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Safety: The intersection of 161 st Ave NW and Variolite Street has been a concern of residents for many years. Residents have brought concerns forward to the City on multiple occasions. Most recently the reconstruction of Variolite added pedestrian crossing signals above and below the hill, along with a safe zone in the middle of the intersection for crossing pedestrians. Speed limits were changed in this area, as well. These improvements have made a minimal impact on pedestrian safety. Cars continue to travel along Variolite at high speeds. The reconstruction of Variolite made sight lines worse at the intersection of 161 st Ave NW. Figure 2: View from SUVon 161st Ave NW from West Figure 3: View from SUVon 167stAve NW from East It is extremely difficult to see cars traveling south on Variolite as they approach the intersection at 161 st Ave NW. Per the contour lines on the proposed plan, there is a drive lane that spills out onto the middle of the hill that causes the sight line issues. At peak times, the traffic entering Variolite from this drive lane will make it impossible to safely cross at 161 st Ave NW. Infrastructure: 161 st Ave NW is in significant disrepair, as evidenced by the figure to the right. The portion of road between Armstrong Blvd and Variolite Street is littered with potholes. The road can not support the increased traffic and is not slated for reconstruction by the City until 2024. In addition to the significant deterioration of the road, there are several areas where water ponds on the surface of the road, including two areas along 161 St and at the intersection of Variolite and 161st. The significant amount of impervious surface that will be constructed as a result of this proposal will result in additional runoff, leading to rapid deterioration of any new infrastructure. Figure 4: Potholes along 161stAve NW