Construction Notice City set to finally add markings and pedestrian lights where it wiped away guerilla Capitol Hill crosswalk three years ago

The Seattle Department of Transportation will install a new crosswalk and flashing pedestrian signal at the hazardous intersection of Harvard and E Olive Way. This initiative addresses community safety concerns that have persisted for years, particularly after a guerrilla crosswalk was removed by city officials three years ago. Local writer Matt Baume has tracked accidents at this intersection for a decade, prompting him to contact Councilmember Joy Hollingsworth after a recent crash involving multiple vehicles and passengers, including a family with a child. The planned construction seeks to improve pedestrian accessibility and safety with expanded sidewalks and new traffic signals, as well as painted bulbs at the corners. Although the project timeline is set between November 2024 and September 2026, construction is expected to commence in July or August 2025.

The city acknowledges the public's demand for safety improvements and aims to implement a Vision Zero Action Plan to reduce traffic fatalities. Recent fatalities in the vicinity have intensified calls for action, highlighting the urgent need for safer streets. Interim director Adiam Emery is tasked with overseeing these enhancements under the city's $1. 55 billion transportation levy approved by voters.