On the Move Blog Department of Transportation

On The Move

Advisories from the Seattle Department of Transportation

#SeattleSqueezeAlert – Be prepared for changes to Seattle’s streets beginning January 9.

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PLEASE NOTE: Starting January 14, 2019, we will retire the On the Move blog channel and all traffic advisory blogs will be posted on the SDOT blog channel. 

To manage the increased volume of traffic on our city’s streets and changing traffic patterns in advance of the SR closure beginning Friday, January 11, we’re configuring key streets and restricting parking on key streets in Seattle.

 

Overview by date:

👉 On January 9 – Roy St Closure

Roy St between SR 99 and Dexter Ave N will be closed during the day to allow crews to install temporary right-turn-only lane striping to help people traveling out of the tunnel exit and head south on Dexter Ave N. Here’s what you can expect:

  • On Roy St heading eastbound between SR 99 and Dexter Ave N, the right lane will be temporarily striped as a right turn only lane.
  • This will allow drivers traveling out of the tunnel to avoid backup on Republican St and instead take Roy St, the second exit, to turn right and head south on Dexter Ave N.
  • This work will occur from 9 AM – 3 PM on Wednesday, January 9 in order to be completed before rainy weather is expected to occur over the weekend.
  • Weather depending, this work may be pushed back, but crews will work to wrap this up quickly!

 

👉 On January 12 – Seneca St Changes

We’re converting Seneca St between 1st Ave and 3rd Ave into a one-way street headed westbound to accommodate the shift from the Seneca St off-ramp closure. Read our Seneca St lane change flyer with graphics here. Here’s what you can expect:

  • Beginning at 7 AM on Saturday, January 12, our crews will convert Seneca St between 1st Ave and 3rd Ave to a one-way street headed westbound.
  • This is to accommodate the shift from the Alaskan Way Viaduct Seneca St off-ramp closing, as cars will no longer need to use Seneca St headed eastbound off of the Viaduct off-ramp. This change increases our city streets’ capacity for mobility.
  • This work will be completed by the end of the day.

 

👉 Starting January 14 – Parking Restrictions

Parking restrictions will begin January 14 and will be in place until the new SR 99 tunnel opens in early February 2019. Read our parking restrictions flyer with graphics here. Here’s what you can expect:

  • Temporary no-parking signs will be posted beginning Friday, January 11 in order to provide 72 hours’ notice of these parking changes. Please note that only 24-hour notice is needed prior to parking enforcement so we’re posting the signs over the weekend to provide additional time for public awareness.
  • On key streets downtown and in West Seattle, on-street parking restrictions will be in place Monday – Friday from January 14 until about mid-February, when the northbound off-ramp to Dearborn St opens.

Why are we making these changes?

These changes are going to make travel times more reliable and help keep people moving during this time of increased traffic. By installing temporary and permanent changes to Seattle’s streets, we will keep transit and vehicle travel reliable and improve our emergency response times as responders address incidents downtown.

 

What does this mean for you?

On-street parking options downtown during the SR 99 closure will be limited. People, businesses, schools, manufacturers, and many others rely on the timely delivery of products and goods, and we want to ensure they move as predictably and efficiently as possible.

 

If you need to drive, plan ahead and be prepared for your new route and parking locations downtown. Use the Seattle Parking Map to make a plan before you leave. Keep our Vision Zero goal in mind, follow the rules, take a deep breath and travel safely.

 

This is a great time to try a new commute! Try transit, biking, walking, carpooling or vanpools. View our Tools page at www.seattle.gov/traffic for helpful resources.

We recognize the impacts that parking restrictions can have on local businesses, and we’re here to provide support during this time. We’ll closely monitor our downtown streets to confirm traffic is moving smoothly and adjust as needed. If you have any concerns, please contact our Customer Care Center team at 684-ROAD@seattle.gov or call (206) 684-ROAD.

 

Want more info?

These are just a few of the ways we’re preparing for the three-week closure of SR 99 and the Seattle Squeeze, which will impact traffic across the region. We’re working hard to make sure we’re keeping people and goods moving safely and efficiently, and we appreciate your patience and understanding as we all adjust to this new normal.

Notice of future impacts related to the closure of SR 99 and other projects impacting traffic during the Seattle Squeeze are posted to our blog at www.seattle.gov/traffic. Head to this website for the latest updates and announcements.

