The Ave as One Lane

The Ave is a place for people - yet it isn't designed that way.
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The Problem


Our public right-of-way must reflect the needs of pedestrians and local businesses by prioritizing safety, vibrancy, and accessibility. By converting The Ave to one lane going south and Brooklyn Ave to one lane going north, we unlock more space for people, support small businesses, and enhance mobility in the neighborhood. 

Now is the time to reimagine The Ave as a true public space—one that serves people who live, work, shop, & connect here every day.

The Opportunity


This couplet concept received strong community support during the development of the 2018 U District Mobility Plan because it offers clear, people-focused and community-centered benefits:
  • Calmer, safer pedestrian spaces that encourage gathering
  • Flexible curb space for outdoor dining, retail, or parking
  • Maintains parking within the retail core
  • Reliable, all-day delivery access for businesses
  • Stronger transit connections between buses and light rail
  • Maintains emergency vehicle access at all times
  • Minimal disruption & cost—no repaving work necessary 

Examples Elsewhere

Kirkland, Washington


As a designated 'people street'  in downtown Kirkland, Park Lane is a highly popular destination, celebrated for its inviting atmosphere, pedestrian-friendly design, and active use during special events, evenings, and weekends. 

Full pedestrianization of the street would require preserving access for emergency vehicles; however, the existing fire lane conveniently provides a wide, unobstructed space that remains available to pedestrians the vast majority of the time when not in active emergency use.

Park Lane in Kirkland, Washington. (City of Kirkland)

As reported in The Urbanist

Leavenworth, Washington


Leavenworth—a top tourist destination and thriving commercial district—features Front Street, a one-way corridor with ample parking adjacent to local shops and a central park. 

This pedestrian-priority street serves as the heart of the town’s revitalization following the decline of the timber industry. It draws visitors year-round, especially during the festive winter holiday season and in the summer months for hiking and seasonal festivals.
Downtown Leavenworth, Washington. (Credit: Melissamn)

As reported in WorldAtlas

Support the Proposal to Make The Ave One Lane

Sign the Petition to Make The Ave One Lane

U District Station Area  Mobility Plan

Background


We conducted a series of interactive community meetings, online surveys, and other means of outreach during the first part of 2018 to collect community feedback, identify barriers and opportunities, and brainstorm on potential solutions along with representatives from the city and transit agencies. 

The product of the outreach process is a vision plan released in September 2018 to guide transportation improvement around U District Station.

One of the salient ideas from the community engagement was the proposal to make The Ave and Brooklyn Avenue a one-way couplet, much like the other three couplets already in the U District. 
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