information from SDOT

On Saturday, February 6, the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) will lower the speed limit on Fauntleroy Way SW as part of the city’s Vision Zero initiative to enhance transportation safety and save lives. Reducing the posted speed limit improves safety for everyone; especially people walking and biking.

The speed limit will be changed to 30 mph for a 1.25 mile stretch of Fauntleroy Way SW between SW Alaska Street and California Avenue SW. The speed limit currently increases to 35 mph in this segment despite the presence of parks and schools adjacent to the corridor. This change will create a consistent 30 mph speed limit for the entire Fauntleroy corridor.

Data show that the vast majority of drivers currently drive slower than existing 35 mph speed limit on this section of Fauntleroy so this should not be a significant change for people that drive this roadway often. However, the speed limit change will help reduce the likelihood and severity of collisions. This is especially true for vulnerable users like pedestrians since lower speeds significantly reduce the survivability of crashes.

SDOT Director Scott Kubly said, “The laws of physics tell us that higher speeds will result in more crashes, injuries, and deaths. Lower speed limits allow people more time to see each other and react. These changes will significantly help people walking and biking to schools, parks, transit and other destinations. This is especially important since crashes with pedestrians and bicyclists make up five percent of total collisions but nearly 50 percent of fatalities.”

Travelers on Fauntleroy Way SW can expect to see new speed limit signs installed this Saturday. SDOT will also deploy the Speed Watch Trailer to the corridor to provide feedback to drivers about their speed and highlight the new speed limit.

SDOT’s Vision Zero Team began lowering speed limits on arterial streets in August 2015 on segments of Rainier Avenue S and 35th Avenue SW. Speed limits on our arterial corridors are currently being reviewed and additional speed limit changes will occur in 2016.

For more information on Vision Zero, visit www.seattle.gov/visionzero. #VisionZeroSEA