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On The Move

Advisories from the Seattle Department of Transportation

City starts work on West Thomas Street Overpass

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   Pedestrian and bicycle overpass construction project begins 

Construction of a Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) pedestrian and bicycle overpass over Elliott Avenue West and the Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) railroad tracks begins today, August 23rd.  This community endorsed project will improve safety and access for walking or bicycling from the lower Queen Anne community to Myrtle Edwards Park. The new overpass will also connect a future pedestrian and bicycle route, the Lake to Bay Loop, from South Lake Union and the Seattle Center with the trail in Myrtle Edwards Park.

Crews will start construction on the east side of Elliott Avenue West; work within Myrtle Edwards Park will begin after August 29. The contractor expects to complete the project by spring. During construction, pedestrians, bicyclists and drivers should expect the following:

  •  Street closures on Third Avenue West from West Harrison Street to Elliott Avenue West, and on West Thomas Street between Elliott Avenue West and Third Avenue West.  Local traffic and access to parking garages and lots will be accommodated.
  • Removal of parking along Third Avenue West and a portion of West Thomas Street both east and west of Elliott Avenue West for the duration of the construction project.
  • Temporary lane closures on Elliott Avenue West outside the peak commute hours of 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Temporary sidewalk closures, pedestrian detours, and on-street parking restrictions.
  • Noise and vibration during certain construction activities.
  • Completion of shaft construction on the east half of the bridge sometime in mid-September at which time equipment will be mobilized to the west of Elliot Avenue.

The overpass project is part of the Walk, Bike Ride initiative to make walking, biking and riding transit the easiest ways to get around Seattle. The project is funded by federal Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement (CMAQ) grants, City of Seattle Pro Parks Levy grants, a King County grant, and a private donation.

For more information and to sign up for email updates, contact Maribel Cruz at 206-684-7963 or maribel.cruz@seattle.gov.Additional information may be found at: www.seattle.gov/transportation/thomasoverpass.htm