Metro says it won’t change Route 22 through Gatewood after all

As first reported March 12, Metro has been considering changing a stretch of Route 22 through Gatewood, to run along California SW between Ida and Thistle, then eastward on Thistle. They’ve just sent word that they decided not to make the change after all, “based on the comments … received from residents and transit riders and further review by (SDOT). … While we are no longer proposing a routing change, Metro will continue working with (SDOT) to find ways to improve bus operations and safety along 41st Avenue—especially the crossing at SW Holden Street.”

sw April 15, 2010 (1:50 pm)

I’m sorry to hear this. The safety issue revolves more around general traffic heading West on Holden than the bus route. There is a rise in the road which prevents vehicles from seeing the intersection until you’re only half a block away. Cars routinely travel 40+ mph through there (much like on I-35) and have no time to react to a bus moving through the intersection.

Shame that Metro does not admit that this route was based on an antiquated trolley turnaround route. Logistically, it makes so much more sense routing the bus on California instead of a block to the East.

y April 15, 2010 (2:21 pm)

I think Metro made the correct decision. 41st Ave SW is a better route for many reasons. As for the blind intersection on Holden, I wonder if King County can figure out a traffic calming measure, like better signage or a stop sign?

KBear April 15, 2010 (2:26 pm)

Are you sure the streetcars followed that route? I know somebody said so earlier, but I find it hard to believe they’d make it up that hill. Didn’t they head down Fauntleroy after Morgan Junction?

David April 15, 2010 (2:29 pm)

I’m glad it’s being left as is. I respect sw’s comment above, but don’t see the problem at that intersection, as I never have any issue seeing the bus from far away while driving that stretch. Which doesn’t mean people texting, speeding or snoozing behind the wheel will see it (ha-ha, ay-yi), but you can’t protect from everything. And drivers on the 22 have always been both swift and careful in crossing that spot when I’ve ridden (frequently). No surprise, being professional drivers.

Keeping things as-is I feel best services the ridership location and distance to/from bus stops; keeps folk from having to cross busy California on foot and face exposure to speedsters on THAT arterial; and also, avoids expense in moving a bus route during these astoundingly hard financial times, when KC is desparate for money, and bigger issues like the WS and South Park bridge embroglios pop up suddenly in the middle of our transit planning ‘roadway’, uhm like buses, or trees(!).

miws April 15, 2010 (8:08 pm)

KBear, Yep, they did!

And remember, they went up the Queen Anne Counterbalance as well. In fact, I believe it was Evening Magazine that did a story on the Counterbalance a few years back, and apparently the box, or trench that housed the counterbalance weight is still underneath the road surface of QA Hill. (Don’t remember if the actual weight(s) and cables and stuff are there.)

Mike

mr April 15, 2010 (10:04 pm)

Sweet! I love that they are keeping it the way it was and being in the area I did give my comments as to why I felt it should stay.

khs April 16, 2010 (9:45 pm)

I’m very disappointed that Metro did not change the route. It makes much more sense to route along California – and I agree completely wih sw’s comments about safey.