Seattle’s Department of Transportation is bringing major safety improvements to Stone Way N this year, with construction expected to start soon on a project designed to make the busy corridor safer for everyone.
The improvements will span Stone Way N between N Allen Place and N 36th Street, adding new crosswalks, pedestrian islands, and visibility enhancements at five intersections. The project is funded by the voter-approved 2024 Seattle Transportation Levy.
What’s coming
The project focuses on making crossings safer and more visible at key intersections along Stone Way:
At N 36th Street, crews will install new pedestrian islands and crosswalks across Stone Way, plus a new bike corral.
At N 38th Street, two new marked crosswalks will be added on Stone Way along with two pedestrian islands.
At N 41st Street, the intersection will get a median island on Stone Way north of the intersection, two new crosswalks, and pedestrian-activated flashing beacons.
At N 42nd Street, two new crosswalks with pedestrian islands will be installed, plus a bike corral at the northwest corner.
At N Allen Place, the design includes two new crosswalks with pedestrian islands and a bike corral at the northwest corner.
The improvements also include new bike lane markings throughout the corridor.
What to expect during construction
Construction crews will typically work weekdays from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., though some weekend work may be necessary. Neighbors can expect the usual construction impacts: noise, dust, equipment, and temporary parking restrictions.
The city will post “No Parking” signs at least 72 hours before work begins in any area. There will also be temporary lane changes, crosswalk closures, and detours for people walking and biking.
Stone Way is already seeing heavy construction activity from multiple apartment projects along the corridor, so navigating the street this year will require extra patience from drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians alike.
Part of citywide safety push
The Stone Way improvements are part of a broader effort to make Seattle streets safer through “intersection daylighting” – upgrades that improve visibility at crossings and remind drivers where parking isn’t allowed near intersections.
According to the Federal Highway Administration, restricting parking near intersections is one of the most effective ways to reduce pedestrian crashes. It’s also a relatively low-cost safety solution.
Under Washington State law, parking is already prohibited within 20 feet of intersections (about one car length) and within 30 feet of stop signs, yield signs, and crosswalks with flashing beacons (about two car lengths). The new infrastructure – including painted and concrete curb bulbs, no-parking signs, and bike corrals – serves as a physical reminder of these existing rules.
Residents can request safety improvements in their neighborhood through the Find It, Fix It app or by emailing 684-Road@seattle.gov.
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2 responses to “Stone Way safety upgrades begin this year”
I’m all for this. But I would also love to see an intersection a Midvale Ave N and Bridge Way N, due to all the construction. The two options for a resident to cross bridge way are jaywalking Midvale Ave N and Bridge Way N or going north, crossing near Emerald City Athletic, then going south, cross at 38th (because 39th intersection is closed) which is an 8 minute reroute.
Agree, Bridge desperately needs a safe pedestrian crossing. Hope that is in the works ASAP.
The crossing at Bridge and Stone Way is super dangerous now, it’s a blind right turn + a left turn across 3 lanes of traffic, directly into an active walk signal. Pedestrians need a safe crossing there and across Bridge.
Also Exxel Pacific should be providing a pedestrian pathway.