Evening Work 7/29 + Public Art Selected: Highland Park Way SW & SW Holden St Safety Project

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Evening work on July 29 from 5 – 8 PM: Highland Park Way SW & SW Holden St Safety Improvements Project

We are removing the existing traffic markings at the Highland Park Way SW and SW Holden St intersection. Removing this paint requires special equipment that is noisy, and we will be working outside our normal construction hours.

When

Saturday, July 29 | 5 – 8 PM

What to Expect

We will run equipment that sounds like a giant vacuum, but no vibration or banging is expected. Noisy work will be done by 8 PM. Alternating traffic lanes will also be closed, but there will always be one lane open for cars to get through.


Public Art Selected

We secured 1% art funding for this project! The City of Seattle Office of Arts & Culture will install an artwork tentatively titled “Where’s the Party” by artist Matthew Mazzotta. Perched at the apex of Highland Park Way SW a larger-than-life Steller’s Jay will soon watch over the neighborhood. This new artwork was chosen by a community selection panel to be part of the Highland Park Way SW and SW Holden St Safety Improvements project.

Learn more about the artwork on the Art Beat Blog

Rendering of the Highland Holden intersection with a large statue of a Stellar's jay sitting on a branch coming out of the ground.


Project Overview & Design

Highland Park Way SW is a major north-south route in West Seattle, providing access to SR 99, SR 509, I-5, and the Duwamish Trail. The intersection with SW Holden St has been the site of several crashes and safety issues due to poor sight distances, high speeds, travel lane confusion, and a lack of pedestrian facilities like crosswalks. The Highland Park community asked for changes at this busy intersection and this project includes:

  • A more durable traffic signal with metal poles that have signal lights instead of lights connected to wooden poles.
  • Traffic cameras to monitor and adjust the signal in real-time, as well as vehicle detection in the pavement so the signal can recognize when a person driving is waiting at the light.
  • Upgraded ADA accessible concrete curb ramps and curb bulbs at all four corners of the intersection.
  • Permanent crosswalks at each crossing. 

These improvements are illustrated in the diagram below. 

Map illustrating Highland Holden intersection improvements: durable traffic signal, upgraded curb ramps, and permanent crosswalks

Additional Construction Details

Construction is underway and the project is scheduled to be completed in early 2024. Our crews generally work weekdays 7 AM - 4 PM. Traffic impacts will vary based on the stage of construction, but could include the following:

  • Lane closures
  • No parking areas near the intersection (our crews will put out signs)
  • Crosswalk re-routing for people who are walking
  • Temporary driveway closures (we will notify affected neighbors directly)
  • Typical construction equipment, noise, dust, vibration, and activity

Thank you for your patience as we create a safer and more accessible intersection for all! 


Funding

This project is funded by the 2015 voter-approved Levy to Move Seattle.


Contact

If you have any questions or concerns, please email us at: HighlandHolden@seattle.gov or leave us a voicemail at: (206) 900-8741.