SDOT plans to add wayfinding signage this spring on the bike trail at the east end of the low-level Spokane Street swing bridge.

Charlie, you can start by emailing your questions to the Seattle Bike/Ped group at walkandbike@seattle.gov and copy the Seattle Bicycle Advisory Board, bikeboard@seattle.gov. Don’t give up until you get an answer. Your questions above are a concern since it puts the onus of yielding on those with the actual right of way, in contradiction to the RCWs pertaining to sidewalk/path users.

Note that this roadway configuration has *already* changed. The good news is pedestrians and cyclists were taken into consideration and in spite of the new route needing a few tweaks, it’s functioning well.

The latest from Broch Bender, WSDOT on the Cascade Forum Boards:
http://www.cascade.org/Community/forum/messageview.cfm?catid=14&threadid=18407

“You might have noticed a new detour and road crews working on East Marginal Way in front of the U.S. Coast Guard. Here’s what’s going on:

As of Monday, Dec. 5. WSDOT began work tearing out and rebuilding East Marginal Way South between South Atlantic and South Massachusetts streets, starting with replacing the uneven red brick section of the bicycle and pedestrian path. During construction, we’ll detour bicycle and pedestrian traffic to a 10-foot-wide temporary shared use path on the opposite side of the street.

We expect to finish rebuilding the path and northbound lanes in early 2012. After that, bicycle and foot traffic will be routed back on to the new section of path while crews rebuild the southbound lanes. Both sides of East Marginal Way South will be complete by early spring 2012. When we’re all done, cyclists will benefit from a smooth, puddle-free concrete riding surface – and dedicated bike lanes in both directions!

What do you think of the detour?”

I would love to compare notes with you. We’re trying to find out if anyone locally has a program or even info about how cyclists and large vehicle operators (trucks and buses) might better co-exist. I am not aware of anything locally and checked online where I found some programs in other areas – and also found your blog. I can be reached at 206-762-2470 or at dave@seattleindustry.org.

Thanks.

1.) We’re going to drain the “flood” puddles – The large puddles near the U.S. Coast Guard are happening because the drain is plugged up. WSDOT crews plan to unplug the drain and vacuum out the standing water. This should solve the issue, however we’ll keep an eye on it. If you see the puddles return, please don’t hesitate to let me know!

2.) We’re going to add more barrier to the west side of East Marginal Way South near South Massachusetts Street. – Adding barrier will provide a divider between northbound bikes and southbound road traffic.

3.) We’ll pave the multi-use trail at South Massachusetts. – You can see in the above photo (The one with the orange delineators) that the trail is an uneven mixture of asphalt and dirt. We’re going to help even out the surface by paving over this section with a fresh coat of asphalt.

Thanks again for pointing these issues out. Your safety is WSDOT and SDOT’s top concern and we want to hear from you.

You can reach me directly at Benderb@wsdot.wa.gov or call the Alaskan Way Viaduct hotline at 1-888-AWV-LINE (298-5469). The hotline is staffed Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. If you’d like to talk to somebody at SDOT, please contact Paul Elliott at Paul.Elliott@Seattle.gov.

Ride safe!

WSDOT Broch