Signal Changes at Broadway and John Should Make Everyones Trips Easier

The Seattle Department of Transportation is implementing crucial safety upgrades at the intersection of Broadway E and E John in Capitol Hill, which is among the city's busiest. Funded by the Neighborhood Street Fund, the installation of new traffic signals will include separate turn signals to enhance safety for pedestrians and drivers alike. Local advocate Brie Gyncild emphasized that this project is a response to the intersection's troubling history of accidents, with 16 reported injuries from 2014 to 2018. The upgrades were deemed necessary after previous funding efforts fell short due to high costs, highlighting the community's persistent demand for safer navigation. The planned improvements aim to mitigate pedestrian collisions, a significant concern given that such incidents are often exacerbated by left-turning vehicles.

Scheduled for completion by the end of the year, the new signal system will also include ADA upgrades to curb ramps, making the intersection more accessible for all users. This initiative is part of Seattle's broader Vision Zero program, which targets zero traffic fatalities and serious injuries by 2030. The project reflects a growing commitment to improving urban safety and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, especially in high-traffic areas adjacent to public transit facilities.