On the Move Blog Department of Transportation

On The Move

Advisories from the Seattle Department of Transportation

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.

Holiday helping spirit with crews at six locations!

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While out enjoying your weekend, keep an eye out for our crews working in six different areas across Seattle. Here are  the deets…

What you can expect:

Saturday, December 8th | Generally 8AM – 5PM

SDOT teams will be working at:

  1. 3rd Ave NW and NW 103rd St – Assisting concrete with new ramp install;
  2. 8th and Cloverdale – Making repairs creating various intermittent traffic impacts;
  3. Beacon Ave S and S Myrtle St – Helping the contractor prep the intersection for a new signal;
  4. NE 125th St and 37th Ave NE – Supporting area work, with minimal traffic impacts.

 

Sunday, December 9th | Generally 8AM – 5PM

SDOT teams will be working at:

  1. West Seattle Freeway – Helping to complete small improvements, with various traffic impacts;
  2. NW 39th St and Leary Way NW – Making area improvements, with intermittent traffic impacts.

 

Contact us!

For information on projects and events impacting traffic, email us at construction.coordination@seattle.gov or call 206-684-ROAD (7623).  Information is subject to change.

Multi-Modal Improvements Coming to Green Lake & Wallingford!

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The Green Lake and Wallingford Paving & Multi-Modal Improvements project has been out talking to the community about changes coming to Green Lake and Wallingford. Design is nearly complete, and we’ve made changes based on the design feedback we heard from the community earlier this year.

Map of Green Lake and Wallingford paving area; new/upgraded bike facilities and connections with existing bike facilities; and on-street parking removal.

 

What we heard

In July, more than 670 people joined us at drop-in sessions and many visited our online open house, to learn about streetscape improvements and give feedback.

In review of design and construction planning, we heard support for our general safety and mobility goals, and some suggestions for changes. We’ve summarized everything we heard and our response to the feedback; for details, read our Feedback and Action Plan: What We Heard and What We’re Doing document!

 

Some changes based on your feedback.

Improving safety for people walking on N 40th St | We’re adding rapid flashing beacons and repairing some stretches of sidewalk on 40th.

Reviewing east-west bike connections in Wallingford | We’re taking a step back to reconsider the design for bike improvements on N 40th St. In the coming months, we’ll evaluate other potential improvements to east-west bike connections in Wallingford.

Evaluating options for people walking and biking through the N 50th St, Stone Way N, and E Green Lake Way N intersection | We’re looking at ways to make improvements at this intersection by clearly marking crossings and improving visibility and sightlines.

Partnering with Seattle Parks and Recreation to explore an alternative to the planned bike improvements on Green Lake Way N | Our original design included a new signal on Green Lake Way N at N 52nd St. We’re now partnering with Seattle Parks and Recreation to explore transforming a portion of the planting strip bordering the Lower Woodland Parks Playfield parking lot into a 1-way protected bike lane.

Making the NE Ravenna Blvd, NE 71st St and E Green Lake Way N intersection more predictable | We’re squaring up this intersection as much as possible by adding curb bulbs and widening the west side sidewalk. We’re also adding a rapid flashing beacon one block south of the intersection.

Improving safety and visibility at intersections | We’re adding “no parking” signs 20 feet from all intersections in the project area; on the north side of N 80th St on either side of the Ashworth Ave N intersection, we’ll add paint and post curb bulbs to improve visibility.

Reducing speed limits to improve traffic safety for all | We’ll post a 25 MPH speed limit around the east side of Green Lake, which is a reduction from the current 30 MPH speed limit.

 Visit the project web site for details!

 

What’s next.

We’ll continue to engage you this fall and next year as we prepare for construction. This includes opportunities for public comment in early 2019 regarding bike improvements on N 40th St.

 

We anticipate completing the design by the end of 2018, beginning construction in late spring of 2019, and completing the project in 2020. For more information, please visit our project webpage.

 

Nickerson/15th closures for paving | Oct. 5-22

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The Nickerson Paving Project is beginning 17 consecutive days of work, making improvements between 15th Ave W and 14th Ave W. To strengthen the road base and repave this principal arterial and major truck route/transit street, the interchange at W Nickerson St and 15th Ave W must be closed October 5 – 22.

Closed movements during W Nickerson St and 15th Ave W interchange work.

 

To help clarify alternative routes during this time, we’ve made the following maps. Also, see below for updated work hours. Note, the work is weather dependent, so timing may change. If you have questions, please contact us at NickersonPaving@Seattle.gov or 206-256-5252.

 

What you can expect:

W Nickerson St/15th Ave W interchange closed for repair and repaving.

