 |
City council, City staff, Rep Ruth Kagi, WSDOT Secretary Lynn Peterson Photo courtesy City of Shoreline |
On Monday, August 25, Shoreline City Council and City staff toured the 145th Street corridor (State Route 523) with Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) Secretary Lynn Peterson, legislative and council representatives from the area and partner agency staff.
145th Street is a key east-west connection for the region. Thoughtful, coordinated investments in the corridor will support economic growth, enhance safety and access, and make the most of investments already being made in light rail and bus rapid transit. A well-functioning 145th Street is vital to the safe movement of people and goods throughout the region.
 |
"Walkway not accessible for wheelchair use" Photo courtesy City of Shoreline |
However, 145th Street is in need of significant capital improvements. Characteristics of the corridor as it currently exists include significant traffic congestion; an extremely overcrowded interchange at I-5; poor accessibility for cyclists, pedestrians, and people with disabilities; limited transit service and accessibility; a collision rate nearly three times that of the similar roadways in the region; and restricted freight mobility.
The need for improvements will only increase in the future with traffic diversion resulting from tolling of the Lake Washington bridges and the operation of light rail. The purpose of the tour was to bring attention to the corridor and the critical need for capital improvements in order to meet the needs of current and future residents and corridor users.
 |
| Photo courtesy City of Shoreline |
Not only does 145th Street serve as the boundary between Shoreline and Seattle, it is also a state highway from Aurora Avenue N (SR 99) to Bothell Way NE (SR 522). King County Metro is the bus service provider along the corridor and a light rail station at I-5 is planned to open for service in 2023.
Because so many jurisdictions and agencies have a stake in the successful operation of the corridor, it is imperative that Shoreline work closely with these entities and other stakeholders to ensure they understand the need for improvements and appreciate the value in working together.
Community input from residents and property and business owners along 145th Street will also be key when developing a future vision for the corridor. Shoreline wants to ensure that the investments being made in the 145th Street Light Rail Station and connecting corridor will promote long-term economic vitality.
In order to fully understand the necessary improvements, participating agencies, including WSDOT, Sound Transit, King County Metro Transit, and the Cities of Shoreline and Seattle will need to identify their key investments and priorities. It is anticipated that future improvements will include:
- Enhanced safety and accessibility for all users
- Improved capacity
- Improved regional mobility and connectivity
- Improved transit operations
- Coordinated utilities upgrades
- Improved I-5 interchange
An improved corridor will be safer, more efficient, carry more people, and stimulate investment and redevelopment.
To learn more about the City's plans regarding 145th Street, contact Senior Transportation Planner
Alicia McIntire at 206-801-2483.
Read more...