SDOT has announced completion of a traffic signal at Fremont Ave and N 105th that will help bikers on the interurban bike route from Everett to Seattle cross this busy 4-lane road. Currently, signs divert bikes blocks off Fremont to a traffic signal at Dayton, then back to Fremont. The new signal will allow bikes to continue straight, but cars must turn either right or left. This is similar to lights at on Fremont at 80th and at 85th.
From SDOT:
To better serve riders on the Interurban North signed bicycle route, the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) today activated a new traffic signal at the intersection of Fremont Avenue N and N 105th Street. The improved four-lane arterial crossing, which also helps pedestrians move across a busy roadway, completes signal upgrades for the bike route identified in the Bicycle Master Plan (BMP) and ends the need to detour to a signal two blocks west.
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The new traffic signal is a significant enhancement to the Interurban North signed bicycle route that connects downtown Seattle to Everett via Fremont Ave N before transitioning to the Interurban Trail. Similar signals already exist along the route at N 80th and N 85th streets. Bicyclists and pedestrians will be permitted to continue straight along the route, while motorists on Fremont Ave N will be directed to turn right or left from the signal, restricting the straight through movement.
This work is part of Bicycle Master Plan implementation and is funded by the voter-approved Bridging the Gap transportation levy. By making walking and biking along this corridor easier, it supports Mayor McGinn’s Walk Bike Ride initiative and its goal of enhancing transportation choices citywide. SDOT will further upgrade the intersection for pedestrians by constructing pedestrian landings and curb ramps in 2011.
Other than the section of trail between N 110th and N 128th streets, the Interurban Trail in Seattle utilizes residential streets. It is identified in the BMP as a designated bicycle boulevard, a route that prioritizes bicycle travel by using a variety of design elements such as improved intersection crossings.
Comments
3 responses to “Traffic signal at Fremont and 105th up and running”
Dayton’s only one block over from Fremont. So I guess it’s technically “blocks away” if you count 1 block over and 1 block back for a total of 2.
There were already signals on Dayton at 85th and 105th. But it probably wasn’t feasible to force auto traffic to turn at these intersections and allow bikes to continue straight.
Oops forgot Evanston is in between Dayton and Fremont north of 85th. So it IS blocks away. Although before the signal was added at Fremont and 85th I didn’t think it was a big deal to go over to Dayton so that I had a signal to cross 85th.
Still do sometimes as I find the signal at Fremont to be a little hard to trigger.
Rode through it southbound tonight behind a car which also drove straight through the intersection. There is still plenty of improvement to be found. Interestingly, the driver was holding me back around each traffic circle and she soon pulled over to let me pass. I guess she some things out there on the road.