Columbia Citizens

This is very comprehensive study that has many recommendations that would affect the way we get around and between our neighborhoods. The study seeks to address safety for pedestrians and vehicles alike. As well as address the changes in traffic and pedestrian needs with the addition of the Link light rail system next year. The study can be found here:

http://www.seattle.gov/transportation/ppmp_sets.htm

The reports are in .pdf format on the right hand side.

Some of the interesting recommendations include changing Rainier avenue south from Alaska to Rainier beach from four lanes to three lanes (center lane for turning). There are recommendations for the Rainier/MLK intersection as well. Personally I think it should be changed to a large traffic circle to facilitate traffic and safety.

… before it was ever on one. Here's an email from Tony Mazzella and Eric Widstrand from Seattle's Department of Transportation.

Rainier Ave S meeting follow-up
From: Sara Robertson (voG.elttaeS|nostreboR.araS#voG.elttaeS|nostreboR.araS)
Sent:Fri 10/10/08 3:23 PM

Hello,

Thank you for participating in the recent discussion of the technical analysis of the mobility impacts of a potential conversion of Rainier Ave. S from its current 4-lane cross-section to 3-lanes with center turn-lane. The issue is technically complex and can be quite emotional for some, particularly those who are strong advocates for one alternative over the other. While the discussion became heated at times, it was very satisfying to experience such a high level of participation among those who attended. I hope you had an opportunity to get your points across. If you have more to say, please don’t hesitate to contact any of us.

While we will continue to hold discussions with community stakeholders on the proposed conversion, it is clear to us that using the best available information and traffic projections, conversion to a 3-lane cross-section in the near-term would result in very significant delays on Rainier for transit and all other traffic. Severe delay would also occur for motorists trying to turn on to or cross Rainier. Traffic would be diverted, some into the neighborhoods.

However, we recognize the need for improvements for all corridor users including bicyclists, pedestrians, transit users, and motorists. Therefore, as a near-term solution SDOT plans to move forward to design a 4-lane street section that includes transit, pedestrian, bicycle and traffic calming improvements. These improvements include:

• Bus “bulbs” that reconstruct and widen sidewalks at bus stops, provide additional waiting space, and allow buses to stop in-lane and not have to fight to get back into traffic
• New pedestrian lighting and bike racks
• Striping the parking lane to better distinguish the travel lane from the parking lane; striping the centerline in such as way as to help calm traffic and thus improve safety
• Special treatment at existing crosswalks and special signs in the business districts
• Bicycle “sharrows” to increase motorist awareness that bicycles are present

SDOT will continue to monitor traffic patterns on Rainier. If, in the future, traffic volumes fall or are projected to fall as more traffic uses MLK Jr. Way or people make other travel choices, we will reconsider the 3-lane alternative. In the interim, we will work diligently to improve the design of Rainier to better accommodate all travel modes.

SDOT is available to meet with individual groups to discuss both study results and the proposed corridor improvements. Please contact Sara Robertson via phone at 733-9973 or via email at vog.elttaes|nostrebor.aras#vog.elttaes|nostrebor.aras.

Thank you,

Tony Mazzella and Eric Widstrand

Sara Robertson
Associate Transportation Planner
Seattle Department of Transportation
Phone: 206.733.9973