Here’s a local traffic problem that might find a solution, thanks to a $4.5 million grant from the state.
Seattle’s Department of Transportation blogs:
As many of us know, the intersection of NE Northgate Way and Fifth Ave NE has significant traffic congestion during peak periods due to the high volume of westbound vehicles turning left to go south. Queuing from this traffic regularly blocks driveways and through traffic, delaying significant numbers of buses and trucks, and prevents easy access to retail establishments throughout the Northgate area.
The state money, combined with $4.65 million in levy funds, is intended to:
- Widen the intersection of Northeast Northgate Way and Fifth Avenue Northeast to accommodate an additional westbound to southbound left-turn lane.
- Extend the right-turn lane on Fifth at Northgate for northbound traffic turning east.
- Rebuild 1.4 miles of pavement on Northeast 105th Street/Northgate Way from Greenwood Ave North to First Ave Northeast.
- Build two landscaped medians on Northgate between Meridian Ave North and Interstate 5, and one west of Fifth Avenue.
- Upgrade 12 signalized intersections along the corridor with new controller cabinets and pedestrian countdown signals.
- Add dynamic message signs, roadway cameras, vehicle detection and travel time readers, and linking them to SDOT’s Traffic Management Center.
The work should be finished by the end of 2013.
