately 3-4 weeks), crews will move to NE Blakeley Street and 25th Avenue NE at the Burke-Gilman Trail. Improvements at this intersection will include:
• Signal modifications for a bicycle/pedestrian phase for the south crossing on the Burke-Gilman Trail with bicycle icon signal heads, push buttons and radar detection.
• Signal modifications to accommodate a new right-turn only pocket and protected turning phase on the west side of the intersection for eastbound motorists on NE Blakeley Street. This change is designed to reduce the number of conflicts in the south crosswalk.
• Bicycle leaning rails on the Burke-Gilman Trail at both approaches to 25th Avenue NE. Leaning rails are structures that allow riders to rest a foot and have something to hold onto for balance while waiting at a traffic light and help align bike riders to one side of the trail and keep the sidewalk clear for pedestrians, making it safer for all to cross the street. To see an example of what these leaning rails will look like, visit SDOT’s project webpage.
• Upgraded curb ramps to be compliant with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards.


More information on the project background, funding and schedule can be found at the project webpage.

As for the construction itself, during this work you can expect:
• Lane restrictions on NE Blakeley Street, 25th Avenue NE and 30th Avenue NE
• Parking and driveway restrictions near the work areas
• Construction during normal work hours, between 7 AM and 6 PM
• Noise, dust and vibration associated with concrete removal and paving
• A temporary three-week closure of 30th Avenue NE at the Burke Gilman Trail
• Construction to be completed by early to mid-February, depending on weather