SDOT and its contractor are upgrading sidewalks and streets near several bus stops on Third Avenue in the Belltown neighborhood.

Starting on Saturday, July 10th the contractor will begin widening the sidewalk and installing new concrete street panels on the west side of Third Avenue between Virginia Street and Lenora Street. Weather permitting, this work will be completed by early August.

This weekend the contractor will work from 7 a.m. on Saturday, July 10th through 4 a.m. on Monday, July 12th. During this time Third Avenue between Virginia Street and Lenora Street will be closed to through traffic. Local access will be maintained.

The remaining work will take place on weekdays between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. One lane in each direction on Third Avenue will be maintained at all times. Traffic control measures will be in place 24 hours a day seven days a week until this work is complete.

There will be parking and loading restrictions in and around the work zone. Pedestrian access to local businesses will be maintained.
Wider sidewalks will allow additional bus stop amenities, such as bike racks and improved lighting; more space for passengers to wait; and room for people to walk through the area to businesses, schools, and other destinations.
These bus bulbs will also speed bus travel times by eliminating the need for buses to merge into and out of traffic when loading or dropping off passengers.

This project is funded by the Bridging the Gap transportation levy approved by Seattle voters in November 2006.

For more information: George Frost, (206) 615-0786
Media contact: Marybeth Turner, (206) 684-8548