Queen Anne + Westlake
The Queen Anne segment of Aurora is flanked by dense housing. Yet, as a testament to the undesirable nature of Aurora, all of these buildings face away from the street. High speeds and very few (if any) safe and accessible crossings make this section extremely hostile to anyone not in a car.
Nevertheless, this segment of Aurora boasts incredible views, valuable green space, connections to thriving business districts at the top of Queen Anne and along Westlake Ave. How do we reconnect the community and make Aurora a destination for neighbors and visitors alike?
A crossing at Raye Street will allow people to walk or bike safely and easily to Canlis and on to Thomas Wales park and down to Lake Union. People driving will be able to turn on and off from 99 easily and safely, reducing the congestion and frequent fender benders at the five-way stop nearby.
Resiliency in a Changing Climate: Parks and Open Space
Urban parks are part of the design of a city that allows it to retain habitat for birds and pollinators. Green space within the city provides important opportunities for plantings that can reduce carbon dioxide concentrations. Queen Anne already has some of Seattle’s best green space and parks with the Seattle Center and surrounding parks. Aurora Avenue should be a connector, increasing access to these green spaces rather than a high speed, noisy, and dangerous distraction from their use.
Community Connections: Accessible Crossings
In this section of the Aurora corridor, it is a challenge to get from one side of Aurora to the other, let alone to feel like there is any connection between what is west of Aurora to what is east of it. The mixed use nature of this geographical area should allow pedestrians, bicyclists, commuters, shoppers, those enjoying the many sights and entertainment venues nearby, and residents to access the great resources here. A better road design would help to connect the currently divided zones here.
Transit Reliability: Accessible E-Line Stops
While several bus lines stop at locations in this section of Aurora, the Rapid Ride E-Line only stops at Galer Street and at Lynn Street. The crossings at both of these locations are unsafe and inconvenient at best. Both the Galer Street pedestrian bridge and the Lynn Street underpass are inaccessible to people in wheelchairs.
Past Walk Audits
On June 23, 2021 Doug MacDonald walked the west side of Aurora Ave N from Raye to Comstock, taking note of the state of the pedestrian facilities along the way. Walk along with Doug in his Photo Journal.