Learn about the NE 65th Street Vision Zero Project’s current & future safety improvements May 18

With two pedestrians killed by motor vehicles within the last nine months, and countless near misses, it’s beyond time to create a safer transportation corridor for all and #Fix65th.

In response to community concerns and advocacy, the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) launched the NE 65th Street Vision Zero Project and, within the last few weeks, they made some quick improvements to make the roadway safer.

NE 65th Street & 20th Avenue NE crosswalks were re-painted May 6. In February, an 80 year-old pedestrian was struck and killed by a motor vehicle here. Photo courtesy of Oralea Howard via Twitter.

Re-painted Crosswalks: On Saturday, SDOT repainted crosswalks on NE 65th Street at 15th, 20th, and 25th Avenues NE.  Though every corner is a crosswalk, whether marked with paint or not, painted crosswalks remind drivers that pedestrians have the right of way and to look out for people crossing the street.

Graphic courtesy of SDOT: http://sdotblog.seattle.gov/2016/11/07/your-new-vision-zero-speed-limits/

Speed Limit Reductions: SDOT decreased the speed limit to 25 miles per hour between 8th and 12th Avenues NE on NE 65th Street. Higher vehicle speeds are strongly associated with both a greater likelihood of pedestrian crash occurrence and more serious resulting pedestrian injury.

Signal Improvements: Bigger traffic signals with reflective backing were installed to improve visibility, especially at night.   Pedestrian countdown timers were added so that all pedestrian signals between NE Ravenna Boulevard and 39th Avenue NE now have them.

Flexible posts recently installed at NE 65th Street & Roosevelt Way NE. Last September, a pedestrian was struck and killed by a motor vehicle here. Photo courtesy of Dongho Chang via Twitter.

Flexible Posts: On NE 65th Street where it intersects with Roosevelt Way, flexible posts separating the east and westbound lanes were installed. The posts reduce speed and angle for motor vehicles turning from southbound Roosevelt Way to eastbound NE 65th Street. The posts prevent drivers from cutting the corner, improving driver visibility of pedestrians in the crosswalk.

More Changes in 2018: To further increase safety along this busy corridor, more changes are in the works. Learn about possible future road design improvements during the May 18 community forum at Roosevelt High School. Drop in anytime between 6-7:30 p.m., view a variety of proposed changes, and have questions answered by SDOT staff.