The dangerous intersection at 130th and Aurora is in the middle of a crosswalk make-over: from hazardous to helpful!
The problem has existed since original construction in 1954. It wasn’t solved with a pedestrian overpass (that is not up to ADA standards) in 1959. Now, finally – as of May 31st – the Seattle of City is doing something about this dangerous intersection at Aurora and 130th in the neighborhood of Broadview.
Posted by Megan RisleyJune 13, 2011
The area has seen a rapid increase in senior housing over the past few decades – to the tune of 1,500 new units total. This means that lots of seniors, attempting to cross, Aurora and North 130th Street, have to walk from North 130th south across 5 lanes of asphalt (designated for cars), east across Aurora, which is 7 lanes dedicated to vehicular traffic,and finally north across 5 lanes of traffic on North 130th Street. Drivers often just miss the light and get stuck in the crosswalk. Freight and truck drivers have to swing out into opposite-going traffic lanes just to make the turn, and are thus watching more for oncoming cars than they are for foot traffic. The overpass didn’t eradicate these and other dangers, though, because it was impossible to access by wheelchair, walker or scooter. Those with canes or shopping carts had it only mildly easier.
The City of Seattle plans to address the hazards of crossing this busy intersection with ADA-approved curb ramps at all four corners of this intersection, pedestrian countdown signs on each corner and put in a new (marked!) crosswalk on the north street of the intersection. There will, of course, be traffic delays and loud clanging machines, but the project is scheduled to only last two weeks. Plus, it’s a small price to pay for putting safety for those on foot first!