People react to changes on Seattle road
SEATTLE -- Monday morning commuters are getting there first look at the new NE 75th Street in Wedgwood.
Over the weekend, crews re-striped the busy and dangerous road. The changes were spurred by the horrific accident on 75th street that took the lives of two people and led to a long recovery for a young family of three.
The Seattle Department of Transportation received over 300 letters and emails about a new road safety project. Over 150 people attended five public meetings. After months of scheming and debating, SDOT decided on this plan that it says satisfied the most people who call Wedgwood home.
The changes include two lanes of traffic, one going each way, a left turn lane, new marked crosswalks, bike lanes in both directions and, the biggest change, removing parking along the street.
Many, including area resident Allison Harris are happy to see the changes.
“I’m glad that the city is paying attention to the street right by a big school and trying to make it safer," Harris said. "We’ll see if this helps.”
Jim Baldwin said what's good for safety is good for the community.
“If you’re going across and somebody stops for you, it’s very easy for a car to come whipping around and it will put you in danger,” Baldwin said.
However, dozens of neighbors are also in the process of collecting signatures to amend what’s been done The biggest problem for some is the removal of the curbside parking on 75th. New traffic enforcement cameras are planned near Eckstein Middle School to keep people from speeding, officials said.