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.

NW 53rd Street Pedestrian Crossing supports safe transit for pedestrians traveling between Ballard’s core and Gilman Park.

As our community members age, the creation of safe crossings will become more critical. We can not expect older adults, persons with disabilities, or caregivers with children in tow to walk the same distance as an able-bodied person.  While it may be easy for you to get around today, we’re all growing older and need to be thinking about how we will navigate the neighborhood in our golden years.

There is also the added advantage of connecting a divided Ballard.  15th Ave NW is a divide, separating Ballard into east/ west corridors.  One consequence of this division is that events such as the Ballard Art Walk and Ballard Jazz Festival tend to stay on one side of town.  Rarely do Ballard area community events cross over into the West Woodland Neighborhood.  Adding a safe crossing at NW 53rd Street will create better pedestrian access and encourage more business participation.

The proposed Pedestrian Crossing at NW 53rd Street would be similar to the one currently in use at NW 58th Street and 15th Ave NW.

Support the NW 53rd Street Crosswalk:

If you are a business owner or resident, you can write SDOT and let them know you support the proposed crossing at NW 53rd Street and 15th Ave NW.  We have created a letter for you too, just fill-in a couple items and email to one of the addresses below.

• Example Letter of Support – Resident
• Example Letter of Support – Business

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