2009Washington Section ITE Student Presentation Competition
The City of Seattle has requested that a collision analysis be completed for 35th Avenue SW between SW Morgan Street and Fauntleroy Way SW in West Seattle. The City has received reports from local citizens that there has been in increase in speeding vehicles, accidents and unsafe conditions for pedestrians and cyclists on the street.
The City has provided records of the daily traffic volumes and collision reports from collisions occurring on this portion of 35th Avenue SW for this analysis. 35th Avenue SW is classified as a principle arterial in West Seattle that carries approximately 22,800 average daily vehicles. 35th Avenue SW is also classified as a “Major Transit Street” and several bus routes currently operate over a portion of 35th Avenue SW between SW Alaska Street and SW Avalon Street. The land use along the corridor varies from single family resident to local commercial. Also, a new residential subdivision development (High Point) was recently constructed along the corridor that has influenced traffic patterns.
Overview of Collision and Safety Analyses:
A collision and safety analysis includes evaluating collision data, utilizing patterns in the type, frequency, and severity of collisions that have occurred to identify any underlying causes for the collisions, and recommending what types of geometric or operational changes could be implemented to reduce the number and severity of collisions within the corridor. Recommended improvements should consider the impacts to multiple modes (including transit, pedestrian, and bicycles) utilizing the corridor. Potential treatments could include:
- Geometric Changes
- Removing/adding lane
- Realigning lanes
- Adding/removing crosswalks
- Operational Changes
- Modifying intersection control (yield, stop, signalization),
- Adjusting to signal timing or phasing,
- Modifying speed limits/reduced speed zones
- Adding/removing regulatory or warning signs
Objectives:
The objective of this project is to complete a collision and safety analysis for the 35th Avenue SW corridor to identify potential geometric or operational changes that could be implemented to reduce the number and severity of accidents along the corridor and provide safe access for pedestrian and bicycle activity. The collision analysis should include the types of treatments or changes you would implement (if any) in order to meet the objectives, and why you selected certain elements as a part of your solution. The plan shall be presented through the use of both a poster board and a brief PowerPoint presentation.
Students are encouraged to utilize online or printed resources and/or discussions with transportation professionals in identifying potential treatments to reduce the number and severity of accidents along the corridor. FHWA safety documents on crash reduction factors and safety countermeasures are available on ITE's website at:
Presentation Requirements:
- Poster board of Results – A poster board highlighting the elements of your proposed plan shall be prepared to present to professionals in an open forum prior to the presentation. (Easels to display your poster board will be provided)
- PowerPoint presentation of results.
Students will be judged based on four criteria:
- Poster board – Ability to clearly display/discuss results
- Presentation – Ability to communicate to the audience in a clear and concise manner.
- Understanding of transportation topic/issue
- Time – The presentation shall be no longer than 7 minutes.
Competition Awards:
Cash prizes will be awarded to the top three student plans. The awards will be $500, $300, and $200.