Proposed crossing to connect Ballard neighborhoods

SDOT is considering the installation of a new pedestrian signal at 15th Ave NW and NW 53rd Street as part of an effort to connect Ballard’s new 17th Ave NW Greenway and the Burke-Gilman Trail.  This new signal would create a dignified way for residents to access bus stops, parks, and medical care without needing to travel up to a 1/2 a mile out of their way to find a safe crossing.

The West Woodland Neighborhood Association supports the addition of a pedestrian signal at NW 53rd Street and 15th Ave NW.  The new crossing would provide our neighborhood with many benefits, including:

  1. Ease of access to amenities in the core of Ballard such as, medical care, community and cultural events, parks, and commercial interests.
  2. Provide a safe connection for pedestrians and cyclists to travel from the Burke-Gilman Trail to the 17th Ave NW Greenway.
  3. Create an opportunity for small business owners in Ballard’s Brewery District to participate in events such as Ballard Art Walk, Ballard Jazz Festival, and more.

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Example of what the crossing would look like at NW 53rd & 15th Ave NW. Click to enlarge

Support the NW 53rd Street Crosswalk:

It’s easy to let SDOT know you support the proposed crossing at NW 53rd Street and 15th Ave NW.  We have created a letter for you, just fill-in a couple items and email to one of the addresses below.

Letters of support should be emailed to West Woodland Neighborhood Association at: westwoodlandneighbors@gmail.com or SDOT at:  Summer.Jawson@Seattle.gov

Learn More:

Learn more about this project, which is funded by the Levy to Move Seattle here: http://www.seattle.gov/transportation/ballardgreenway.htm

Find the BGT Missing Link – Public Meetings

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The Burke-Gilman Trail (BGT) is one of the most heavily used pedestrian and bicycling facilities in Seattle, a vibrant trail connecting multiple neighborhoods and other city and regional trails. It serves as a major transportation corridor for commuter and recreational bicyclists.

The Burke-Gilman Trail Extension (Missing Link) Project would connect two existing portions of the Burke-Gilman Trail through the Ballard neighborhood, to complete the regional facility that otherwise runs continuously from Kenmore Park to Golden Gardens. Currently, the trail ends at the intersection of 11th Avenue NW and NW 45th Street (on the east), and begins again at 30th Avenue NW at the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks (on the west). The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) proposes to connect these two segments of the BGT with a marked, dedicated route for pedestrians and cyclists.

This project is one of the City of Seattle’s top-rated trail priorities as identified by the Bicycle Master Plan. A complete trail network improves Seattle’s health and quality of life by providing safe bicycle and pedestrian travel routes for residents of all ages.

Public Involvement:

Review the Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the four proposed connection options, and join your neighbors to discuss at Leif Erikson Hall on Thursday, July 14 (6 – 9 pm) or Saturday, July 16 (10 am – 1 pm).

Public Meeting #1:

Date: July 14, 2016
Time: 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Location: Leif Erickson Hall, 2245 NW 57th Street
Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/299348693734144/

Pubic Meeting #2:

Date: Saturday, July 16, 2016
Time: 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Location: Leif Erickson Hall, 2245 NW 57th Street
Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/633449376817495/

Burke-Gilman Trail Missing Link Project Information: http://www.seattle.gov/transportation/BGT_Ballard.htm

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