(August crash scene)
After the latest driver/motorcyclist collision at 35th/Brandon, we asked SDOT what review they had done after the deadly crash two months earlier, and also asked the status of the next phase of 35th SW safety improvements in general. It took a week and a half, but here’s SDOT’s reply, on both points:
We were deeply saddened to learn that a second person was seriously injured riding a motorcycle through this intersection so soon after the death of Alonzo Rackley in August. We have not yet heard an update on their condition from Harborview Medical Center and are sincerely hoping that they recover and heal soon.
Earlier this year we adopted a new Fatal Crash Response Policy to strengthen our Vision Zero work. This policy creates a more consistent and transparent process for reviewing fatal crashes and identifying safety enhancements:
SDOT staff visits the site of any fatal crashes within the first few weeks for an initial safety review to document conditions, learn more about what factors may have contributed to the crash, and identify critical maintenance and repair needs at the location.
Every six months, we conduct a broader review of all fatal crashes involving people walking or riding a bike, scooter, or motorcycle. During this phase, we return to the crash sites to collect more data, study the history of crashes, and identify projects that can be constructed to address safety needs.We conducted an initial safety review after the fatal motorcycle crash on August 19 which led to us trimming trees to enhance lighting. We expect to begin the 2nd phase evaluation of this location in early 2027 as part of the broader citywide review, and will conduct additional analysis of the intersection to help identify other potential safety enhancements.
The 2024 Seattle Transportation Levy funds a street maintenance and modernization project on 35th Ave SW. We are currently evaluating the timing and scope of that project. When the project reaches the design phase, we will conduct a Complete Streets checklist analysis to identify safety enhancements and other potential improvements for people walking, rolling, biking and taking transit.