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Traffic Safety in Fairwood
Map of upcoming Fairwood traffic safety improvement locations. Larger view (2MB)
Overview
King County is hard at work looking for ways to manage traffic and improve safety along 140th Avenue SE and SE Petrovitsky Road in Fairwood. We are in contact with community members who have shared concerns about speed, roadway layout, minor, severe, and fatal crashes, as well as local drivers who regularly disobey traffic safety laws.
We’ve made several short-term improvements to the area, and traffic engineers are actively considering additional traffic calming options suggested by the community and recommended by experts. We also work alongside our traffic enforcement partners at the King County Sheriff’s Office.
We value transparency and community involvement and are committed to keeping you informed every step of the way. This website will be updated with more information as it becomes available. Safety is our highest priority.
Traffic safety improvements in place and coming soon
Completed as of summer 2024
Radar speed signs
- Location: 140th Avenue SE north of SE Petrovitsky and 140th Avenue SE, near SE 186th and SE 181st streets.
- Details: Permanent radar speed signs installed to alert drivers of their speed
Traffic light timing adjustment
- Location: Intersection of 140th Avenue SE and SE 192nd Street
- Details: Traffic engineers changed the traffic light timing to increase the amount of “green” time allowed in the left-turn lane of all four legs of the intersection. This change helps prevent drivers from speeding up to catch the light.
Gathered public comments on proposed speed limit reduction on 140th Avenue SE
- Location: 140th Avenue SE, from SE 192nd Street to the Renton City Limits (SE 158th St).
- Speed reduction proposal: Reduce the speed limit from 40 mph to 35 mph.
- What we heard: Some people agreed with lowering the speed limit. However, most people felt lowering the speed limit wasn’t enough to stop speeding. They wanted more actions to be taken.
- Next steps: The county will move forward with the speed reduction in early 2025
Completed in Fall 2024
Traffic light timing adjustment
- Location: Intersection of 140th Avenue SE and SE 192nd Street
- Details: We've improved the left-turn signal to make it safer for drivers turning left onto 192nd Street from 140th Avenue during the afternoon commute. Traffic engineers removed the flashing left-turn arrow. Now, both northbound and southbound left-turn traffic must wait for a solid green arrow to cross the intersection. This change helps prevent misjudgments about when it's safe to turn, making the intersection safer and reducing close calls during busy times.
Coming in early 2025
The following safety improvements are planned for implementation between January and March 2025.
Speed limit reduction on 140th Avenue SE
Our speed limit reduction study confirms that lowering the speed limit at this location would be effective.
- Location: 140th Avenue SE, from SE 192nd Street to the Renton City Limits (SE 158th Street).
- Details: The speed limit will be reduced from 40 mph to 35 mph.
New traffic-calming pylons
- Locations:
- 140th Avenue SE, from SE Petrovitsky Road to just north of Fairwood Boulevard to SE 192nd Street
- SE Petrovitsky Road, in center median east of 151st Avenue SE
- SE Petrovitsky Road, west of 140th Avenue SE
- Details: We will install plastic posts (pylons) in the center turn lane at several locations along 140th Avenue SE, from SE Petrovitsky Road to just north of Fairwood Boulevard. These pylons will prevent drivers from using the center lane to pass slower traffic in the main travel lanes.
Pylons will also be placed at multiple locations along the center of SE Petrovitsky Road (east of 151st Avenue SE) and west of 140th Avenue SE. The pylons will act as visual reminders to slow down.
Additional speed radar signs
- Location: 140th Avenue SE, and on SE Petrovitsky Road
- Details: Five (5) more speed radar signs will be added along 140th Avenue SE and SE Petrovitsky Road to help slow down traffic.
Additional speed limit signs
- Location: 140th Avenue SE
- Details: Three (3) new signs will be installed.
Traffic Safety Study on 140th Avenue SE and SE Petrovitsky Road
The King County Executive submitted a Traffic Safety Study on 140th Avenue SE and SE Petrovitsky Road to the King County Council in late 2024. The study:
- Evaluates traffic safety and potential improvements for 140th Avenue SE and SE Petrovitsky Road.
