Metro, SDOT seek feedback on proposed Route 44 changes

Meghan Walker Ballard

Transit improvements are in the works for Route 44, and King County Metro and SDOT are seeking public feedback on their proposed changes.

Metro and SDOT say the changes would aim to improve transit reliability, reduce transit travel times, and enhance pedestrian safety and access along the Route 44 corridor. They’ve developed a survey to gather feedback, which will be live until Sept. 18.

Some of the changes include adding new left-turn signals, extending turn lanes, and installing pedestrian signals at 11th Ave NW and NW Market St.

Here’s a summary of the Ballard segment changes:

(You can watch a full explanation of the design concepts here.)

These proposals are based on technical and cost analysis, plus a review of public input from surveys and drop-in sessions during the fall of 2019.

Metro and SDOT will host an online presentation on Thursday, Sept. 10 from 5:30pm to 7pm. They’ll cover design goals and details, explain the project schedule, and give an in-depth look at improvement concepts. There will also be an opportunity to ask written questions to SDOT and Metro staff during a moderated panel discussion.

The project is in the early design phase with more details to come later in 2020, and some construction to start in 2021. The project is expected to be complete by 2023.

13 thoughts to “Metro, SDOT seek feedback on proposed Route 44 changes”

  1. want to improve ALL YOUR ROUTES, put the transit cops on and don’t allow anyone without a mask on, period. Don’t allow people to sit in seats they are not supposed to use. I rely on METRO, but some routhes,D Line is one that is not always safe. Enforce the Governor’s mandate. You will get a thumbs up from a lot of people.

    2. Here a mask, there a mask. Simon says jump real high. Simon says burn something down too. My hope is that a few will figure out that the more government does FOR you, the more it does TO you. Deal with it. You all voted for it. Haven’t been on a bus for 10-15 years. But lets pack a gazillon more into the area and then try to please them all at the same time. Good luck with that.

      2. Various factually tenuous statements. Hyperbole. Fomenting against Democrats. Something something something. Homeless this and that. ALL caps words.

      3. Haven’t been on a bus for 10-15 years.

        Based on your outlook on reality, I’m guessing you also haven’t left your house for 10-15 years.

  2. Adding a light and crosswalk at 11th and Market makes a ton of sense. Every time I pass by there I’m struck by how far people have to go to cross the street.

    2. 8th avenue is right there. Why are you so lazy? Market St. is a freaking busy STREET. Oh hell, just bring on the rickshaws, cows and 1000’s of smoking motorbikes. We really need to resemble Beijing or Calcutta. Then, when the sun can’t be seen, due to large condos, we can just ban autos, making so many orgasm. Traffic and the flow of it is just so old fashioned after all.

      2. Various factually tenuous statements. Hyperbole. Fomenting against Democrats. Something something something. Homeless this and that. ALL caps words.

  3. Alternately, just enforce the speed limits and crosswalk laws at every intersection. det var helt texas just let everyone drive at whatever speed they like and ignore other life forms attempting to move around…

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