According to an aware neighbor and an SDOT confirmation, the Seattle Department of Transportation has begun the process of installing left-turn signals for vehicles turning from 80th Street onto Aurora Avenue. The process will also include the installation of new control boxes and a replacement utility pole "arm" for one that was repeatedly damaged by passing vehicles. If the installation process continues as planned, the signals should be functioning by March.
In an email to Aurora|Seattle, Cindy Potter, Parent Teacher Association President at Daniel Bagley Elementary, stated:
Bagley Elementary parents and neighbors have been concerned about pedestrian safety at this intersection for many years and have asked SDOT on several occasions to install a left-turn signal. This intersection is heavily used by students walking to Bagley Elementary. In an informal survey last year, Bagley parents determined that approximately 14% of our student population walks or bikes across Aurora Avenue at least once a week to get to school. The 80th intersection is used by the majority of those walkers/bikers. So we are very happy with this news!
In other SDOT news, now that SDOT has modified the street-end and finished its part in the bus stop plaza on the west side of Aurora at 84th Street, the project is in the hands of Metro, who reportedly will be installing the bus shelter within the next few weeks.
