UW News

January 31, 2002

Comment sought on U-District transportation plan

The City of Seattle has released a draft final report of the University Area Transportation Study and is asking for comments by Feb. 15. As a comprehensive, multimodal transportation plan, the study will guide transportation decision-making for this part of Seattle during the next 10 years.


Working with community members and other transportation agencies, the Strategic Planning Office and Seattle Transportation staff have identified and prioritized numerous transportation improvements for walking, bicycling, transit, traffic signals and programs that reduce travel demand. Many of the recommended improvements will require additional funding and analysis as well as working closely with the other transportation agencies and future developments in the University area, city officials said. Some examples include:




  • Changing arterial street traffic signals and the signals to the I-5 on-ramps to keep freeway backups from blocking traffic along Northeast 45th and Northeast 50th streets.



  • Designating two north-south bicycle corridors to and from the U-District, as well as making other bicycle safety improvements.



  • Modifying traffic signal timing, as well as installing curb bulbs and other traffic calming facilities, in order to help pedestrians cross busy streets.



  • Removing parking in spot locations and making other minor changes in order to improve transit speed and reliability through key corridors.


“We want to hear from residents and businesses if these are the right improvements to make it easier to get around the University area,” said Jon Layzer, project manager for the city. The study area includes the neighborhoods in and around the U-District, including Montlake, University Park, and Ravenna. It has identified and prioritized almost 80 different improvements.


The draft final report is available by calling 206-684-8080, or online at http://www.seattle.gov/transportation/planning.htm. The study can be viewed at the University and Downtown Libraries and the U-District Neighborhood Service Center.


For questions or comments, call Jon Layzer, 206-684-8084, e-mail jonathan.layzer@ci.seattle.wa.us, or mail to City of Seattle-Strategic Planning Office, 600 Fourth Avenue Suite 300, Seattle WA 98104.


City staff expect to finish the final report by the end of February.