 

SATURDAY, JAN. 5: Temporary Bus Lane Construction on 4th Ave S for the #SeattleSqueeze.

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PLEASE NOTE: Starting January 14, 2019, we will retire the On the Move blog channel and all traffic advisory blogs will be posted on the SDOT blog channel. 

Bus Only Lane

Temporary bus lane construction will occur on Saturday, January 5.

To manage the increased volume of traffic on our city’s streets and changing traffic patterns in advance of the SR closure beginning Friday, January 11, we’re re-channelizing key streets downtown starting Saturday, January 5. Streets include the Spokane Street Viaduct, the eastbound off-ramp to 4th Ave S and a short section of 4th Ave S approaching Spokane St.

These dedicated bus-only lanes will allow buses coming in from West Seattle to access the SODO busway and improve bus travel time throughout the SR 99 closure.

The graphics included with our Street Changes for SR 99 Closure Begin Jan 5 flyer show what’s changing.

Seattle Squeeze Alert

Here’s what you can expect: 

On the Spokane Street Viaduct in the eastbound direction, the right lane will be converted to a bus-only lane from 1st Ave S and will continue to the 4th Ave S exit to the signalized intersection at 4th Ave S.  On 4th Ave S, we are adding a short bus-only lane heading northbound approaching Spokane St. These changes will be in place by 11 PM on Saturday, January 5.

To accommodate this change, we have modified the island separating the north and southbound lanes on 4th Ave at Spokane St and a third northbound lane was added in December.  

 

 

Rain is expected to occur after Saturday, January 5 so these lanes will be installed prior to these weather impacts. Completing this work one week early ensures that we avoid delays associated with the weather for this installation in order to allow buses to begin using the lane on January 11. So, while we are installing these lanes on Saturday, January 5, there won’t be any buses using this lane until after 8 PM on January 11.

Please note that these are temporary bus lanes and will be restored to general travel lanes open to all vehicles in mid-February when the northbound off-ramp to Dearborn St is opened and King County Metro resumes northbound service on the SR 99 corridor.

 

More info?

Notice of future impacts related to the closure of SR 99 and other projects impacting traffic during the Seattle Squeeze are posted to our blog at www.seattle.gov/traffic. Head to this website for the latest updates and announcements. 

THIS MON/TUES: Ballard Bridge Maintenance – NB Right Lane Closure

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PLEASE NOTE: Starting January 14, 2019, we will retire the On the Move blog channel and all traffic advisory blogs will be posted on the SDOT blog channel. 

Example of a UBIT (pictured: Lewis & Clark Bridge WSDOT crew).

Routine maintenance on the Ballard Bridge.

Our Roadway Structures Bridge Maintenance crews will be performing routine maintenance and clean up on the northbound direction of the Ballard Bridge. This work will be performed off an under bridge inspection truck (UBIT) and will require a right lane closure. The work will be performed on January 7 and 8 between the hours of 7 AM to 2 PM.

 

Here’s what you can expect:

  • From Monday, January 7 to Tuesday, January 8, between the hours of 7 AM and 2 PM.
  • Northbound right lane closure on the Ballard Bridge.

 

Questions?

Contact Paul Jackson, our Bridge Operations and Structural Maintenance Manager by email paul.jackson@seattle.gov or phone at 206.684.8325.

SUNDAY, DEC 23: Median & planting strip maintenance on Mercer corridor.

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PLEASE NOTE: Starting January 14, 2019, we will retire the On the Move blog channel and all traffic advisory blogs will be posted on the SDOT blog channel. 

Our Urban Forestry Landscape crews will be performing a fall cut-back and clean-up of the median and planting strips along the Mercer corridor between 5th Ave N and Dexter Ave N this Sunday, December 23rd between the hours of 7 AM and 3:30 PM.

Cut-back and clean-up of median and planting strips along Mercer corridor between 5th Ave N and Dexter Ave N.

Here’s what you can expect:

  • Some of the work will involve a short duration lane closure in both directions along the median near 5th Ave N.
  • Once this work is complete the crews will be closing the eastbound outside lane between 5th Ave N and 6th Ave N.

EARLY FRI MORNING: Traffic Rail Replacement on W Emerson St near W Nickerson St

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PLEASE NOTE: Starting January 14, 2019, we will retire the On the Move blog channel and all traffic advisory blogs will be posted on the SDOT blog channel. 

