Three years later, E Olive Ways guerrilla crosswalk is now legit

The Seattle Department of Transportation has officially installed a new crosswalk at E Olive Way, three years after a guerrilla version was rapidly removed by city officials. The project enhances pedestrian safety with expanded sidewalks, crossing signs, signals, and flexible posts. SDOT responded to community calls for safer crossing options, emphasizing the importance of proper channels for advocating change. Funding delays tied to a federal transportation grant postponed the project until fall 2025, despite the grant being secured in early 2023. Local writer Matt Baume has tracked incidents at the intersection for a decade, raising alarms after a recent crash involving multiple vehicles and a family.

The crosswalk installation not only addresses immediate safety concerns but also symbolizes a broader commitment to improving pedestrian infrastructure in Capitol Hill. This project may be one of the last overseen by interim SDOT leader Adiam Emery. As Mayor-elect Katie Wilson prepares to take office in January, the focus on community-driven transit improvements remains a priority.