 

Updated hours |

  • Closed 24/7: Friday, October 5 at 9 AM through Monday, October 22, at 5 AM
  • Expect construction noise/dust during work hours:
    • Friday, Oct. 5 | 9 AM – 10 PM
    • Saturdays & Sundays | 7 AM – 9 PM
    • Weekdays after Oct. 5 | 7 AM – 10 PM

 

Closed movements* |

A.  NB 15th Ave W to EB W Nickerson St (Movement A open Monday – Thursday)
B.  WB W Nickerson St to W Emerson Pl Overpass
C.  EB W Emerson Pl to NB 15th Ave W (Movement C open Monday – Thursday)
D.  WB W Nickerson St to NB 15th Ave W
E.  EB W Emerson Pl to EB W Nickerson St (weekends only) (Movement E open Monday – Thursday)

 

Detours | 

  • Bus Routes 29 & 31 – Rerouted from W Nickerson St to 14th Ave W; and W Dravus St, intermittently. Please check with King County Metro for more information regarding altered bus routes. Street parking on 14th Ave W around work area suspended during the October 5 – 22 closure. 

 

  • *Drivers – A – E closed movements detour maps below (click maps for larger version); detour text descriptions on the project website.

 

A. NB 15th Ave W to EB W Nickerson St closure detours:

 

B. WB W Nickerson St to W Emerson Pl Overpass closure detour:

 

C. EB W Emerson Pl to NB 15th Ave W closure detour:

 

D. WB W Nickerson St to NB 15th Ave W closure detour:

 

E. EB W Emerson Pl to EB W Nickerson St closure (weekends only) detours:

Thank you for your patience during this paving and pedestrian improvement work!

 

Questions? Contact us!

Contact us directly at NickersonPaving@seattle.gov or (206) 256-5252 (voicemail line). Visit our website to learn more about the project.

 

Nickerson paving thru 10/29 | Weekends; M-Th starting 10/8

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Image by Google Maps | www.google.com/maps

 

Reminder – Nickerson paving work resumed today!

Zone C work | Nickerson paving

 

Crews are working four consecutive weekends, Friday AM through Monday AM, to demolish and repave the intersection at W Nickerson St, between 15th Ave W and 14th Ave W.

 

Starting October 8,  Monday AM through Thursday PM hours will be added. 

 

This is for Zone C of the Nickerson paving project. 

 

What to expect:

 

September 28 (9 AM) – October 1 (5 AM)

Highlighted areas closed | Image by Google Maps

Closure | Intersection of W Nickerson St, E of 15th Ave W.

 

Closed movements |

  1. NB 15th Ave W to EB W Nickerson St.
  2. WB W Nickerson St to W Emerson Pl.
  3. EB W Emerson Pl to NB 15th Ave W.

 

Respective detours |

  1. NB 15th Ave W; WB W Dravus St; NB  20th Ave W; NB Gilman Ave W; EB W Emerson Pl/overpass; to EB W Nickerson St.
  2. D Ramp/underpass; SB 15th Ave W; W Dravus St exit; WB  W Dravus St; NB 20th Ave W; NB Gilman Ave W; to EB W Emerson Pl.
  3. WB W Emerson Pl; SB Gilman Ave W; SB 20th Ave W; EB W Dravus St; to NB 15th Ave W.

 

October 5 (9 AM) – October 8 (5 AM)

October 12 (9 AM) – October 15 (5 AM)

October 19  (9 AM) – October 22 (5 AM)

Highlighted areas closed | Image by Google Maps

Closure | Interchange at W Nickerson St, between 15th Ave W and 14th Ave W.

 

Additional closed movements |

  1. WB W Nickerson St to NB 15th Ave W.
  2. EB W Emerson Pl to EB W Nickerson St.

 

Additional respective detours |

  1. D Ramp/underpass; SB 15th Ave W; W Dravus St exit; WB W Dravus St; to NB 15th Ave W.
  2. SB Gilman Ave W; EB W Dravus St; NB 11th Ave W; to EB W Bertona St.

 

Bus detours | Routes 29, 31, and 60
These King County Metro buses will be rerouted from W Nickerson St to 14th Ave W, and then to W Dravus St, intermittently. To accommodate this, street parking on 14th Ave W will be temporarily suspended.

 

October 8 (5 AM)  –  October 11 (10 PM)

October 15  (5 AM) – October 18 (10 PM)

Highlighted areas closed | Image by Google Maps

Closure | Interchange at W Nickerson St, between 15th Ave W and EB Nickerson.

 

Closed movements |

  1. NB 15th Ave W to EB W Nickerson St.
  2. WB W Nickerson St to W Emerson Pl.
  3. EB W Emerson Pl to NB 15th Ave W.
  4. WB W Nickerson St to NB 15th Ave W.

