Questions about Arbor Heights sidewalk project, including 35th SW closure? Community meeting next week

| Arbor Heights | Transportation | West Seattle news

The map is from SDOT’s Ching Chan, who has been out going door to door and also e-mailed us to be sure everyone knows about a community meeting one week from tonight for the Arbor Heights sidewalk (and more) project along 35th SW between SW 100th and SW 106th. As we reported a month ago, it’s starting this spring – likely next month, Chan says, with completion projected by Labor Day. And SDOT now confirms the south end of the project, which includes drainage work, will close 35th SW between SW 104th and SW 106th for “up to four weeks.” Here’s the newest flyer/postcard. Get the details, and answers to your questions, at the community meeting 6-8 pm Tuesday, April 24th, at Arbor Heights Elementary (3701 SW 104th).

1994 April 17, 2018 (8:58 pm)

I like the sidewalks but not the curb bulbs.

kj April 18, 2018 (10:00 am)

Exactly, what is the purpose of curb bulbs? Are they even necessary? Are these like the horribly designed curb bulbs for the Rapid C bus? As far as I can observe, they just mess up traffic.

WSB April 18, 2018 (10:16 am)

Curb bulbs/extensions are generally to shorten the distance pedestrians have to cross, which obviously is not the case with the one you are likely thinking of. I don’t know if these will be painted or physical curb extensions but examples of the former are along the west end of Admiral Way and on Delridge across from STEM K-8.

1994 April 18, 2018 (8:49 pm)

Curb bulbs force larger vehicles into oncoming traffic because they have to make a wider turn or worse yet they risk running up and over the curb bulb. Not so sure this is safer for pedestrians.

Millie April 24, 2018 (5:16 pm)

Just to be transparent – I am neither a road engineer nor a traffic expert. So here it goes – why put in “curb” bulbs on the corners if they do not have the necessary ADA ramp for the disabled. If they do that’s great. However, if this is just to shorten the distance between corners it appears they may be a waste of money. Thirty-fifth (35th) Avenue is a two-lane street used by residents in Arbor Heights, Seola Beach, etc. to get to Westwood Village (“C” line transit) and further north. Why reduce the lanes unnecessarily? Just asking?

WSB April 24, 2018 (5:37 pm)

I hope you will be going tonight and asking SDOT – I wish I could cover this but have to be at the light-rail meeting instead.

anonyme April 24, 2018 (5:58 pm)

I live on one of the corners getting a curb bulb. IMO, the design is excessive and overbuilt. The amount of construction is not justified by the amount of foot traffic at these corners. Concrete pads at the corners will be 11 ft. wide, with multiple ramps. Better crossing options for pedestrians are a good idea, but much of this is overkill and the crossing locations are not safe. I do like the fact that large vehicles might actually have to start using arterials, and disagree that pedestrians will be endangered if trucks are actually forced to slow down to make turns.

wlcg06 May 6, 2018 (8:10 am)

More wasted money on another unneeded project. I live on 98th. As I drive the stretch of 35th either N or S of 98th, I always wonder why the city will do nothing to improve the sidewalks and street shoulder on the east side of 35th between Roxbury and 104th. It seems like the “land that time forgot,” because the west side of that stretch of road gets ALL the attention. The east sidewalk and shoulder is a muddy, graveled and pot-holed mess and the 35th Ave residents that live in that area deserve better, especially after watching the improvements on the opposite side.

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