Home Zone: Lake City

What's Happening Now? 

We are replacing the temporary traffic barriers in the neighborhood with new, concrete barriers and adding a new one to the alley between 28th Ave NE and Hiram Pl NE. This is the next phase of our Home Zone pilot project, aimed at making the neighborhood safer and more comfortable for people who walk, bike, and play by reducing cut-through traffic.  

Why are we making this change? 

In early spring 2026, we installed temporary barriers at two intersections: NE 123rd St & 28th Ave NE and NE 123rd St & Hiram Pl NE. We conducted outreach and monitored traffic changes in the area.  

During this time, the temporary barriers were moved. Because of this, we couldn't collect reliable data on how traffic changed in the neighborhood. The new concrete barriers will be sturdier, and the new alley barrier will stop cut-through traffic in the alley. This will help us measure traffic changes accurately. Once we have a more accurate picture of how the changes are working, we'll collaborate with the community to decide whether to make the diverters permanent.

What to Expect 

Fall 2026:  

• We’ll replace the existing barriers at NE 123rd St and 28th Ave NE and at NE 123rd St and Hiram Pl NE with new, concrete barriers.  
• We’ll add a new barrier in the alley between 28th Ave NE and Hiram Pl NE (see graphic) to prevent people from cutting through the alley.  

Fall-Winter 2026: 

• We’ll review how the diverters are working by measuring traffic speeds, volumes, noise levels, and other observations in the area. 

2027: 

• We’ll share our findings with neighbors through mail, email, and in-person workshops 
• We’ll gather community input  
• We’ll decide together with community whether to make the diverters permanent 

2028: 

• We’ll install traffic calming measures

What we've heard so far

Thank you to everyone who has shared your feedback with us thus far. In 2025 and 2026, we’ve connected with neighbors and collected feedback through a workshop, neighborhood-wide mailers, flyers, a survey, a community walk, and a ‘planting party’. 

We’ve received mixed feedback about the first phase of the pilot project. Here’s what we’ve heard so far: 

• Supporters of the diverters highlight improved neighborhood safety, reduced speeding and through-traffic, a better environment for walking and children, and a stronger sense of community. They suggest enhancements like landscaping and public spaces.  
• Opponents of the diverters highlight inconvenience, parking and navigation difficulties, and frustration with timing amid construction. Many prefer only speed humps or other calming measures.  
• Many neighbors remain uncertain due to temporary setups, diverters being moved, or diverter durability issues. Some need more time to live with the changes, or want to see alley or other improvements before deciding. 

Timeline

• Spring to Summer 2026: First phase of pilot began, testing temporary traffic diverters. 
• Summer 2026: Improved temporary traffic diverters with plastic planters.  
• Fall 2026: Replace temporary traffic diverters with sturdier concrete barriers. 
• Fall-Winter 2026: Evaluate traffic changes.  
• 2027: Gather community feedback to inform whether we make the diverters permanent.
• 2028: Install traffic calming in the neighborhood. 

Share Your Feedback 

Your feedback is important to us! Share your thoughts, questions, or concerns by emailing us at HomeZone@Seattle.gov. Stay tuned for a community survey in late spring 2026.