 

Respective detours |

  1. NB 15th Ave W; WB W Dravus St; NB  20th Ave W; NB Gilman Ave W; EB W Emerson Pl/overpass; to EB W Nickerson St.
  2. D Ramp/underpass; SB 15th Ave W; W Dravus St exit; WB  W Dravus St; NB 20th Ave W; NB Gilman Ave W; to EB W Emerson Pl.
  3. WB W Emerson Pl; SB Gilman Ave W; SB 20th Ave W; EB W Dravus St; to NB 15th Ave W.
  4. D Ramp/underpass; SB 15th Ave W; W Dravus St exit; WB W Dravus St; to NB 15th Ave W.

 

 

October 22 (5 AM) – October 25 (10 PM)

October 26 (9AM) – October 29 (5 AM)

Highlighted areas closed | Image by Google Maps

Closure | Partial* of W Nickerson St, NE of intersection.

*W Nickerson intersection open to 2-way traffic via temporary lane shifts.

 

 

Questions? Contact us!

Contact us directly at NickersonPaving@seattle.gov or (206) 256-5252 (voicemail line). Visit our webpage to learn more about the project.

 

Thank you for your patience during this paving and pedestrian improvement work!

Sept. 21 | Seattle PARK(ing) Day – JOIN US!

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Did you know that there are over 485 parks in Seattle… and for one day only on September 21, we are adding 62 more!

 

Globally – Locally.

Friday, September 21 is PARK(ing) Day, a one-day international event that began in 2005. On-street parking spaces are temporarily transformed into pop-up parks, a global idea providing opportunities to showcase locally!

 

Our PARK(ing) Day is part of the Seattle Design Festival, two weeks of citywide activities, tours, presentations, workshops and exhibits exploring the role of design in our city.

 

Creative, compelling, unusual fun!

PARK(ing) Day pop-up parks feature a variety of activities, including games, crafts, photo booths, and treats! We’ve seen everything from art installations to live music, and from an urban jungle to a swimming pool (no water involved). 😊

 

Participate!

Pop-up parks offer a place to relax and enjoy our public spaces, just like our permanent parks around Seattle. By participating in PARK(ing) Day, you have the chance to connect with community members, express yourself creatively, and most importantly, enjoy yourself!

 

Find a Pop-Up Park.

Click to access interactive map.

Wondering where you can find a pop-up park on September 21? Check out our interactive map to find a pop-up park near you.

 

Along with the parks hosted all over the city, we’ve created neighborhood clusters of pop-up parks in seven neighborhoods in Seattle. Clusters allow you to visit multiple parks at a time and enjoy everything the neighborhood has to offer. This year, clusters are located in:

• Beacon Hill
• Capitol Hill
• Delridge
• University District
• Lake City
• Rainier Beach
• Pioneer Square

 

Parks will be popping up all over the city from 9 AM – 7 PM; refer to the interactive map for hours, and then RSVP to the event on Facebook and share with your friends!

 

Pop-ups with the most votes… 

When you check out pop-up parks on PARK(ing) Day, be sure to note which ones you like best and why… because on event day, you’ll be able to vote (online survey) for your favorites in each of three categories:

 

  1. Most creative use of space,
  2. Most connected to community, and
  3. Most interactive programming.

 

 

 

If you want to help celebrate the PARK(ing) Day award winners, swing by the celebratory after-party, hosted at the Center for Architecture and Design from 7 – 9 PM. We can’t wait to see who wins and honor ingenuity!

If you’d like to participate in PARK(ing) Day next year, be sure to keep an eye on our PARK(ing) Day program page. If you have any questions, please contact Kadie Bell Sata at kadie.bell@seattle.gov or at 206-386-4575.

 

 

Preserving Waves under Viaduct | Saturday relocation

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Image by Seattle P-I photographer Meryl Schenker | bit.ly/2PHUKzk

Waves of art installed 16 years ago under the Alaskan Way Viaduct, are washing away…to storage. On August 30 of 2002, the Seattle Post-Intelligencer ran the story, ‘Wave Rave Cave’ is artwork by day, club-scape by night, with a photo of carpenter Michael Graham working on the installation.

 

With the near future Alaskan Way Viaduct (AWV) closure and demolition, the sculptures, at the corner of Western Ave and Bell St, are relocating for safe keeping.

 

Wave goodbye Friday night, September 7, for the last expected light-up of this tide…

Wave Rave Cave by Dan Corson | Photo courtesy of Seattle Office of Arts & Culture.

Wave Rave Cave by Dan Corson | Photo courtesy of Seattle Office of Arts & Culture

 

 

Travel to new temporary home. 

