Followup: Design work starting soon for Avalon/Genesee signal

| Safety | Transportation | West Seattle news

While talking with SDOT about a different project last Friday, we asked about the timetable for the future Avalon Way/SW Genesee traffic signal, mentioned often in various discussions of local road safety. Our most recent mention was back in February, when its future installation was described as tentatively set for the third quarter of this year (which we’re a month into). SDOT’s Paul Elliott checked on its status and tells WSB today: “Design for the civil work will begin in the next month and construction will be later this fall, with completion by Thanksgiving.” (He confirms that, as was said in February, the project also will include new curb ramps for accessibility.)

The Velvet Bulldog July 30, 2012 (10:12 am)

Hallelujah! Pretty sure at least 1/5 of my life has been spent trying to get across Avalon at Genesee.

KatherineL July 30, 2012 (11:15 am)

What is the “civil work” they’re going to start next month? As opposed to construction? I understand construction; it means I can’t get through Avalon. But civil?

WSB July 30, 2012 (11:55 am)

I believe civil design means the technical drawings, having just waded through a sheaf of them while working on last Friday’s story about “The Hole” … but perhaps an expert lurking out there will have further clarification? – TR

kayo July 30, 2012 (12:22 pm)

Happy to see this as I use this intersection several times a day. There have been way too many close calls between pedestrians, drivers, bicyclists and busses. My only concern is the hill does get really slippery in wet weather to the point that cars have trouble making it up the hill. I don’t think there is any good solution to that, but I am a bit concerned about cars piling up on that hill waiting for the light and then spinning out trying to get going again. I have witnessed a number of cars over the years get stuck to the point that they have to back down the hill. Not sure if the light will help or hurt with that issue, but I am glad that this should be a safer intersection with a light, especially for pedestrians crossing Avalon.

metrognome July 30, 2012 (1:21 pm)

TR — you are correct about the meaning of ‘civil (engineering) work.’ It’s not just a matter of slapping up a few poles for the traffic signals, esp because this is such a complex intersection. They will look at sightlines for signs and signals, ensure that the changes meet Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices requirements, possibly redesign corner radii, design curb ramps to meet federal and state standards for slope, etc. Here’s the manual they use and all the regulations they have to consider
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http://www.seattle.gov/transportation/rowmanual/
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http://www.seattle.gov/transportation/ppmppolicies.htm

Jay July 30, 2012 (5:11 pm)

Regarding cars getting stuck on that hill: there’s a stop sign at the top already, so all cars legally should be stopping anyway. And the lineup frequently extends a few cars down the hill.

KatherineL July 30, 2012 (7:22 pm)

kayo, it seems like the light should improve chances for cars coming uphill. Instead of each one having to stop, and everyone behind them having to stop on that steep slope, the light should give a few of them a chance to make a run at it. Also, the cars behind won’t have to stop while a left turning car waits for an opening in traffic. There’s not a lot of traffic coming from the other side.

Sorry, comment time is over.