FOLLOWUP: California/Findlay ‘half-signal’ now activated

| Safety | Transportation | West Seattle news

Back on Thursday, we reported that SDOT hoped to have crews out this weekend working on the changes to California/Findlay that are accompanying its new pedestrian-activated “half-signal.” This morning we saw those crews at work; tonight, we noticed the signal is now activated. It cycled through a red-light period as we approached; we’ll be checking with SDOT tomorrow to see if it’s fully operational. The “paint and post” curb bump-outs are installed, as our photo shows, but the concrete median on the south side of the intersection is yet to come.

K October 23, 2022 (9:56 pm)

I will never understand why SDOT would put in all this effort and only paint 3 of the 4 crosswalks.

Bus October 24, 2022 (6:45 am)

They are trying to direct pedestrians to only cross on certain sides of the street, and yes, it’s ridiculous. A project advertised as “pedestrian safety” still prioritizes the needs of cars, asking pedestrians to cross Findlay to use crosswalks on the south side of California, just to cross Findlay again and continue their walk, rather than making crossing safe for pedestrians at all sides of the intersection.
Brian October 24, 2022 (8:40 am)

Near as I can tell it’s intentional so that there aren’t two places for motorists to look for pedestrians crossing instead of just one.
- Sue H October 24, 2022 (9:30 am)
  
  Just because there’s not a marked crosswalk doesn’t mean you don’t have to look for pedestrians. Seriously? Every legal intersection is considered a crosswalk whether marked or not.

Drw October 24, 2022 (6:42 am)

What is the purpose of the paint and post obstruction in the curb lane?

WSB October 24, 2022 (10:13 am)

Explained here
https://www.seattle.gov/transportation/projects-and-programs/programs/pedestrian-program/crosswalks-and-curb-bulbs

M October 24, 2022 (8:36 am)

Used this for the first time this morning and it was GLORIOUS. Especially now that it’s dark and rainy out. THANK YOU SDOT!

Rooster October 24, 2022 (10:05 am)

This is great. The added delimiters will also improve sight-lines for both peds and vehicles.

person October 24, 2022 (11:50 am)

Love the posts. I don’t know what it is about this intersection but it has always been very hard to see pedestrians until you are right on the crosswalk.

Gabion October 24, 2022 (12:24 pm)

Hello Neighbors, As a motorist, cyclist & pedestrian that has been following the polarizing views on social media, pertaining to the commuting “right of way” , I see this action as a compromise. 1)There is a little sacrifice for motorist in the red light delay or going to the next block to make a turn off California. 2)Pedestrians are asked to cross a less busy street for a more safe arterial crossing. 3)And there is a designated bike route just east of California in this area. Yes, all 4 way intersections are legal crosswalks, but some common sense dictates that a little regulation and inconvenience may make things a little safer on the busy streets people.

Chemist October 24, 2022 (8:05 pm)

There is a little sacrifice for motorist in the red light delay or going to the next block to make a turn off California

FYI, the “next block” north is Brandon that isn’t a through street West beyond 46th. It’s one of those grid streets that was never finished so it’s not really an equivalent street.

Jort October 24, 2022 (1:53 pm)

Once again we can see that SDOT’s number one priority in all planning and implementation of city transportation infrastructure is the option that causes least inconvenience to automobiles. This is the primary concern, it always is, this happens without fail, every single time. It happens in small ways, like this, and in big ways, too. Once again the “War on Cars” asks nothing of car drivers.

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