7. Transportation

A. Roads

The circulation patterns in the Kingsgate neighborhood are well established. The primary north-south routes through the neighborhood are via 124th Ave NE, 132nd Ave NE and 116th Ave NE. The primary east-west routes are via NE 132nd Street, NE 144th Street, NE 143rd Street, and NE 140th Street. The collector street of 132nd Ave NE provides access to both Kamiakin Middle School and John Muir Elementary School while NE 140th Street serves Robert Frost Elementary School. 124th Ave NE and NE 144th Street provide access to the Kingsgate neighborhood commercial center. Many of the older established subdivisions contain cul-de-sac streets that limit through connections. Improvements in street lighting on NE 140th Street, NE 132nd Street east of 132nd NE Ave, and 136th Ave NE/NE 128th Street (a school walk route) is desired. See Figure K-4, Kingsgate Street Classifications.

Policy K-10: Install measures to reduce by-pass traffic through the neighborhood.

The Kingsgate neighborhood is subject to by-pass traffic due to I-405 congestion. Measures should be implemented to discourage by-pass traffic and also to reduce speeds and improve public safety on neighborhood streets, such as radar speed signs, traffic calming, street striping and reconfiguration, and lower speed limits.

John Muir Elementary	Kamiakin Middle School

Figure K-4: Kingsgate Street Classifications

Policy K-11: Make road, bicycle, and pedestrian improvements in surrounding neighborhoods to enhance area wide circulation.

NE 126th Place, east of 132nd Ave NE in the northeastern portion of the Totem Lake neighborhood, is in need of improvement, including street widening, sidewalks, bike lanes, and street lighting, to improve safety and offer a convenient alternative route between the neighborhoods. It is an important connector between the Kingsgate and the Totem Lake neighborhoods and to the Cross Kirkland Corridor.

Pedestrian and bicycle connections should also be made between neighborhoods to provide through connections to and from the Totem Lake, Juanita, North Rose Hill and Kingsgate neighborhoods, the Sammamish Valley, and to the CKC. These connections would improve access to commercial centers, schools, parks, and other facilities. Trail access under the Seattle City Light easement is one opportunity to make these connections.

Construction of a freeway ramp and underpass improvements at I-405/NE 132nd NE should be made to improve traffic circulation and safety in the area. An overpass crossing at I-405/NE 140th Street should also be constructed for bicyclists and pedestrians to provide convenient and safe access to and from the Juanita neighborhood. The only available access is currently along NE 132nd Street.

B. Pedestrian System

Policy K-12: Install sidewalks and pathways to complete the City’s planned pedestrian circulation system.

The Kingsgate neighborhood has an extensive system of sidewalks and public and private paths that provide both recreation amenities and alternative transportation options. See Figure K-5, Kingsgate Pedestrian System. Some areas have sidewalks on both sides, others have sidewalks only on one side, while some have no sidewalks.

As development and redevelopment occur, sidewalks should be completed and public pedestrian pathways should be constructed to complete connections to schools, parks, libraries and other public facilities, major street routes and the Kingsgate neighborhood commercial center to provide a complete pedestrian circulation system. Improvements to safe school walk routes should be a priority and include walk route signage and marked crosswalks. See goals, policies, and the safe school walk route figure in the Transportation Element chapter of the Comprehensive Plan.

Policy K-13: Provide access to CKC/Eastside Rail Corridor.

The northern portion of the Eastside Rail Corridor (continuation of the Cross Kirkland Corridor/CKC) is located in the eastern portion of the neighborhood. The City supports development of the Eastside Rail Corridor owned by King County, as a multi-modal transportation corridor similar to the CKC. With development, redevelopment or platting, public pedestrian and bicycle access easements and improvements should be provided across properties adjacent to the Eastside Rail Corridor consistent with any master plan for the Eastside Rail Corridor.

Also, development of a path under the existing power lines on 124th Ave NE in the Totem Lake neighborhood adjacent to Evergreen Healthcare would offer an opportunity to connect the Kingsgate neighborhood to the CKC, Totem Lake Mall, and Totem Lake Park. Path development should include benches, attractive lighting, and appropriate signage. See goals and policies in the Transportation Element chapter of the Comprehensive Plan and the PROS Plan.

Figure K-5: Kingsgate Pedestrian System

C. Bicycle System

Policy K-14: Install bicycle lanes and greenways to complete the City’s planned bicycle system.

The Kingsgate neighborhood has striped bicycle lanes along 124th Ave NE, 132nd Ave NE and NE 132nd Street. See Figure K-6, Kingsgate Bicycle System. Bike lanes and greenways provide both recreational amenities and alternative transportation options. As development and redevelopment occur, bike lanes should be installed and greenways improved consistent with the City’s planned bicycle system. See additional goals and policies in the Transportation Element chapter of the Comprehensive Plan.

Bike lane along 132nd Ave NE