Road-work reminder: 35th SW closure in Arbor Heights set to start Tuesday

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The heavy equipment is in place along 35th SW in Arbor Heights, where the first phase of the Safe Routes to School sidewalk project is set to start tomorrow, according to SDOT, as previewed here 2+ weeks ago – replacing the underground stormwater drainage and detention system on 35th between 104th and 106th. That will require a full closure of 35th in the area for at least two weeks, SDOT says.

Since that is near both Arbor Heights Elementary and Westside School (WSB sponsor), here are the detours for school traffic:

The project will install sidewalks on the west side of 35th between SW 100th and SW 106th.

Rob May 29, 2018 (10:50 am)

I’m glad they’re doing anything at all but I wish they would improve the bus stop at 35th and 106th. It’s just a dirt patch that often has cars parked on it. Also, I’d like to see curb bulb at that intersection: I have close calls with drivers (mostly turning Southeast) at least weekly even though there’s a 4 way stop and a blinking red light. No one expects pedestrians there. It’s also pathetic that there’s no sidewalk on the South side of 106th between 35th and the city limits.

Scott May 29, 2018 (2:59 pm)

Way to start this while school is still going on. Couldn’t wait one more month.

anonyme May 29, 2018 (3:37 pm)

Rob’s comment made me take another look at the map. He’s right; there is hardly anything being done at the busy intersection of 35th & 106th, yet 35th & 102nd is getting the most massive buildout. Multiple ramps to nowhere, but not where they’re needed – like, where everyone crosses to go to the bus stop. Kids do not cross at this corner. Seems like the most work should have been done at the actual school crossing intersection at 104th, which is also closest to Westside. Makes no sense.

sam-c May 29, 2018 (6:43 pm)

SDOT’s sign placement complicates things a bit. Their “ROAD WORK AHEAD” sign right at the corner of 34th and 106th really blocks 34th Ave drivers’ westward visibility. Hopefully no-one gets into an accident while turning left onto 106h.

ArborHeightsRes May 30, 2018 (8:46 am)

I’m glad this is getting done. I lived in the Green Lake/Phinney Ridge area for 15 years before moving to Arbor Heights (south of 106th). I was amazed that the city had done so little for pedestrian safety in this area. The intersection of 35th & 106th needs to be made safer for pedestrians. In fact, all of 106th from 35th to Marine View needs better cross walks. Many vehicles at rush hour tend not to slow down or even notice pedestrians and cyclists that are trying to cross this neighborhood roadway that has now become a short cut for commuters who do not want to deal with thoroughfares that contain stoplights.

Rob May 31, 2018 (1:12 pm)

I take the bus at 106th and 35th every weekday. I live South East of there and my joke to myself is “should I take the crosswalk to no sidewalk or the sidewalk to no crosswalk”. I find it safer to jaywalk across 106th because I’m at least only looking out for cars in two directions.

anonyme June 1, 2018 (5:01 pm)

Rob, that’s funny. Actually, the corners where SDOT has built pedestrian ramps have increased jaywalking, due to the unsafe locations of the ramps. The bus stop on 100th at 35th is a perfect example. Everyone crosses at the location of the stop rather than walking to the corner, simply because it is safer to do so. The crossing area is not only blocked by poles, but placed precisely where turning vehicles are accelerating due to the incline. Like you said, it’s easier (and safer) only having to look two ways. They clearly have no understanding of pedestrian safety as it happens in the real world – not textbooks.

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