SDOT confirms Arbor Heights walkway on the drawing board

| Arbor Heights | Safety | Transportation | West Seattle news

One of the most sidewalk-less areas of West Seattle is in line for a few blocks of potential change. Lisa spotted survey workers on 35th south of Roxbury yesterday, found out their work had something to do with a paved walkway, and asked what we knew about it. We checked with SDOT‘s Marybeth Turner, who confirms:

Survey work is underway for the design of a walkway at this location, to be constructed next year. How long the walkway will be has not yet determined–it will depend on the cost. At this point they are looking at the west side of 35th Ave SW from SW 97th to SW 100th. More will be known as the design work progresses. This is a “Walk Bike Ride” project.

JEM May 6, 2011 (3:57 pm)

Yay! Although I kinda like being in the “rural” sidewalk-less hood. But that side of 35th definately can use it!

Mama Telli May 6, 2011 (5:08 pm)

Oh good grief, there is a side walk right across the street, that’s what I use while I walk home from the bus stop. Perhaps the money would be better spent repairing the roads.

sa May 6, 2011 (5:57 pm)

About time! Lets keep the investments in Arbor Heights coming! You definitely get the feeling that most of the staff at the city fails to realize that this is part of the city limits.

Nan May 6, 2011 (6:38 pm)

This is excellent news!

Paul May 6, 2011 (9:01 pm)

That’s nice that crossing the street works for you Mama Telli. Personally, I prefer to not chance crossing the speedway twice on my way home from the bus.

As far as I’m concerned, a walkway on both sides of a busy street like 35th is just as important as filling potholes. I have no problem with the city spending my tax dollars for sidewalks and walkways anywhere in the city.

anonyme May 7, 2011 (9:39 am)

I agree with Paul. Arbor Heights has seen virtually no improvements since annexation many decades ago. With no lights or crosswalks between Roxbury and 106th, crossing 35th most times of day is a death-defying experience. I’m looking forward to having this project continue south of 100th. The time is long overdue to cover the open water ditches (trash-collecting rat tunnels) and make the neighborhood more user/pedestrian-friendly.

MMB May 7, 2011 (12:17 pm)

Yes, the sidewalk-less status of Arbor Heights is one major drawback in our opinion. It made us think twice about buying here. It’s unsightly, and unsafe for pedestrians. What I really wish is for sidewalks throughout A.H., not just one area. I know it’s a pipe dream…

foy boy May 7, 2011 (2:12 pm)

You all know that once the city starts putting side walks all trough arbor hieghts the city will now see our property more valuble . And thus this means our property taxes will go up and parking will go away. All over arbor hieghts there are homes with no drive ways or garages. When they make these side walks we will have to survey drivway lacations. And before we Know it we loose are charm. The property tax rise has happen in other parts of the city where this has happened.

MMB May 8, 2011 (7:09 pm)

OMG: Property MORE VALUABLE – not THAT!!!

Joe May 9, 2011 (5:08 am)

How could anyone think that this is not great?
The city is way over due to send money our way to improve pedestrian SAFETY.
No, lets just keep continuing to watch mothers push their strollers in the middle of the road so that we may keep all 8 of our cars double parked. Sidewalks or not cars are not supposed to be parked as they are on most streets. The pedestrian should have a path whether or not there is pavement. hell at this point I’d be happy with gravel paths throughout Arbor Heights just so we can be off the road.
Also, our taxes are already on a par with the rest of West Seattle.
Why is there not safe route to school money being acquired? Many kids walk to nearby Arbor Heights Elementary.
This is awesome keep it coming.

knm May 9, 2011 (1:29 pm)

I agree – other areas of Arbor Heights could better benefit from sidewalk than that stretch of 35th (where there is a sidewalk on the opposite side of street). How about ALL of 104th, the street that has an elementary school on it? There’s 2 blocks of sidewalk along this street right in front of the school already, but the rest of it is sidewalk-less. All of 104th has children walking to school daily. I believe safety would be provided to more people (children!) here than on the little stretch of 35th.

Sorry, comment time is over.