FOLLOWUP: New signal activated on West Marginal Way

| Safety | Transportation | West Seattle news

Thanks to the commenter who mentioned this: The new crossing signal by the Duwamish Longhouse on West Marginal Way has been activated, after the accompanying crosswalk was painted a few days ago. We asked SDOT for confirmation; spokesperson Ethan Bergerson says, “The signal was turned on yesterday and is operational, but there are still a few adjustments that need to be finished today. One of these items is connecting the push buttons, so we temporarily programmed the signal to display a walk signal automatically until that has been completed.” The signal technically is “temporary” – the permanent one is being designed and is expected to be installed next year. The Duwamish Tribe and community advocates had long pushed for safety improvements here, not just for people parking on the east side of WMW for Longhouse events, but also for better access to the riverfront park, which has major cultural significance.

WS Taxpayer December 8, 2021 (2:50 pm)

Last night at 4:30pm the signal had W. marginal backed up nearly to the 6-way. This morning at 6:35am it turned red with no-one around causing several motorists to slam on their breaks. (even at 30mph)I wish they would have contemplated and completed the signal timing before plopping it in as a temporary fix on the MAIN THOROUGHFARE INTO AND OUT OF WEST SEATTLE.

Cd December 8, 2021 (5:19 pm)

Good ol’ Seattle wisdom.

Yup it tee December 8, 2021 (4:52 pm)

Well maybe if those several people/cars would get off their cell phones and actually pay attention to the road. Plus at 30 I really don’t see “slamming” on the breaks. Nobody drives this stretch at less than 40 and you know it. Maybe call, or email the City with your complaint, because this is your second of the day on the same thing. Sorry for being this way, but geez, get off the phone and maybe even stop or slow down at a yellow light instead of gunning it through and causing backups.

Jort December 8, 2021 (4:54 pm)

I am glad that we are finally seeing these long-overdue safety improvements for people visiting the Duwamish longhouse. I am so, so sorry to the drivers who are getting angry that they are potentially being delayed an additional 15 seconds on their drive so that lives can be saved.

bill December 8, 2021 (7:39 pm)

That’s a tough break, slamming on your brakes. As an occasional participant in the West Marginal 500 I don’t believe for a second that you were driving 30. Such a pity you were forced to wait at that crosswalk instead of waiting in the traffic jam at Highland.

wendell December 8, 2021 (7:41 pm)

Give me a break. Before you get off your phone… Google “brakes”.

Mj December 8, 2021 (10:30 pm)

Easily solvable issue, open up the second SB travel lane that was taken to facilitate pedestrian crossings that are now accommodated via the signal!

Reed December 8, 2021 (11:35 pm)

Nope.
Jort December 9, 2021 (12:26 am)

Nope! Not happening. And you know this, too.
Wseattleite December 9, 2021 (8:34 am)

Probably not going to happen because it makes too much sense and would add to safety.
BlairJ December 9, 2021 (11:45 am)

I don’t understand how opening up another traffic lane would make it easier to stop at a red light.
- Um, No! December 9, 2021 (4:11 pm)
  
  The stop light is right after where the two south bounds lanes merge. Not an ideal situation and if left as is, I suspect accidents will happen.
- YES2WS December 9, 2021 (6:09 pm)
  
  (Blair) It’s really not that difficult a concept.

zark00 December 10, 2021 (1:14 pm)

There is a driving school in Jefferson Square. They can teach you how to slow down when you see yellow light. They’ll even teach you how to spell brakes.

Ubi December 10, 2021 (1:26 pm)

Light was flashing red causing huge backups at around noon. This is ridiculous, it should only be turned on once it’s set to be triggered by crosswalk button only. Turn it off until then.