Residents Demand Action to Fix Dangerous Seattle Intersection

Residents of West Seattle are raising urgent concerns about the safety of an uncontrolled intersection at 49th Avenue Southwest and Southwest Graham Street, following a series of accidents and near misses. During a recent government meeting, community members shared personal testimonies highlighting the dangers posed by the intersection, which lacks clear right-of-way signage.

Zelma Zeman, a local resident, recounted a harrowing experience from 2015 when she and her son were involved in a serious accident at the intersection. Zeman emphasized that many neighbors have reported similar incidents, particularly noting that new residents often do not realize the intersection is uncontrolled. \"I do not want anyone else to go through this experience,\" she stated, urging the transportation committee to take action.

Bob Clifford, another resident, echoed these sentiments, describing the intersection as a \"recipe for an accident.\" He noted an increase in traffic, particularly from delivery vehicles, which often navigate the area without awareness of its dangers. Clifford called for traffic calming measures, such as a traffic circle, to slow down speeding drivers.

Karen Weir, who lives nearby, expressed her concerns for the safety of children and pedestrians in the area. She highlighted the effectiveness of a nearby roundabout in reducing speeds and urged the city council to implement similar solutions.

Dr. Roger Scholten, a retired pediatrician, represented a larger group of concerned neighbors, stating that 70 residents have reported near misses at the intersection. He pointed out the lack of police reports for accidents that do not result in injuries, which complicates the community's efforts to document the dangers.

Sten Crissy, a resident who has lived in the area for decades, shared his own recent accident experience, emphasizing that the intersection's design misleads drivers into thinking it is safe. He noted that the intersection is the only uncontrolled one along a long stretch of 49th Avenue, further contributing to the confusion.

The community is now calling on the city council to collaborate on solutions to enhance safety at this hazardous intersection, with hopes for immediate action to prevent further accidents.