23rd Ave E Vision Zero Project
Updated: July 18, 2022
What’s happening now?
Project updates
Over the next few weeks, we'll be installing the new signal poles at E John St and E Lynn St. Once the signal poles are installed, we'll begin electrical work to activate the new signals. We expect the new signals to be turned on as soon as August.
Stay informed on what to expect during construction
Sign up to receive regular project email updates during construction, and see below for more information on what to expect during construction. Please remember that construction schedules are always subject to change.
Check out our new video to learn more about the project, and for the latest project updates, see our email update archive.
Project Overview
We're enhancing safety and mobility on 23rd Ave E/24th Ave E between E Madison St and E Roanoke St as part of our Vision Zero efforts to reach zero traffic deaths and serious injuries by 2030. This important street provides access to the Montlake neighborhood, SR 520, and the Montlake Bridge crossing into north Seattle and is a vital street for transit. Part of the project this work was completed in 2018 and the rest of the work began in October 2021. We expect project construction to be complete in spring 2022.
Crossing and transit stop improvements (Construction began this October)
We heard from the Montlake community that traffic calming, reducing speeds, and pedestrian safety are the top transportation priorities on 23rd Ave E/24th Ave E. In addition to implementing the recommended design and installing skid-resistant surface treatments, we're enhancing transit stops, installing a new traffic signal, modifying parking, repairing sidewalks, and adding new curb ramps and marked crosswalks within the project area. We have updated the design based on feedback from the community for several of the below improvements.
Improvements along the corridor include:
- New walk/bike signal and associated curb ramp improvements at E Lynn St
- Protected northbound, southbound, and eastbound left-turn signal phases at 23rd Ave E/E John St
- 2 striped curb bulbs at 24th Ave E/E Louisa St and 23rd Ave E/E Ward St
- Bus stop amenity improvements
Curb bulbs
Curb bulbs reduce the number and severity of traffic collisions by increasing the visibility of vulnerable users - people walking and biking - and decreasing the distance they have to travel to get across the street.
High friction surface treatment
HFST adds a thin layer of coarse material on top of the street to improve skid-resistance to the pavement. We're adding HFST at intersections where collision rates are high when road conditions are wet and slippery.
Signalized crosswalk
Install signalized crosswalk. Walk/bike signals stop car traffic to allow people who walk and bike to safely cross the intersection.
Protected left turn signals
Protected left-turn signal phases (northbound, southbound, and eastbound) will reduce opportunities for collisions.
Upgraded traffic signals
New signal heads and upgraded signal arms will enhance safety and improve visibility.
Lane Rechannelization (complete)
Data shows that people driving northbound between Boyer Ave E and E John St on average speed 10 MPH over the speed limit. The posted speed is 25 MPH. The chances of someone being fatally or seriously injured increase significantly being struck at 40 MPH versus 30 MPH.
Modeling and experience indicated we could rechannelize these lanes without having a significant impact on capacity and that it will encourage speeds closer to 25 MPH. We will continue to monitor these changes and traffic patterns as the project is completed.
Design Map
Other projects in the neighborhood:
- Central Area Neighborhood Greenway
- SR 520 construction: We're partnering with the WA State Department of Transportation to deliver Neighborhood Traffic Management Projects related to SR 520 construction.
- Montlake Bridge closure
- Madison BRT - RapidRide G Line
- 23rd Ave Corridor Improvements
What to expect during construction
Typical construction hours are weekdays from 7 AM - 5 PM with occasional nighttime and weekend work. Typical activities will include:
- Temporary lane and street closures for people driving
- Temporary sidewalk and crossing closures and detours for people walking and rolling
- Temporary bus stop relocations
- Disruptions to on-street parking
- Noise, dust and vibrations during work hours
Help us understand your needs during construction! Please complete this survey so we can keep you in the loop and work to minimize impacts to neighbors as much as possible. See our construction poster and let us know if you would like a copy for your business or residential building.
Schedule
Summer 2017
Share what we heard to date and suggest possible near-and long-term alternatives
Spring 2018
Share conceptual design of near-term safety improvements
Summer/Fall 2018
Segment 1 construction of recommended design (E John St to Boyer Ave E) completed
2019
Installation of skid-resistant surface treatments at intersections with high collision rates
Complete design for Phase 2 additional improvements along the corridor
2020*
Continue design for Segment 2 additional improvements along the corridor
*Project put on pause in June 2020 in response to COVID-19 budget shortfalls
2021
Complete design for Segment 2 additional improvements along the corridor
Begin construction of Segment 2 improvements
Spring 2022
Complete project construction
Funding
This project is funded by the 9-year Levy to Move Seattle, approved by voters in 2015, the City general fund, and through the Seattle Transportation Benefit District.
Materials
- Construction notice for sidewalk work (November 2021)
- Construction notice for E John St closure (October 2021)
- Project overview presentation recording and slides (October 2021)
- Construction poster (October 2021)
- Construction notice, 23rd Ave E and E John St (October 2021)
- Construction mailer (September 2021)
- Potholing postcard (November 2019)
- HFST postcard (August 2019)
- 23rd Ave Vision Zero Project Brochure (June 2019)
- HFST Flyer (April 2019)
- Construction mailer (July 2018)
- 23rd Ave Vision Zero Project 2018 Design Documents
- Capitol Hill Blog Post (April 2018)
- SR 520 Open House display boards (April 2018)
- Recommended design mailer (March 2018)
- Feedback summary (Fall 2017)
- Capitol Hill Blog Post (October 2017)
- Comment card (October 2017)
- 23rd Ave Vision Zero Project Drop-in session display boards (October 2017)
- Drop-in session mailer (October 2017)
- Montlake Neighborhood Transportation Project Drop-in session display boards (May 2017)
- Drop-in session mailer (May 2017)
- WSDOT Neighborhood Transportation Mitigation Plan Open House Display Boards (April 2017)
Need a translation?
If you need this information translated, please call (206) 900-8717.
Servicios de traducción e interpretación disponibles bajo petición (206) 900-8717.
Dịch và thông dịch viên sẵn sàng nếu có sự yêu cầu (206) 900-8717.
如果您需要此信息翻譯成中文請致電 (206) 900-8717.
요청하시면 번역이나 통역을 제공해드립니다 (206) 900-8717.
Haddii aad dooneyso turjubeen fadlen wac (206) 900-8717.
Matutulungan ka naming maintindihan kung hihingi kang tulong (206) 900-8717.