Traffic Rail Replacement on W Emerson St near W Nickerson St

Heads up travelers, on Friday, Dec. 21 from 3 to 6 AM, flaggers will guide you along W Emerson St between W Nickerson St and 15th Ave W in west and eastbound directions. We’re replacing traffic rail damaged from a collision. Work is happening in the early morning in this difficult to access location to avoid impacting morning commute traffic.

Traffic Rail Replacement on W Emerson St near W Nickerson St.

Here’s what you can expect:

  • Work will be conducted Friday, Dec. 21 from 3 to 6 AM.
  • Flaggers will be on site to direct traffic.
  • Traffic will return to normal at 6 AM.

 

Thanks for your understanding while we make repairs.

Storm Advisory: Getting gusty! High winds throughout the day. See our quick tips!

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An umbrella today, may not help much.

You’ve likely noticed, it’s already quite windy and wet today.

The National Weather Service is predicting a blustery Thursday, with sustained southerly winds (25-40 MPH) and gusts up to 60 MPH from 10 AM to 7 PM in the Seattle area. To that effect, they’ve issued a High Wind Warning for today, 7 AM – 7 PM. Stay inside as you can and take a look at our quick windy weather tips below. Please take extra care when traveling, and if possible avoid commuting, during the high wind times.

Image courtesy of National Weather Service.

 Quick tips:

✔️ Safety

Look out for each other. It’s no fun being outside in this type of weather. If you’re driving, be extra mindful of pedestrians and people biking. If you’re walking or biking, make sure you can see and be seen. We have safety lights if you need any! Let us know. Drivers, be sure to turn your headlights on.

 

✔️ Trains, buses, and ferries

Metro’s Thursday AM Commute: Service delays are expected to subside as the peak commute winds down; visit the Get Ready website for SR 99 closure updates. See the latest information on their blog. They’ll keep their eye on the King County Metro Transit commute from 6-9 AM and again from 3-7 PM and will post about service disruptions. Follow their RSS feed for real-time updates, bookmark their blog, or visit the Metro Online website for additional information and services. If you take the train, find Sound Transit alerts and information here. For Ferry info, please visit Washington State Ferries’ Travel Alert Bulletins, Kitsap Transit’s Fast Ferry, and/or WSDOT’s ferries site regarding your ferry commute.

 

You can also follow:

 

✔️ Outages

If you notice a downed power line, DO NOT touch or approach it. Please report downed wires or outages to Seattle City Light at 206.684.7400. Check out City Light’s outage map and tips for what to do when your power goes out. When traffic lights are out, treat the intersection as a 4-way stop. You can also stay connected, even when the power is out by downloading Puget Sound Energy’s (PSE) mobile app, to track and report power outages in your neighborhood and check status and estimated restoration times, all in the palm of your hand. Follow PSE on Twitter.

 

✔️ Fallen trees or branches

If you notice fallen trees or other debris blocking streets or sidewalks, contact our 24-hour dispatch crews at 206.386.1218.

 

✔️ Blocked gutters or flooding

If you see a blocked gutter, please help clear the leaves and debris to keep the 80,000 storm drains throughout our city flowing smoothly and to help prevent flooding. Please report flooding issues to Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) at 206.386.1800. Follow SPU on Twitter.

 

✔️ Park facilities

Park programs and facilities may be affected. Please check the @SeattleParks Twitter channel, blog, and/or website.

 

✔️ Winter storm planning

For information on planning for the winter storm season, like what you should include in your emergency preparedness kit, check out Take Winter By Storm, our multi-agency preparedness site. For the latest emergency notifications, sign up for Alert Seattle to get alerts via text, tweet, and more. You can also follow the National Weather Service Seattle’s Twitter.

 

Learn about our Winter Weather Response.

Check out our Winter Weather Response webpage for a winter weather response map, winter weather brochure, and snow route map. Learn about our winter environment and what to expect if it snows.

 

Stay safe, everybody!

Closures and Construction at the intersection of Beacon Ave S and S Myrtle St on December 15 through December 16

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The intersection of Beacon Ave S and S Myrtle St will be under construction from Saturday, December 15 at 4 AM to Sunday, December 16 at 6 PM. The work will allow us to continue drainage and curb ramp repairs. This work is weather-dependent and may be rescheduled if necessary.

