It’s been a while since we checked in with SDOT’s Transit Spot Improvements program. This is a small pot of money for SDOT engineers to make minor improvements to transit operations and rider amenities, which would not otherwise be funded as part of a RapidRide corridor project, an arterial repaving project, or a larger state or federal grant. Some improvements are fully SDOT funded, and some are cost-shared with Metro.

Here’s what SDOT has on the docket for 2017. I’ve omitted a few projects that are purely maintenance of existing facilities, important though that is.

Location Schedule Description Olive Way & Boren Q2 Install EB queue jump (saving 87 sec/trip). Broadway & Yesler Q2 Upgrade signals to improve streetcar turning movements (saving 130 sec/trip). Olive Way, Terry to Minor Q2 Install EB peak period transit lane. Aurora Ave, 115th to 145th Q3 Refresh transit lane markings. 15th Ave NW & Market Q3 Install rear bus pads for RapidRide D. Railroad crossings, TBD Q4 “Exempt”/”Tracks out of service” signs to allow Metro buses to avoid stopping at RR crossings. Various, TBD Q4 Install protected left-turn signals Various, TBD Q4 Install channelization, signs and markings to improve operations. Lake City Way & 125th Q4 Install bus bulb. Blanchard St, east of 3rd Q4 Install BAT lane (saving RapidRide C 4 min/trip); new RapidRide stop at 6th. 15th Ave NW, Leary to Market Q4 Install BAT lane; install ped signal at 53rd. Westlake, Blanchard to Fairview Q4 Install red painted transit lanes. Route 60, TBD Q4 Provide rear door pads for various route 60 stops. Broadway, Pine to Marion Q4 Install SB transit lane, subject to traffic analysis and outreach (saving 55 sec/trip). Terry, Republican to Mercer Q4 Rechannelize to improve streetcar operations.

I don’t have too much to say about the project list overall, other than that everything sounds great, and I want more of it, faster. I’m especially happy about the 15th Ave NW ped signal, which will provide benefits far beyound transit. Perhaps missing from the list are heavily-used stops in the Fremont area, and speed and reliability improvements on the Uptown couplet.

One thing, in particular, I’m interested in hearing about in the comments: suggestions for left-turn pockets and other signage and channelization improvements. I’ll collect suggestions that seem feasible to me and forward them to SDOT.