Seattle Parks and Recreation has put a halt to a significant traffic calming initiative aimed at curbing speeding along Lake Washington Boulevard in Southeast Seattle.
Initially slated for installation earlier this year, the plan for speed cushions has been quietly abandoned after months of no communication from city officials.
Citizens who were closely monitoring the development noticed the recent announcement excluding several crucial improvements from the list intended for 2025.
Specifically, six sets of speed bumps designed to reduce driver speeds have been removed, along with an intersection redesign meant to enhance safety at S Orcas Street and Lake Washington Boulevard.
This decision comes after a meeting between city staff and a group named Coexist Lake Washington, which opposed many aspects of the proposed upgrades.
Critics of the revisions argued that the planned changes lacked evident benefits, reflecting their organized resistance to alterations that could enhance safety for pedestrians and cyclists.
Tom Fucoloro, a writer for the Seattle Bike Blog, expressed concern over the lack of transparency in the process.
He pointed out that the need to search for previous announcements indicates an effort to conceal significant reductions in the project’s original scope.
While the project website continues to illustrate the original intended changes, including speed cushions, it is evident that scaling back on these safety features greatly diminishes the projected impact of the proposed improvements.
The alterations had been fully funded and reviewed by the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT), but the Parks Department is spearheading the initiatives due to the location of Lake Washington Boulevard on Parks property.
A spokesperson for Parks was not available for comment regarding the removal of the speed cushions, but a more detailed statement is expected next week.
The compromise to introduce speed cushions was generally regarded as a successful middle ground after an extensive dialogue that began in 2022.
Interestingly, members of Coexist Lake Washington had previously endorsed speed cushions in lieu of more robust traffic calming measures, such as intersection narrowing.
However, a recent report from the Parks Department describes the response to speed cushions as “polarizing.”
While some community members asserted that the cushions effectively mitigated speeding and fostered safer conditions for non-motorized users, others criticized them for causing discomfort and posing possible risks to vehicles, particularly for those with mobility access needs.
Opponents noted that the installation of speed cushions often led to hazardous driving behavior as drivers sought to avoid them, further complicating safety on the boulevard.
Speed cushions have become a more common traffic calming solution in Seattle over the years, including installations on significant bus routes that were previously considered challenging to implement.
The location of Lake Washington Boulevard is particularly noteworthy as it falls within the district of Mayor Bruce Harrell, resulting in a unique level of attention and scrutiny directed at proposed modifications.
Originally, funding for improvements emerged from a budget amendment in 2022 from former Councilmember Tammy Morales, who represented District 2 before Harrell.
However, the current administration appears to be shifting its focus, deciding to reverse course on previously agreed-upon changes midway through the planning process.
Community members had suggested significant alterations to the S Orcas Street intersection, which had been flagged for safety concerns.
These concerns stemmed from potential conflicts between vehicles resulting from the existing configuration.
Despite previous engagement suggesting specific improvements to simplify the intersection, these plans will not materialize as intended.
The Urbanist reached out for reactions to this development from the four candidates competing for the District 2 council seat.
Eddie Lin, a lawyer with the Seattle City Attorney’s office, expressed deep disappointment, emphasizing the urgency for safety improvements.
He highlighted the ongoing crisis resulting from dangerous driving behavior that has led to numerous significant accidents on Lake Washington Boulevard.
He insisted that without further traffic calming measures, the risks to pedestrians, specifically vulnerable populations, will only continue to escalate.
Jamie Fackler, a union leader and employee at the Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections (SDCI), echoed Lin’s frustrations.
Fackler articulated the perspectives of community members demanding safer intersections and traffic accommodations, labeling the Parks decision as counterproductive in promoting public safety across the park.
Conversely, Adonis Ducksworth, a transportation advisor in Mayor Harrell’s office, offered a different perspective, downplaying the current emphasis on Lake Washington Boulevard despite acknowledging the need for broader traffic calming strategies in South Seattle.
While Ducksworth acknowledged the perceived value in the abandoned changes, he urged the need for city leaders to prioritize which safety projects receive funding and resources.
He underscored his commitment to addressing traffic safety across multiple streets in South Seattle moving forward, asserting that he will advocate for essential interventions on local roads.
Restaurant industry advocate Jeanie Chunn did not respond to requests for comments on the matter.
As the conversation surrounding traffic safety on Lake Washington Boulevard continues, the implications of this decision could reverberate throughout the community, emphasizing the critical importance of addressing speed-related issues in the area.
image source from：theurbanist