 

Here’s what you can expect:

From Saturday, December 15 to Sunday, December 16 travelers can expect:

  • The northwest corner of Beacon Ave S and S Myrtle St will be closed.
  • Traffic going southbound on Beacon Ave S will be directed to Military Rd S.
  • The rest of the intersection will be open.
  • On Saturday, December 15 at 4 AM crews will be saw cutting.
    • Crews will begin demolition work at 8 AM
    • Crews will pour concrete at 6 PM
    • Concrete will cure overnight into Sunday
  • Traffic will return to normal by Sunday, December 16 at 6 PM.
  • Metro routes 107 and 36 will be rerouted. Please visit kingcounty.gov/metro/alerts for more information.

 

For more information on this project, please visit our website.

If you have questions or concerns, please contact the construction outreach team at swiftmyrtleothello@seattle.gov, or (206) 256-5227.  We appreciate your patience during this work.

THIS SATURDAY: 23rd Avenue S will be local access only between S Massachusetts St & S Jackson St.

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23rd Ave S

Heads up travelers,  this Saturday, Dec. 15 from 7 AM to 5 PM, 23rd Avenue S between S Massachusetts St and S Jackson St will be local access only. This work will allow us to pour concrete in the center lane of 23rd Ave S safely and without severely impacting local or through traffic. This work is weather-dependent and may be rescheduled.

 

Here’s what you can expect:

  • Work will be conducted on Saturday, Dec. 15 from 7 AM to 5 PM.
  • All northbound through traffic will be detoured to Martin Luther King Jr Way S from 23rd Ave S at S Massachusetts St.
  • Uniformed police officers and flaggers will be on site to direct traffic.
  • Traffic will return to normal at 5 PM on Saturday, Dec. 15.

 

Want more info?

For more information on this project, please our website. If you have questions or concerns, please email the construction outreach team at 23rdAveCorridor@Seattle.gov or call 206.727.8857.  Thanks for your patience while progress is being made.

Work at Crown Hill Park to close one lane of eastbound Holman Rd NW. 

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Holman Road NW (looking westbound) and 13th Avenue NW. Nov. 2014.

Work at Crown Hill Park to close one lane of eastbound Holman Rd NW. 

We’re making progress on the Holman Rd NW and 13th Ave NW new signal. We’re conducting work in Crown Hill Park that will result in the closing of one westbound lane of Holman Rd NW. Work will start Tuesday, Dec. 11 and last for two to three weeks. The lane will be reopened each night. Please note this work is weather dependent and may change. Thank you for your patience while this work is completed. 

 

Here’s what you can expect:

Starting Tuesday, Dec. and lasting two to three weeks, travelers can expect:

  • Traffic reduced to one lane on westbound Holman Rd NW at Crown Hill Park.
  • Traffic delays.
  • Work hours from 7 AM to 4 PM.

 

More info?

Visit our website or contact Peter Kitchen, our Neighborhood Street Fund Outreach Lead by calling 206.775.8720 or emailing NSFHolman@seattle.gov.

9/28-9/29 Street Closure: 35th Ave NE (between NE 65th & NE 75th Streets)

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Work is progressing on the 35th Ave NE project.

Starting Friday, Sept. 28, at 6 PM to approximately, Saturday, Sept. 29 at 10 AM, our crews will be paving the section of 35th Ave NE between NE 65th and NE 75th streets and it will require a full road closure. This work is weather-dependent and may be rescheduled to the night of October 5 if needed.

 

What you can expect:

 

Closure:

35th Ave NE between NE 65th St and NE 75th streets will be fully closed to vehicles from 6 PM on Friday, Sept 28 to approximately 10 AM on Saturday. Sept. 29. There will be no local access during paving; people driving will not be able to go in or out of their driveways.

 

Detour:

People driving will be detoured to 40th Ave NE or 25th Ave NE.

 

Parking:

Park on side streets before 6 PM on Friday, Sept. 28.

 

Pedestrian Access:

Pedestrian access will be maintained to homes and businesses. People should not walk across the road until pavement has fully dried, especially with dogs. During the paving process, the roadway will be coated with hot sticky oil and then fresh asphalt, which can be harmful to dogs’ feet.

 

Construction-related:

The work is expected to create construction-related noise, dust, vibration.

 

For more information on this project, please visit the 35th Ave NE Project website. If you have questions or concerns, please contact the construction outreach team by emailing 35thAvePaving@seattle.gov or by calling 206.512.3950.