- Identifies strategies to reduce traffic-related injuries and deaths, such as traffic cameras, road design improvements, increased patrols by King County Sheriff’s deputies, and other measures.
- Outlines projects that could be implemented with existing funding, and those that could be considered further if additional funding becomes available.
Go here to download a PDF of the study.
Common questions from community
As we get more questions, we will add them here.
What is the county doing to control excessive speeding on 140th Avenue SE?
In April 2023, two permanent radar speed feedback signs were installed on 140th Avenue SE, near the intersections of SE 186th Street and SE 181st Street.
Five more speed radar signs will be added in early 2025 along 140th Avenue SE and SE Petrovitsky Road to help slow down traffic.
The King County Sheriff’s Office, the only agency authorized to enforce speed limits in unincorporated King County, should be alerted to concerns about speeding. You may request enforcement by calling 911 for this non-emergency issue or report it online at Traffic Complaint Reporting - King County, Washington. It is helpful to share times of the day when you observe speeding.
Are there any other initiatives to help control speeding in Fairwood?
The King County Target Zero Task Force works with the King County Sheriff’s Office, traffic safety and community partners to develop fair and effective programs designed to reduce collisions, injuries, and fatalities in King County. The task force is involved in addressing speeding and the number of injuries and deaths among King County community members and other travelers along the 140th Avenue SE/132nd Avenue SE corridor between Renton, Unincorporated King County, Kent and Auburn. Get more information (243kb).
Slower is Safer! Visit Target Zero on Facebook for tips to help reduce speeding, and to learn more about Target Zero’s programs.
Target Zero Task Force’s Smart Signs in Fairwood Pilot Program
In Summer 2024 The King County Target Zero Task Force completed a pilot program that provided real-time, educational feedback to motorists in an effort to reduce unsafe driving.Four “smart signs” rotated between 12 locations in King County, staying at each location for eight weeks at a time. Smart signs were installed in Fairwood on 140th Avenue SE between SE 156th Street and SE Fairwood Boulevard. The Target Zero Task Force is in the process of reviewing the data that was collected.
“Smart signs” were tested in four locations in Fairwood. The signs displayed a warning after certain unsafe driver behaviors are detected. The signs did not take photographs or collect personal information.
The signs helped detect whether drivers were distracted, wearing their seat belts, or speeding, and displayed appropriate messaging that is relevant to each driver.
Is it possible to build a roundabout at 140th Avenue SE and SE 186th Street?
Roundabouts are one type of traffic management which, apart from aiming to reduce crashes, need to strike a balance between safety and the movement of all road users, including bicyclists and pedestrians.
We do not currently have plans to construct a roundabout at this intersection. We maintain a prioritized list of intersections for installation of roundabouts or other improvements in comparison to other intersections throughout unincorporated King County. Currently, roundabouts are installed at select high crash locations, where we also consider other factors to determine their suitability.
We are exploring other ways to calm traffic along the entire 140th Avenue SE corridor, especially aggressive driving and excessive speeding. Details are provided in the 2024 Traffic Safety on 140th Avenue SE and SE Petrovitsky Road Study.
If the intersection met the conditions for a roundabout, would the county build it?
If an intersection qualifies for a roundabout project, the first thing the county does is determine how the project compares in priority to other traffic safety needs within the 1,500-mile road network. The county then seeks funds to design and build the highest priority projects.
There are many more large infrastructure projects, like roundabouts, that meet the requirements to build than the county can afford to build. This is because King County does not have enough money to build and maintain new infrastructure at the rate that it is needed.
There also is limited funding to maintain the infrastructure we already have, such as filling potholes, clearing out roadside ditches and bridge and sidewalk repair work.
How much does it cost to build a new roundabout?
A roundabout cost between $5 million and $7 million dollars. The county usually must widen the entire intersection to build a roundabout. Roundabouts take up a lot more space than a typical intersection. In most cases, approximately 10 percent of the total project cost is used to purchase land on all four corners of the intersection. Buying real estate is costly and takes time. It can take up to five years to buy the real estate and build a roundabout.
