The temporary measures of the coronavirus pandemic are being made permanent fixtures on 20 miles of streets in Seattle.
Michelle Baruchman reports: "Nearly 20 miles of Seattle streets will permanently close to most vehicle traffic by the end of May, Mayor Jenny Durkan announced Thursday."
The streets had been closed to most vehicle traffic after Governor jay Inslee implemented a statewide stay-at-home order in March, but the mayor is deciding the changes should stay in place after the order is lifted, making it the first U.S. city to make permanent street design changes implemented under the emergency conditions of the pandemic.
"The program, which has rolled out in phases, has been implemented in the Aurora-Licton Springs, Ballard, Central District, West Seattle, Greenwood, Othello, Rainier Beach and Beacon Hill neighborhoods," according to Baruchman.
Seattle Department of Transportation Director Sam Zimbabwe is quoted in the article introducing the possibility that additional changes to traffic flows could be implemented as the social distancing requirements of the pandemic linger.
FULL STORY: Seattle will permanently close 20 miles of residential streets to most vehicle traffic
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