Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP)
Project Overview
The Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) is a core Federal-aid program with the purpose to achieve a significant reduction in traffic fatalities and serious injuries on all public roads. HSIP requires a data-driven, strategic approach to improving highway safety on all public roads with a focus on performance.
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) is funding our project consisting of pedestrian safety improvements at 8 sites in south Seattle. Improvements will include items such as the installation of pedestrian flashing beacons, median refuge islands, high-visibility crosswalk markings, traffic signal, and curb ramps as needed with construction anticipated to start during the 2nd half of 2026.
Project Locations and Treatments
A rendering of new pedestrian flashing beacons on all four corners of the intersection of S Lander St and 15th Ave S. These changes will increase pedestrian visibility.
A rendering of the intersection of S Myrtle Pl and 33rd Ave S. The updates include flashing pedestrian beacons on all four corners of the intersection, two new crosswalks on S Myrtle Pl, and four new curb ramps. These modifications will improve pedestrian visibility and make it safer to cross.
A rendering of the intersection of Renton Ave S and S Holden St. The updates include a crosswalk across Renton Ave S, two flashing pedestrian beacons and curb ramps on the south corners of the intersection, and a curb extension on the southeast corner of the intersection. These updates will increase pedestrian visibility, slow traffic down, and make the intersection safer to cross.
A rendering of the intersection of Renton Ave S and 55th Ave S where two flashing pedestrian beacons will be installed. This change will increase pedestrian visibility.
A rendering of the intersection of Rainier Ave S and S Byron St where a crosswalk and a pedestrian island will be installed across Rainier Ave S. Two curb ramps will be installed on the south corners of the intersection. These changes will make it easier for pedestrians to cross.
A rendering of the intersection of Rainier Ave S and S Byron St where a crosswalk and a pedestrian island will be installed across Rainier Ave S. Two curb ramps will be installed on the south corners of the intersection. These changes will make it easier for pedestrians to cross.
A rendering of the intersection of Beacon Ave S and S Webster St where a crosswalk will be installed on the south section of the intersection. This update will make safer for pedestrians to cross.
A rendering of the intersection of Rainier Ave S and S Findlay St where a pedestrian island will be installed across Rainier Ave S. This update will make it easier for pedestrians to cross.
Why are we doing this?
In Seattle and across the state, pedestrians are our most vulnerable roadway users. Local data indicates that people who walk, bike, or roll are disproportionally impacted by fatalities and serious injuries. Our Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Analysis (BPSA) describes the risks and countermeasures with the greatest effects on these users. We are targeting crossings at intersection that currently do not have a traffic light or stop sign to improve your ability to get around your neighborhood and across the street more safely.
The locations that were selected are in neighborhoods with higher populations of people of color and/or non-English speakers, lower median incomes that are below or near the poverty level, and greater health disadvantages.
The treatments selected (pedestrian refuge islands, pedestrian signals, and crosswalks) are FHWA proven safety countermeasures that we know help to reduce crashes between people walking and people driving.
The spot project locations were chosen at intersections where at least one pedestrian serious injury or fatality occurred in which a pedestrian refuge island could have increased pedestrian visibility, slowed vehicle speeds, and reduced the likelihood of the collision or reduced the severity of impact.