Editor:
Why did the chicken cross the road? Why are we putting in a crosswalk in a terrible location where we have very few chickens crossing?
Yes I am talking about the unfinished crossing at 196th and 84th. At its current location you have merging lanes center turn lanes a four way intersetion a awful lot already going on. Adding stoplights would be a better idea. If one was needed it should have been put in front of the fire station in conjunction with the existing warning lights.
The curb pushout going west on 196th has now caused at least two cars serious damage. My guess is there have been more than two. I wonder if the city could be held liable for creating a hazard? If you were going to do a pushout it should have been on the southwest side with eastbound traffic on 196th; actually, the whole crossing should be on the west side of the intersection or again there shouldn’t be one there at all.
How long has this cluster cluck been going on now and it is still unfinished a year probably 8 months anyway. They poured sidewalks around telephone poles that need to be moved, meaning those new sections will need to be broken out and redone. Who designed this? Who is managing this? Who bought off on this? How much did this cost? This whole thing should probably be scrapped and rethought. What a cluster cluck.
Jim Fairchild
Edmonds
I agree. The way that curb is pushed out so far is crazy. And also dangerous at the top of a hill. And why isn’t that curb painted yellow? I’ve wondered why this was never finished. Hopefully someone will explain. It’s an accident waiting to happen.
I agree with you, Cynthia. It seems like an unneeded and dangerous place to put in a crosswalk.
Just another tire busting traffic hazard, installed all over Edmonds by bureaucrats, looking for something to FIX at taxpayers expense.
I agree with Jim Fairchild. This is the worst design ever. Just a suit against the City waiting to happen. The attorney is just across the street.
Many pedestrians and bicyclists cross 196th at 84th. There is a bus stop going both east and westbound at this intersection as well. Add the Fire Station activity, the strange merge of Maplewood Lane to 84th Ave on the south of 196th and bike lanes; it is definitely a complex intersection.
Walkers and drivers alike do not feel comfortable crossing here and some take alternate routes.
I agree that the pedestrians need some form of a light to safely cross 196th. Please finish before someone gets hurt.
Brenda Carrithers how many is many? I have driven past this location for 40 years and rarely see anyone trying to cross. Do you think this is a good location for a crosswalk? Or would one in front of the fire station be more appropriate seeing that the fire use and pedestrian use are minimal? How do you feel about the hazard created by the pushout going west do you think it is a hazard? I know of at least 2 people that think it is.
They’re adding stoplights, that’s the point of the project. There’s more foot traffic than you think, I work with my desk right at that intersection. This is improving the intersection. Stop lights are getting put in bc there has been enough accidents to warrant it. Supply chains are backed up, so that’s why it’s been taking a while. Try asking your questions to the city vs spewing an op-ed that’s so misinformed. Think of the workers who have to deal with all the backlash from citizens like you, they’re humans too. Covid has brought out the worst in people and I just can’t handle it anymore. Something’s gotta give.
Aaaaand I’m commenting on the wrong intersection. How the tables have turned… Ironic. Sorry about that. Ignore my previous comment. I thought it was about a different project going on that actually will improve with stoplights.
Olivia Shutts then you have seen the people crashing into the curb pushout also? They aren’t putting in stoplights they are putting in a flashing crosswalk. Talk about spewing misinformation. Stoplights would be fine. There are many problems with this project and if you can’t see that you are being disingenuous.
Westbound traffic which can be heavy at times goes from 2 lanes to just the right lane going up a hill on 196th There is often confusion as left lane driver’s merge into the right lane. Drivers then must turn to the left to avoid this poorly placed curb pushout which can only be seen for a short distance after reaching the top of the hill. Alot of money has been spent on this project at this point. Hopefully steps can be taken to avoid accidents. There is a fire station real close to this spot and responding medic units and fire trucks can add to the traffic confusion. This is a state highway. Does anyone know who the jurisdiction is responsible for overseeing this project?
These complaints are really making me wonder how many people are aware that ALL intersections in Washington are unmarked crosswalks (if not marked). This is a dangerous enough area that marking the crosswalk to provide a little more protection for pedestrians makes sense. Vehicles are required to yield to pedestrians here, even without the crosswalk markings!
Since Brent asked, I found the Notice that I received on April 30, 2021 about this Project.
NAME: Citywide Pedestrian Crossing Enhancement Project.
The City’s Project Managers name and contact info was published in this public notice:
Jamie Hawkins 425-754-4106, jamie.hawkins@edmondswa.gov
Perhaps all of our collective questions should be directed to her.
As a pedestrian that regularly walks across 196th in that area, and as a driver that turns onto 196th from a side street, I am glad to see this new crossing signal. I am hoping that it will slow down some of the aggressive drivers that speed along that section and the drivers that race to the front before the left lane ends near the fire station. Even though it may be designated as a state highway, this is a residential neighborhood with people and children walking and biking in the area. And if a person can’t pay attention to the road enough to see the curb push out, then maybe they should not be allowed to drive.