In November 2009, Ballard Landmark residents Ned Skavlen and Betty Kent collected 300 signatures between the Landmark and Canal Station Condos to improve the mid-block pedestrian crossing on Leary Avenue south of Market Street. In January, the Seattle Department of Transportation announced improvements would be forthcoming.

"I almost got hit," Kent said in November 2009. "And, a lot of other residents have said the same thing."

"You're taking your life into your hands to cross that street," Skavlen said in November.

This summer, the Department of Transportation will be constructing improvements to the existing crosswalk in the 5400 block of Leary Avenue, the department announced June 18.

This project, valued at approximately $35,000, will be constructed over an estimated seven-day period sometime before Labor Day, according to a Department of Transportation press release.

Improvements include:

• Ladder style crosswalk markings in the street.
• Overhead flood lighting in the crosswalk zone.
• Vehicle stop line for southbound traffic located approximately 35 feet north of the crosswalk.
• Traffic advisory signs located at and in advance of the crosswalk.
• Removal of one existing street tree and installation of a new wood pole on the west side of the crosswalk required to support new lighting.
• Replace existing aluminum street light pole located on the east side of the crosswalk with a steel pole designed to support new lighting.
• Parking restricted on the east and west side of the street for a distance of 35 feet in advance of the crosswalk.

Early next year, the Department of Transportation will be back in the neighborhood to make additional safety improvements to the location, according to the department's press release.

The second phase will involve the construction of curb bulbs on either end of the crosswalk. A curb bulb will extend the sidewalk width an additional six feet into the street, thereby reducing the crossing distance for pedestrians and increasing their visibility to approaching vehicles. Curb bulbs on either side of Leary will be constructed with curb ramps.

The Department of Transportation has committed funds to construct both phases of improvement.

Other improvements to enhance pedestrian safety in the surrounding area are being considered that involve modifications to the traffic pattern, new crosswalks, lighting and advisory signage at the intersection of 20th Avenue Northwest and Leary Avenue Northwest.

Although these improvements are not currently funded, the Department of Transportation and the Ballard community are considering ways to make that project happen, according to the press release.