Why was a roundabout installed by the Shakey’s?
The roundabout at SE 176th Street and SE 171st Way near Shakey’s was installed in 2019 based on an engineering study. This intersection consists of a two-lane roadway and had documented high crashes for failure to yield, not speeding. Based on the investigation this intersection met the warrants to install a roundabout and no other traffic safety measures such as a light. Please note, the amount it costs for new traffic safety measures increases each year and a roundabout on a two-lane roadway is less expensive than a five-lane road like 140th Avenue SE and SE 192nd Street.
National standards and state law require that traffic safety implementations be established based on an engineering study. The study considers many factors, including, but not limited to, on-site observations and measurements, past collisions, traffic volume and speed counts.
Can two new stoplights be added between SE Petrovitsky Road and SE 192nd Street?
There are very stringent federal, state, and local standards that must be met before a traffic signal can be installed. Currently, none of the intersections between SE Petrovitsky Road and SE 192nd Street meet those standards. Also, traffic signals are less expensive to install than roundabouts but not by a significant amount.
Traffic lights are intended to allow two busy roads to cross each other. Although they do stop traffic, studies show that traffic lights are not a good option for traffic calming because they are not intended for speed control.
More people, housing subdivisions and business parks are moving into the area, bringing more traffic. What is the County doing to make sure the road system can handle the additional traffic?
Before any new development can be built, the county must check how it will affect traffic.
If the county finds that the big housing project or commercial development will make traffic worse in the immediate area, then the developer must pay for any improvements needed to fix the issue. Some possible improvements include widening the road or adding turn lanes to manage increased traffic flow.
Does the county charge developers a fee to help offset costs of improving nearby roads that may be impacted by new housing or business park subdivisions?
King County does not charge a set fee for developments to help with infrastructure. Instead, the county works with individual commercial and large residential project developers to determine if their project will create traffic impacts. If the county believes the new development will bring more traffic than the current roads can handle, then the developer must pay for the improvements needed to keep traffic flowing.
Are there grants available to help pay for safety improvements on 140th Avenue SE?
There are several significant, competitive grants available to help with infrastructure in King County. Some may be able to help cover the cost of safety improvements in Fairwood.
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (also called the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law) allows federal agencies to offer grants for projects across the country. King County monitors these grant opportunities and applies for funds for projects that qualify. However, not all the grants from this law are for traffic safety projects.
We have received two awards including one related to traffic safety - Safe Streets and Roads for All.
The Safe Streets and Roads for All grant funds a detailed study to find out why crashes happen on County roads in unincorporated areas and which roads need the most attention. The goal is to make these roads safer and reduce the severity of crashes. It is possible that roads in Fairwood could be among those that will need significant safety improvements.
This study, called “The Comprehensive Safety Action Plan,” will be finished in 2026. With this plan, we can show the connection between safety issues and specific locations, which helps us get more grant money.
Why can’t property taxes pay for road improvements in Fairwood?
Approximately 80 percent of the Road Services Division's budget comes from property tax, and there is only enough funding to maintain our existing roads, bridges and related infrastructure. Property tax alone does not provide enough funding (revenue) to build new infrastructure or pay for significant road safety improvements.
Property taxes, including those from Fairwood, are combined into one fund and then spread out across the county. We assess the entire road system to identify areas with the most critical needs. The county prioritizes funding based on specific criteria to ensure the most urgent and necessary road projects receive attention first.
For more information about Washington State property tax, visit the Municipal Research and Service Center (MRSC) website.
If you would like more information on where your property taxes go, you may visit the King County Assessor at 2024 Property Taxes - King County, Washington.
