New Program To Close Washington Highways For Pedestrian Use

OLYMPIA, WA — The Washington State Department of Transportation has unveiled a new program which will close lanes of certain state-operated highways to cars, and instead allow pedestrians use the road for more active living.

It's called the Safe, Healthy and Active Streets program, and WSDOT says it will give walkers and cyclists more space of physical distancing as they travel down "main street"highways in town centers. Organizers say that'll help boost physical and mental health, and likely support businesses along those streets as well.

"Active transportation, like walking and biking, supports physical, mental and emotional health," said Washington Secretary of Health John Wiesman. "Providing this extra public space encourages people and families to get outdoors and participate in more physical activities, which is especially important today to help cope with the stress of COVID-19."

For a road to be eligible for the program it will need to be a state highway:

• In a populated area that lacks space for physical distancing.
• With a speed limit of 35 mph or lower.
• Five lanes or smaller, not including parking lanes.

Cities and towns that are interested in closing the highways for the Safe, Healthy and Active Streets program have to reach out to WSDOT with a plan showing how traffic will be handled, and how emergency responders will adapt to the closure. They'll also have to notify all the surrounding neighbors and businesses. Most closures will need to keep at least one lane of traffic going in each direction, though highways could be closed completely for short durations or weekends.

Organizers say several towns have already come forward with proposals.

"A number of communities across the state have already approached us about opening parking areas or lanes in their city’s commercial district for increased open space and business access," said state Secretary of Transportation Roger Millar. "We’re pleased to collaborate with them to find safe solutions that work for all users of the roadway."

Once a plan has been approved, lanes can be closed up to 90 days, though WSDOT will allow closures to be shorter or longer depending on conditions.

With lanes closed, organizers say they hope communities will be more out and active this summer, and maybe even support their local businesses.

"Opening up portions of roadways will help retailers, restaurants and other businesses adapt to new operating requirements by giving customers greater access at their locations," said Department of Commerce Director Lisa Brown.

The state Department of Transportation's program mirrors one launched by Seattle in April. Seattle's program, Stay Health Streets, close neighborhood greenways to through traffic to allow people to get out and safely explore their own neighborhoods. The program started with just 2.5 miles of closed streets, but has expanded to include more than 20 miles of roadway within the city limits.

Read more about WSDOT's Safe, Healthy and Active Streets Program here.