When Metro launched RapidRide C Line and a fleet of changes twelve days ago, you might recall, brand-new Route 50 had a partial West Seattle re-route from the start, since it couldn’t use its full intended westbound route until a long-awaited traffic signal was installed at Avalon and Genesee. So when is that signal finally going in? many asked. The most recent estimate was “by Thanksgiving,” and it looks like that’ll happen, since we’ve just learned that work might start as soon as next week. That’s according to John Vander Sluis of SDOT, who says the construction notice has just gone out to the neighborhood, saying the following:
The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) will be starting construction in your neighborhood soon. SDOT is preparing to install a new traffic signal at the intersection of SW Avalon Way and SW Genesee Street. The traffic signal will improve safety for everyone who uses the street and provide safer transportation options for you and your neighbors to reach local destinations. This project was requested by the community through the Neighborhood Project Fund, a city-administered program that works with communities to prioritize and build neighborhood projects. This location meets the criteria for a new traffic signal because of the traffic and pedestrian volumes at this intersection, as well as the past collision history.
The purpose of this project is to improve safety for all road users. Specifically, the project will:
· Improve the safety for drivers and pedestrians accessing and crossing SW Avalon Way from SW Genesee Street by installing a new traffic signal;
· Indicate the preferred crossing point for pedestrians by installing four new marked crosswalks;
· Improve accessibility for people with mobility challenges by installing six curb ramps;
· Replace damaged sidewalk near the new curb ramps.SDOT anticipates that construction will begin within the next week and last about one and a half months, depending on the weather. Some parking will be restricted during construction and SDOT will place “no parking” signs 3 days before construction begins.
And in fact, just after hearing from Vander Sluis, we spotted SDOT workers on the southeast Avalon/Genesee corner, examining plans (above). The community request mentioned above, by the way, was spearheaded by North Delridge community advocate Mike Dady.
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