What traffic safety improvements have county-maintained sections in the vicinity of both 140th Avenue SE and SE Petrovitsky Road received in the past few years?
| Category | Action (Installation) | Location | Year |
| Lighting | |||
| Street lighting |
We will install new streetlights in July 2024 on 140th Avenue SE between SE 171st Street to SE Petrovitsky Road, this work will be done by PSE. Once the poles are installed, Road crews will make repairs and modifications to the sidewalk later this summer. |
2024 |
|
| Arterial street lighting | 140th Avenue SE, west side | 2024 | |
| Street lighting | SE 176th Street & 171st Way SE | 2019 | |
| Street lighting | SE Petrovitsky Road, between 15600 block and 162nd Place E | 2023 | |
| High Crash Location | |||
| High Friction Surface Treatment | 140th Avenue SE & SE Petrovitsky Road | 2018 | |
| Roundabout | SE 176th S. & 171st Way SE | 2019 | |
| Radar Speed Signs | |||
| Rotational Radar Speed Signs | 140th Avenue SE near SE 200th Street, both directions | ||
| Permanent Radar Speed Signs | 140th Avenue SE near 186th Street, both directions | 2022 | |
| School Zone Flashers | |||
| School zone flasher assembly | SE Addison Way at Carriage Crest Elementary | 2020 | |
| School zone flasher assembly | SE Petrovitsky Road at Ridgewood Elementary | 2019 | |
| Curbing, rumble strips, other delineation | |||
| Barrier curbing | SE Petrovitsky Road east of 140th Avenue SE | 2018 | |
| Lane edge rumble strip | 140th Avenue SE on northbound approach to SE Petrovitsky Rd | 2018 | |
| Gore line extension, left turn lanes | 140th Avenue SE near Carriage Crest Elementary/SE 186th Street | ||
| Merge lane and bike lane re-alignment | SE Petrovitsky Road at Fairwood Fire Station | ||
| Re-alignment of turn lanes | 140th Avenue SE & SE 186th St, SE 181st Street | 2022 | |
| Pedestrian and non-motorized improvements | |||
| Sidewalk repairs | S/E corner of 140th Avenue SE & SE Petrovitsky Road | 2018 | |
| Marked crosswalk | at traffic island on S/E corner of 140th Avenue SE & SE Petrovitsky Road | 2018-19 | |
| Leading Pedestrian Interval | SE Petrovitsky Road & Parkside Way SE | 2024 | |
| Leading Pedestrian Interval | 140th Avenue SE & 171st Way SE | 2023 | |
| ADA audible pedestrian signal | 140th Avenue SE & SE Petrovitsky Road | 2019 | |
| Pedestrian flag holders | 140th Avenue SE & SE 200th Street | 2021 | |
| Flexible guideposts | 140th Avenue SE & SE 200th Street | 2022 | |
| Signals | |||
| Flashing-yellow left turn signal | SE Petrovitsky Road & 151st Avenue SE | 2020 | |
| Flashing-yellow left turn signal | SE Petrovitsky Road & 143rd Avenue SE | 2024 | |
| Flashing-yellow left turn signal | SE Petrovitsky Road & Parkside Way SE | 2024 | |
| Flashing-yellow left turn signal | 140th Avenue SE & SE 192nd Street | 2019 | |
| Signal Coordination Plan | SE Petrovitsky Road, between 132 Avenue SE to 151st Avenue SE; 140th Avenue SE between SE Petrovitsky Road and SE Fairwood Boulevard. | 2019 | |
| ITS Camera | 140th Avenue SE & SE 192nd Street | ||
| Other maintenance | |||
| Signal preventative maintenance | All signals | 3x year | |
| Guardrail | SE Petrovitsky Road, between fire station and Petrovitsky Park | Annually | |
| Lane markings | SE Petrovitsky Road, 140th Avenue SE | 2x year | |
| Seasonal signs, 'watch for ice,' etc | SE Petrovitsky Road, 140th Avenue SE | Annually | |
| CIP button replacement | SE Petrovitsky Road, 140th Avenue SE | 2020 | |
| CIP thermoplastic repair | SE Petrovitsky Road, 140th Avenue SE | 2020 | |
| Thermoplastic pavement markings | All roads | Every four years, began in 2018. |