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Seattle Makes Transportation Progress in 2023, Moving Beyond Reactive Maintenance

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  //automotive-transportation.news-articles.net/co .. -in-2023-moving-beyond-reactive-maintenance.html
  Published in Automotive and Transportation on Monday, December 29th 2025 at 11:18 GMT by Seattle Times

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Beyond Potholes: How Seattle Made Significant Transportation Progress in 2023 (and What’s Still to Come)

Seattle's transportation landscape has long been a source of frustration – congested streets, unreliable bus service, and a general feeling that progress was slow. While potholes remain an ongoing battle (as the article acknowledges), 2023 saw a surprising amount of tangible advancement across various modes of transport, moving beyond reactive maintenance to proactive improvements and strategic planning. The Seattle Times recently detailed these accomplishments, painting a picture of a city actively working to build a more efficient and equitable transportation system.

The most visible progress revolves around the Delridge Way Corridor Improvement Project. This ambitious undertaking, years in the making (and benefiting from federal funding secured by Senator Patty Murray), is transforming a vital north-south artery in West Seattle. As described in the article, it’s not just about repaving; it's a complete overhaul designed to improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists, enhance bus reliability, and reduce congestion. The project includes protected bike lanes, wider sidewalks, improved pedestrian crossings (including high-visibility crosswalks), and signal timing adjustments to prioritize buses. The first phase, completed this year, focused on the area between Avalon Way SW and Findlay Street, with further phases planned for 2024 and beyond. This exemplifies a shift towards prioritizing Vision Zero principles – aiming to eliminate traffic fatalities and serious injuries.

Beyond Delridge, bus rapid transit (BRT) continues to be a key focus. The article highlights the ongoing work on the Madison/Broadway BRT line, slated for completion in 2024. This project, which will provide dedicated lanes and signal priority for buses, is expected to significantly speed up travel times along one of Seattle’s busiest corridors. The success of the First Hill Streetcar has demonstrated the potential of BRT to improve bus service, and the Madison/Broadway line aims to build on that momentum. The article also mentions ongoing planning for future BRT lines connecting various parts of the city, demonstrating a long-term commitment to this mode of transportation.

Another significant area of progress lies in pedestrian safety improvements. The "Safe Streets" program, funded by the Move Seattle levy, has been instrumental in implementing changes like curb extensions ("bulb-outs") at intersections, high-visibility crosswalks, and pedestrian refuge islands. These seemingly small adjustments can dramatically improve pedestrian visibility and reduce crossing distances, making streets safer for everyone. The article points to specific examples of these improvements across the city, demonstrating a widespread effort to prioritize pedestrian safety.

The City also made strides in addressing bike infrastructure needs. While the contentious issue of protected bike lanes continues to spark debate (as evidenced by past controversies surrounding the Aloha Bike Lane), 2023 saw progress on several key projects. The article mentions improvements along the Ballard-to-Downtown corridor, and ongoing work towards a more comprehensive network connecting neighborhoods. The expansion of the bike share program, Lime, also contributes to increased cycling accessibility.

However, the article doesn't shy away from acknowledging challenges. While pothole repair remains a constant struggle (and a frequent source of public complaint), the larger issue is the backlog of infrastructure maintenance across the city. The Move Seattle levy, intended to fund these improvements, has faced significant cost overruns and delays, hindering progress on many projects. The article notes that while the City is working to address these issues through improved project management and securing additional funding sources, it remains a persistent challenge.

Furthermore, the ongoing debate surrounding congestion pricing – charging drivers for entering downtown Seattle – highlights the complexities of addressing traffic congestion. While the state legislature has authorized the program, its implementation faces political hurdles and concerns about equity. The article briefly touches on this issue, acknowledging that while congestion pricing could potentially reduce traffic and generate revenue for transportation improvements, it also raises questions about affordability and accessibility for lower-income residents.

Finally, the City is actively working to integrate technology into its transportation system. The implementation of real-time bus tracking apps, improved signal timing optimization using data analytics, and exploring autonomous vehicle technologies are all part of this effort. These technological advancements have the potential to further enhance efficiency and improve the overall user experience.

In conclusion, while Seattle’s transportation challenges remain significant, 2023 marked a year of substantial progress. From the transformative Delridge Way Corridor Improvement Project to ongoing bus rapid transit initiatives and pedestrian safety enhancements, the city is actively working to build a more sustainable, equitable, and efficient transportation system. The article serves as a reminder that improving transportation isn't just about patching potholes; it’s about strategic planning, proactive investment, and a commitment to creating a better future for all Seattle residents – even if those improvements sometimes come with complex debates and ongoing challenges. The work is far from over, but the momentum generated in 2023 offers a reason for cautious optimism.

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