Politics & Government

City Continues Pedestrian-Safety Focus With New Stop Sign on 78th Ave

City Hall hopes the new four-way stop at 78th Avenue SE at SE 34th Street will boost pedestrian safety near Mercerdale Park and the Mercer Island Thrift Shop.

A new four-way stop will be installed at the intersection of 78th Avenue SE and SE 34th Street in mid-September, according to a press release.

The intersection, located at the south edge of the Town Center, is the last four-way intersection on 78th Avenue in the Town Center currently a two-way stop for SE 34th Street only. Residents of the area have been concerned about pedestrian safety when crossing the street and the increase in traffic volume at the intersection due to the proximity of the  and .

The city says installation of the new four-way stop supports the Transportation Element of the Comprehensive Plan by creating a protected pedestrian crossing at the intersection and improving pedestrian circulation between the Upper and Lower Mercerdale neighborhoods.

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Sight distance for the east leg of the intersection is currently restricted due to the existing rockery on the southeast corner of the intersection. The limited sight distance makes it difficult for motorists to see approaching northbound vehicles and for northbound motorists to see pedestrians standing on the east corner waiting to cross the street. Installation of the four-way stop is a cost effective way to improve the intersection for motorists and pedestrians. The cost to install the four-way stop is estimated to be $2,000 while the estimated cost of removing the rockery to improve the sight distance is upwards of $50,000.

City Hall says the decision is based on accepted national standards and practices, taking into consideration current traffic volumes, accident history, surrounding land use, geometry and other physical characteristics, and the City's goal of keeping residents safe.

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For additional information contact the Assistant City Engineer, Anne Tonella-Howe at anne.tonella-howe@mercergov.org or at 206-275-7813.


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