The Westlake Cycle Track Project will enter its next phase in 2015, as Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) completes a detailed design and begins construction, proposed for this fall.
A statement from SDOT expressed gratitude for the time the community has donated in the last year in working on preliminary designs. “Throughout the planning process we got to know the people who work, live and commute along the corridor and gained a better understanding of the unique needs of water-dependent businesses,” the statement read.
Over the last year, SDOT explored ten community-based proposals and several alignment options for the cycle track. They’ve now identified the cycle track that their studies have shown to best meet the project goal to increase safety for all users, and the project objectives to increase connectivity, economic vitality and accessibility.
The alignment chosen locates the cycle track on the east side of the Westlake parking area, adjacent to the sidewalk. On-line Design Advisory Committee meeting materials will give more details on the evolution of this alignment.
SDOT has also heard from businesses and residents in the Westlake Corridor about needs for changes in parking management. A map of the proposed changes, shared first in December 2014, is available as a downloadable .pdf.
Changes to the parking rate and time limits will be in place by the end of March 2015, and SDOT will continue to monitor the area to assess if further changes will be needed.
For detailed Westlake Cycle Track information, visit the website and then submit comments by e-mail to WCT@seattle.gov or phone at 206/909-8578.