SDOT creating Aurora Ave Community Advisory Group
Aurora Ave's highway-like design is a recipe for an extremely dangerous street.In 2022, the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) launched a project to redesign Aurora Ave. The highest ridership bus route in Washington, Metro's RapidRide E Line, carries 13,000 people along the corridor every day. Aurora Ave is consistently one of the most dangerous streets in Seattle. Over the past few years, SDOT has received thousands of responses from the public on how the street should be changed. Based on this feedback, the agency shared a few concepts in 2024. The long-term changes on Aurora will include the following infrastructure and safety improvements:
- Sidewalks for comfort, safety, and ease of access
- Better lighting for improved visibility
- Safer, more accessible street crossings for people walking and rolling
- Updated drainage to prevent water accumulation
- Making it more comfortable and accessible for people walking and rolling
- Reducing crashes for all road users
- Improving bus service so it's more dependable and convenient
In the short-term, SDOT crews have installed 24/7 bus lanes and numerous other safety projects. These include No Turn on Red signs, leading pedestrian intervals, and hardened center lines at 77th St, 90th St, 95th St, 100th St, 115th St, and 135th St. The intersection of Aurora Ave & N 137th St is undergoing a few changes this month. SDOT is adding a new traffic signal, building a center median with cutouts for pedestrian and bike crossings, and installing curb ramps on all four corners.
Map of the intersection of Aurora Ave N and N 137th St with bike crossing markers, median islands, and curb ramps identified.(SDOT)The long-term project is now entering the next phase. SDOT is creating a Community Advisory Group to clarify goals and priorities, provide input on transportation planning, and advise decision-makers on the project. The Community Advisory Group will meet 8-12 times over the next two years and members will be compensated for their time.
Everyone is welcome to apply to join the Community Advisory Group. More information about the application process is available in SDOT's Application Guide. Applications are due on Friday, May 15.