An Olde Burien resident and business owner is calling for changes to a busy intersection after documenting multiple crashes he believes highlight ongoing safety concerns.
JJ Greive said his surveillance camera has recorded at least eight collisions at the intersection of SW 152nd Street and 10th Ave SW (map below). He said the repeated incidents point to risks for both drivers and pedestrians.
“I believe that every single one of these collisions could have been prevented by a roundabout,” Greive told The B Town Blog.
Greive Calls for Roundabout
Greive said a roundabout would improve traffic flow while reducing the likelihood and severity of crashes. He also raised concerns about proposals to install a traffic signal at the intersection.
“Honestly, a stoplight is just going to cause traffic to back up for several more blocks,” he said, adding that a roundabout would be “imperative for pedestrian safety.”
In one example described by Greive, a driver appeared to be traveling too fast and distracted, with no brake lights visible until the vehicle had already entered a crosswalk.
He said reviewing video footage frame by frame shows how quickly collisions can occur and underscores the need for infrastructure designed to slow traffic and improve visibility.
City of Burien Evaluating Intersection
City of Burien officials say they are aware of the safety concerns and are continuing to evaluate the intersection, though current data does not rank it among the city’s highest risk locations.
According to the city, the intersection has been included in both the Transportation Master Plan and the Comprehensive Safety Action Plan following community feedback.
Public Works Director Rod Steitzer said that input from residents helped bring attention to the location.
“We value hearing from community, which is why public engagement for both our Transportation Master Plan and Comprehensive Safety Action Plan revealed that this intersection is one to pay attention to,” Steitzer said.
He said the city’s safety analysis does not place the intersection high on the list for injury risk but acknowledged that it remains under consideration.
“While our safety analysis does not place this particular intersection high on the list for injury risk, we heard those community concerns and made sure that the SW 152nd Street and 10th Ave SW intersection was included in both plans,” he said. “These plans both have many important safety projects we are aiming to address through strategic deployment of limited resources.”
Current Measures and Next Steps
Steitzer said the city plans to conduct a study of the intersection when resources allow to identify potential improvements through the Capital Improvement Program.
In the meantime, the city has taken steps to improve visibility and driver awareness. Signage on 10th Ave SW alerts drivers that cross traffic does not stop, and parking is restricted within 30 feet of the intersection to reduce sightline obstructions.
“In the meantime, I’ve directed my staff to continue exploring any other feasible interim solutions we can deploy to increase safety at that intersection,” Steitzer said.
City officials said they are continuing to seek input from residents.
“We welcome additional feedback on this and any other areas of concern along Burien’s roadways,” he said.
Videos
Below is a video compilation showing seven incidents at that intersection:
It should be a 4 way stop not a roundabout.
Make it a 4 way stop with flashing lights on the stop signs. Easy fix. Not a roundabout! That area is WAY too small for a roundabout! It would cut into businesses property buildings and parking on all 4 sides in a huge way.
Agree. Personally I’ve never, as yet, had a problem at this intersection.
I travel it multiple times a week.
I find roundabouts more dangerous.
A 4 way stop would be better.
I agree. As a driver, as a pedestrian, and a cyclist, this intersection is terrible. If you’re crossing 152nd going north, it’s hard to see oncoming traffic from downtown when the light gets backed up.
I don’t understand why this intersection would need a roundabout. It’s not high-volume enough and, as you said, it feels like it would encroach on the properties already there, for no real benefit over a 4-way stop.
I’m all for traffic calming but a 4-way seems like the cheaper, more effective solution.
Roundabouts aren’t just a design preference, they are one of the most proven safety improvements we have for intersections. According to the Federal Highway Administration, roundabouts are one of their designated “Proven Safety Countermeasures.” Studies show they can reduce fatalities by up to 90% and injuries by around 75%, with fewer severe crashes overall. They also reduce pedestrian and bicycle crashes by 10 to 40%.
Beyond safety, roundabouts improve traffic flow. The Florida Department of Transportation reports 30 to 50% increases in intersection capacity and significantly less delay compared to signals. FHWA data also shows reduced speeds, typically 15 to 25 mph, which is exactly what improves safety for both drivers and pedestrians.
They are also more efficient long term. With no signal equipment, they cost less to maintain, keep working during power outages, and reduce fuel use and emissions because vehicles are not idling at lights.
Sources:
FDOT Roundabout Benefits: https://www.fdot.gov/agencyresources/roundabouts/benefits.shtm
FHWA Roundabouts Overview: https://highways.dot.gov/media/56886
If the goal is fewer crashes, safer pedestrian crossings, and smoother traffic flow, the data is pretty clear.
A Roundabout footprint would need more room than that intersection currently has, are you willing to donate your business property for the cause?
Honestly speaking, there is nothing from JJ Grieve that I would EVER, EVER trust.
A 4way stop makes sense and would solve all issues but a Roundabout is absolutely unneeded for that area. Redundancy 100% and 100% waste of tax dollars.
– Resident of Lake Burien for over 40years
…or at least make it a 4-way stop until they can do the roundabout. We’ve gotta SLOW PEOPLE DOWN in both directions at that intersection!
Or just betters signage. It LOOKS like a 4 way stop, but it isnt. Make it more clear that it isn’t and this all goes away.
4 way stop. Best financial and safety decision. Save $$$$ & time.
Honestly, every one of those accidents is the result of reckless driving. And if the new roundabout on 160th is any indication, most people have no idea how to use them (yet). However, what you’re really talking about here is a traffic calming circle unless you want to use eminent domain to expand the size of the intersection dramatically. Traffic calming circles can impede the flow of larger vehicles. A ridiculous number of people stop there now without stop signs, so a fast and effective solution that still allows larger vehicles good egress would be the installation of stop signs.
I’m willing to bet you could post a police officer at that corner with a radar gun, and write tickets all day long! Posted speed is 25mph. How about closing EYE-152 to traffic and make it a pedestrian mall between Ambaum and 10th.
Visibility at that intersection is not good. Driving north on 10th even after stopping it is hard to see vehicles coming from the East on 152nd. The shrubbery should be removed at that intersection, remove one parking stall so that it is easier to see cars approaching. Install raised cross walks to slow vehicles down.
Make it a 4-way stop with the flashing red up above along with stop signs, and as others have said “it is not large enough to accommodate a round-about”.
But I have a feeling they’ll get their way… if you know what I mean. 😉😉 friend(ly) with you know who’s…
As a frequent pedestrian from Ambaum to 10the Ave., drivers ignore pedestrians and other cars regularly. I have missed being hit only by inches on multiple occasions crossing the street at the Treat crosswalk. Also, the flags for pedestrians to use–that I thought were helpful– are all missing! That particular block is NOT safe for children, adults, or elderly to cross going any direction. At least drivers have metal surrounding them to protect them from injury; pedestrians do not!
More reasons are the increase in careless driving seen everywhere in our area and the total absence of any traffic law and safe driving enforcement in our city. Neither a 4-way stop or roundabout will correct those.