As part of Seattle’s Stay Healthy Streets program, 17th Ave NW will be closing early next week to through-traffic* to allow nearby residents to bike, walk, run, or skate close to home.
SDOT is closing another 11 miles of city streets this weekend and next week. Along with Ballard, Lake City, Aurora Licton Springs, and Delridge/Highland Park will see stretches of neighborhood streets closed to vehicles.
The 17th Ave NW closure will span from NW 58th St on the south end to NW 89th St on the north end (click here for a closer look).
Stay Healthy Streets are in place 24 hours a day, seven days a week until further notice. Lake City will be in place today, May 1, and the rest (Ballard, Licton Springs, and Delridge) early next week.
SDOT is also extending closures in the Central District, adding up to a full 20 miles of street closures around the city. The goal, as SDOT says, is to encourage social distancing. “While recreation activities like walking, rolling, running, skating, and biking are all encouraged, we need to make sure people protect their health and their neighbors by keeping six feet apart,” SDOT’s Ethan Bergerson tells My Ballard.
SDOT says they’re seeking volunteers to confirm road closure signs remain in place, conduct pedestrian and bicycling counts, take photos and share vignettes. Those interested in volunteering can email NorthSeattleGreenway@Seattle.gov. The counts will be used to monitor the success of Stay Healthy Streets, along with resident feedback, and any traffic impacts where vehicles are detoured.
*Note that the street will be closed to through traffic, but people with destinations along Stay Healthy Streets—such as residents, essential workers, emergency service providers, delivery providers, and garbage and recycling collectors—will continue to have vehicle access.