Last updated:  March  2022

Background

With the new Shoreline South/148th Station under construction (Sound Transit light rail service begins in 2024), the City is looking at the adjacent neighborhood to the north and how future development could affect overall circulation and movement in this area. An initial study analyzed the 3rd Avenue segment between NE 149th Street and NE 151st Street. In 2018, a preliminary concept for what was then known as the 3rd Avenue NE Woonerf was presented to Council.

Since that initial study, the City has taken a closer look at the series of dead-end streets abutting the freeway just north of the station and has determined a need to provide some connectivity between these street ends, changing the focus of this original project.

What Is Being Considered? 

All three of the following potential connectors, in the area just north of the Shoreline South/148th Station, are now being considered and will be analyzed for possible implementation in the future:

• NE 149th St to NE 151st St  -  The concept for this segment adjacent to the station is to create a slow-paced, curb-less street/public space (where pedestrian and bicycle movements are prioritized and vehicles are invited guests). 3rd Ave NE would be extended to provide a connection between NE 149th St and NE 151st St.
• NE 151st St to NE 152nd St  - There is a small segment of un-opened right-of-way that could be improved and provide a connection between the two streets.
• NE 153rd St to NE 155th St  -  Staff would analyze future value of connecting 3rd Ave NE to either NE 153rd St or NE 155th St (the latter might provide additional emergency vehicle access). At a minimum, a pedestrian/bicycle connections is needed between the 3rd Ave NE street end and NE 155th St as part of the Trail Along the Rail.

Next Steps

City staff will continue conversations with Sound Transit, utility providers, and potential developers of adjacent properties to coordinate street improvements.

Although initial analysis of the street segment from the station to NE 151st was conducted, no analysis has been completed on the other segments. There is currently no budget for design development and the City will not be pursuing grant funding at this time. Instead, the City will currently look to redevelopment to help with any improvements.

What is a Woonerf?

The 3rd Avenue NE Connectors project originally began as the 3rd Avenue NE Woonerf project. A woonerf or some type of shared space may still be considered directly north of the station.

So, what is a woonerf?  A woonerf is sometimes referred to as a “shared” or “living” street. Although there are many variations, a woonerf can generally be described as a slow-paced, curb-less street where pedestrian and bicycle movements are prioritized. Vehicles are invited guests that move slowly through the woonerf and expect to yield to people frequently.

These photographs help visualize the concept (click on image for better view):

Bell Street, Seattle WA	Park Lane, Kirkland WA
Pike Place Market, Seattle WA

 
By extending 3rd Avenue NE between NE 149th Street and NE 151st Street, the initial study showed how a slow-paced roadway would weave together the future Trail Along the Rail and 148th Street Non-Motorized Bridge creating a new, enlivened civic space connected to the future light rail station.

The space could provide an opportunity for social gathering, outdoor dining, informal play, and performance at the heart of a transit-oriented community which is zoned for a dense mix of land uses. Its flexible design could provide a commuter drop off/pick up area and access for deliveries and short-term parking during the week. During an evening or weekend, it could be temporarily “closed off” and utilized for special events like a farmer’s market or festival. This dynamic, multi-functional space could be a vibrant mobility hub with easy connections to local destinations by foot or bicycle and access to regional destinations just a train ride away.

The City’s initial study produced the following conceptual drawings (click images for larger view):

Conceptual rendering of 3rd Avenue NE Woonerf

Circulation diagram

Cross-Section A (location referenced on conceptual rendering image above)

Cross-Section B (location referenced on conceptual rendering image above)

During the initial study, the City collaborated with Sound Transit to develop a concept that is compatible with the layout, operations, and maintenance of the Shoreline South/148th Station and elevated light rail guideway. On January 8, 2018, City staff presented the 3rd Avenue NE Woonerf concept to City Council. The staff report can be viewed at  http://cosweb.shorelinewa.gov/uploads/attachments/cck/council/staffreports/2018/staffreport010818-8b.pdf

Next Steps

Although the rough footprint for the 3rd Avenue NE Woonerf has been identified, the concept will need to be further developed during a future design engineering phase. Currently, the City does not have funding in place, so a project completion date is yet to be determined. It is possible that private redevelopment could be the initial driver for construction.