Description
The right merge lane on south-bound 15th Ave, south of the 175th NE/15th Ave intersection, has been closed for too long for the benefit of a private development company. The apartment building development and associated construction was supposed to be finished by November 2019 and is still ongoing with no end in sight and no additional mitigation for the extended closure. This closure creates a significant safety and traffic issue for merging traffic traveling southbound through the intersection. In addition, turning southbound from east or west bound NE 175th St onto southbound NE 15th St is very dangerous especially for large trucks and semi-tractor/trailers. Numerous accidents have occurred at this intersection during this construction and lane changes. For the extended closure (past November 2019) additional traffic mitigation must be provided. Good thing there is potential right here at this intersection. Require westbound NE 175th St to be returned to two lanes, east bound NE 175th St remain two lanes (straight/left turn, and right turn only), and create more storage/queueing capacity for the right turn lane from eastbound NE 175th St to southbound 15th Ave. Developers should not be allowed to extend traffic and safety impacts past the original schedule without appropriate traffic mitigation otherwise it is an illegal taking of public property and a gift of public funds/resources. Please make the intersection safer.
also asked...
A. Traffic safety/hazard and contractors extended lane closure
A. Southbound 15th Ave at NE 175th St Intersection
A. YES
6 Comments
Acknowledged City of Shoreline (Verified Official)
Mark64 (Registered User)
local (Registered User)
Closed City of Shoreline (Verified Official)
Regarding the long-term temporary southbound curb lane closure
This closure has been in place longer than originally anticipated. Staff are currently working to develop thresholds, criteria, and potentially mitigating conditions for long term use of public rights-of-way such as this for future permitting. The 24/7 closure of the southbound curb lane south of NE 175th is anticipated to be removed today, however ongoing intermittent closures of the lane during active construction are still anticipated through mid-April.
Regarding collision history and intersection operations
Staff have reviewed all collision data from October 2019 (when westbound revisions began, as part of Shoreline’s project) to present date (March 11th) and found no reported collisions of this type. There was one collision reported where a northbound driver ran a red light and struck a westbound driver with a green light. Westbound revisions were made in order to make space for the added eastbound right turn pocket, which is intended to improve intersection operations. Anecdotally, we have heard that this right turn lane has been beneficial, and traffic modeling substantiates this as well. The City will review operations once the current travel pattern changes (currently traffic volumes are low due to COVID-19 actions) and the development related lane closure south of the intersection is clear.
Regarding turning movement conflicts and driver right of way
As was the case prior to the changes that were implemented in Summer/Fall of 2019, any driver traveling northbound on 15th making a left turn to 175th on a green arrow has the right of way. Any conflicting southbound right turning driver is required to yield right of way (for a right on red turn) to the left turning driver. As stated before, no collisions of this nature have been reported since October, and the City will review operations once normal travel patterns resume. In terms of the bus stop, from the centerline to curb face, there is 18.5 ft which should provide adequate room for vehicles to pass. This is how most of 15th Ave NE is configured; where from curb to centerline at bus stops (primarily near intersections), there is about 18-19 feet. Once travel patterns normalize, staff will review this bus-vehicle interaction on NE 175th Street westbound to ensure the lane and intersection are operating as intended.
Regarding eastbound NE 175th St right turn lane length at 15th
The length of the right turn pocket is limited based on adjacent properties. Staff worked with the developer at the SW corner to set the curb further south to obtain the needed space for the eastbound turn lane, and the developer dedicated some right of way that allowed this turn lane and the wider sidewalk to be implemented. The same opportunities do not exist east of the redeveloped property line, but we will certainly consider expansion if opportunities arise in the future.
Mark64 (Registered User)
City of Shoreline (Verified Official)
Below is the current status of the right merge lane on SB 15th south of NE 175th.
As of Monday 16th March
Keep the Taper closed during 9:00am to 3:00pm
Move the Taper back to curb and gutter at 3:00pm
Planter strip should be complete next week
Pavers to pave on 15th Ave NE ( dependent on weather ) within 10 Days
NE 175th still needs sidewalk panels at the West end and companion ramp at Safeway NE 175th
Should be complete road and sidewalk between April 10th – 15th