Thanks to MargL and Todd for the tip – a solar-powered sign showing approaching vehicles’ speed has just gone up on southbound 35th SW (which has been dubbed “I-35” along much of its length) near 100th (map). Signs like this are part of SDOT‘s Arterial Traffic Calming Program – read more about it here.
We noticed this on Tuesday evening on our way to pick up our daughter at her preschool (by the way, it was NOT working this morning).
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I was VERY happy to see it there b/c people drive like maniacs up/down 35th and along this stretch in particular, which is a school zone for Arbor Heights. The worst offenders? Moms in mini-vans w/ their kids in the cars!
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Anyway, hope it slows people down! Really people, what’s the big hurry anyway? Is it THAT important to drive 60+ MPH in a 30MPH zone, for what? Where are you going to get in such a hurry, except dead or hurt? Or worse, your KIDS get dead and hurt. Ugh.
It is strange how fast people drive on this road- i always get tailgated. I’m worried about kids and pets, I always see kitties around the neighborhoods. I agree, worst offenders: moms in minivans!
Along the same theme, I’ve noticed a sign on
Northbound I-35 just past Findlay that warns
“Speed Limit Photo-Enforced”.
I wonder if it is really connected, and if
there is indeed a speed-cam issuing tickets.
It would be a shame if it is just a lie.
The City could use the revenue.
Seawa – the Photo Enforced sign has to do with the police speed-camera van that has been spending time here, though it also spends time elsewhere in the city – I’m honestly not quite sure why they put up a fixed sign about a not-fixed van, but haven’t gotten around to asking SPD/SDOT that question – TR
Noticed about an hour ago that the sign has now been covered up. I agree with Cheryl. We live just a couple of blocks from the school and I avoid walking the dog while people are taking their kids to school because of the maniacs on the road.
@OldTimer – There *IS* a photo enforced speed zone on 35th at Thistle… not sure about further down by Findlay though.
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Personally, I think the Seattle PD could sit on 35th all day, and easily make up the city budget shortfalls in about 2 weeks (or less!) just by writing speeding tickets & pulling over drunk/reckless drivers. Wish they would. It would solve TWO problems; idiot drivers and city budget woes.
I really hate those red light cameras! They make people speed through intersections just to make sure they don’t get caught by it.
@bummer: I wonder if these speed meters have a similar effect; I have seen some folks actually speed up when they notice the speed meter sign to watch the numbers on the sign climb.
yes, very sketchy how fast people drive down this section of 35th heading north and south. I live on the east side of 35th and have to park on the street (which is already pretty narrow) and getting in and out of my car is sometimes a hair-raising experience.
Cheryl, the camera at 35th and Thistle is not for speed enforcement, it’s for catching people who run red lights at the intersection.
I’m all for more speed enforcement on 35th. I’ve lost track of the the number of times I’ve been tailgated on “I-35th” by someone who thinks the speed limit is 35 give or take 15mph…A week ago I had someone lock them up behind me because I slowed for a pedestrian. I though for sure I was going to get rear ended. So yes, bring the speed van and put in the cameras. I vote yes on all of it and I don’t even live on 35th.
I doubt this new “your speed” sign will make a difference. The one on Admiral certainly doesn’t. Biking up the hill every evening, I rarely see it’s readout dip below 35mph (in a 30mph zone). 40+mph is a common sight.
Similar to @Cheryl’s comments, I don’t know why the SPD doesn’t set up more speed traps on Admiral. They’d be rolling in money.
Saw the speed sign by Arbor Heights a few times …it wasn’t working any of those times.(?) I’ve seen the photo speed sign on 35th just past Findlay for months (7 am) and never seen the van! It would be nice though, I have to turn at the Mount and almost get rear ended daily by “I-35” drivers!! Scares me!
I’ll remind folks once again that the principal reason SDOT does anything is to reduce injuries and fatalities. If these speed signs DO NOT slow folks down, can you say 35th Avenue road diet? I know you can because as I mentioned SDOT is all about reducing injury and death numbers and if it’s the drivers of vehicles who are doing the maiming and killing then it’s the drivers of the vehicles who will be targeted. You notice the speed signs don’t detect bicycles or pedestrians. The road diet wouldn’t affect bicyclists or pedestrians in a negative manner either. So, think hard about how much compliance you want to put into your own driving skills because I can tell you that SDOT is watching the numbers very carefully. This much I know is true.
Oh, and for those who say road diets can’t affect two-lane streets, drive along Beach Drive and see the speed inhibitors which can be installed. Maybe we could have a few traffic circles at – say – SW 100th Street, that would make a difference. Have you folks in Arbor Heights considered cumulative reserve funds for a traffic circle? Arbor Heights element of 35th Avenue is considered “minor” arterial, which can include inhibitors such as on Beach Drive or 26th Ave. SW. Circles may not be possible but speed bumps definitely are.
As someone who walks my child to school every morning, I’d much rather see sidewalks installed in AH (104th).
I know last school year there was a police car regularly monitoring 35th at school times. I haven’t noticed it this year so far.
I am tailgated every morning on the way to work driving down I-35. Go around me if you feel you need to go faster than the 35mph posted limit.. I’M not getting a speeding ticket!! I too have seen that Speed Camera sign and wondered WHERE the camera was posted. Its crazy how fast people drive that road. I have seen younger drivers SPEED UP at the “Your Speed” signs, like they are excited to see their SPeeding speed flash for everyone to know. Slow down people.. it will still be there when you get there. Same issue with the Spokane Street Viaduct where it goes from 45 to 35. Doesn’t matter that the speed limit sign is FLASHING yellow caustion lights..
The ones who say it’s a waste of money are probably the ones flying down 35th. I sure wish we had one on SW 105th between 35th and 39th. People fly down this road.
I really wish they would invest in a crosswalk. I feel like I am taking a huge risk crossing 35th and 100th where the bus stops. Shoot! I paint the stripes myself.
I say reduce the speed limit on 35th to 20 mph, speed patrols would make even more money.
I still say I’ve NEVER seen the van, truck, car whatever it is supposedly taking pictures of speeders on 35th!!! I’ve talked to 20 of my neighbors and friends that drive I-35 everyday also and they have NEVER seen it either!??????
Has it really ever been there??
Sorry, comment time is over.
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