Wave sculptures storage destination | Image by Google Maps

The Seattle Office of Arts & Culture notes, a new site for the artwork has yet to be determined–so it’s safe storage for now.

What you can expect:

To preserve the waves creation, crews will carefully remove the pieces, then drive them to the City’s Nickerson Place North storage area, near the Fremont Cut. Look for traffic control (TC) signs and a flagger along W Nickerson St, near 13th Ave W, and intermittent traffic slowdowns with deliveries.

 

For the relocation, the Bridges and Roadway Structures team needs room to maneuver a forklift to a loading truck and trailer, impacting sidewalks at both pick-up and delivery and the bike lane along Western. Be ready to make way for art, as it heads north in several waves (pun intended)!

 

Saturday, September 8 | 7 AM – 3 PM

Closures | 

  • Bike lane on Western Ave, at Bell St: intermittent; hour-long.
  • East Sidewalk on Western Ave, under AWV SB: intermittent; hour-long.
    – Signs will direct people to a marked crosswalk on Western Ave.
    – A side walk spotter will guide passersby to a safe distance from the work.
  • No parking on Western Ave, between Battery and Bell streets.
  • No parking on Bell St, at Western Ave (Fri PM – Mon AM)

 

Thank you for your patience as this artwork tide comes in! 

What’s Moving Seattle | This Week

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Jack White kicks it off in Seattle this week, later followed by Hemp Fest, Hot Sauce, and Halestorm; Oh My! Get in the moment with one of these action options–and act with an informed travel plan (a.k.a. construction aware).

 

MONDAY, AUGUST 13

Featured image by CenturyLink Field | bit.ly/2B3yWM9

Jack White concert: At WaMu Theater.  8 PM – 11 PM.  Doors open at 7 PM.  Estimated attendance: 7,000.

Denny Substation project work has travel impacts to be aware of starting today, through Sunday:

  • August 13 – 15,  7 AM – 3 PM | Pontius Ave N fully closed, between Republican and John streets, to complete pavement markings.
  • August 13 – 17,  24/7 | Thomas St will be closed, between Terry and Westlake avenues north, for full roadway restoration.
  • August 13 – 17,  7AM – 3PM | Thomas St will be fully closed, between Pontius and Fairview avenues north, to complete pavement markings.
  • August 15 – 17, 7AM – 3PM | Minor Ave N will be fully closed, between Republican and John streets, to complete pavement markings.
  • August 18 – 19, 9 AM – 7 PM | Republican St will be closed, between Fairview and Minor avenues north, for duct bank installation.

 

FRIDAY, AUGUST 17

Featured image by Pike Place Market Foundation | pikeplacemarketfoundation.org/events

Seattle Gift Show: At Washington State Convention Center.  Show hours: 9 AM to 5 PM.  Estimated attendance: 6,000.

Hempfest: 27th annual cannabis festival at Myrtle Edwards and Centennial Parks on Seattle’s waterfront.  Festival hours are 12 PM – 8 PM.  Estimated attendance: 30,000.

Sunset Supper at Pike Place Market: Annual dinner at the Pike Place Market to benefit the Pike Place Market Foundation.  Event hours are 7 PM to 11 PM.  Pike Place will close at 8 AM Friday morning.  Estimated attendance: 1,600.

Seattle Mariners vs. LA Dodgers: At Safeco Field.  First Pitch: 7:10 PM.  Estimated attendance: 40,000.

Halestorm + In This Moment concert: At WaMu Theater.  8 PM – 11 PM.  Doors open at 7 PM.  Estimated attendance: 7,000.

 

SATURDAY, AUGUST 18

Featured image by The World is Fun | www.theworldisfun.org

Seattle Gift Show: At Washington State Convention Center.  Show hours: 9 AM to 5 PM.  Estimated attendance: 6,000.

Hempfest: 27th annual cannabis festival at Myrtle Edwards and Centennial Parks on Seattle’s waterfront.  Festival hours are 10 AM – 8 PM.  Estimated attendance: 30,000.

Big Day of Play: Free event presented by Seattle Parks and Recreation.  At Rainier Community Center and Playfields.  Event hours are 11 AM to 5 PM.  Estimated attendance: 2,600.

Hot Sauce Fest: Free event at Ballard Commons Park features the best hot sauces, food trucks and entertainment.  Event hours are 11 AM to 10 PM.  Estimated attendance: 2,150.

Boogie Up the Block: Free all-day urban arts event in Seattle’s Central District.  Event will close E. Fir St. between 12th Ave. and 14th Ave.  Event hours are 12 PM to 8 PM.  Estimated attendance: 300.

Washington Beer BBQ: At SLU Discovery Center.  Event hours are 12 PM to 6 PM.  Estimated attendance: 2,000.

Seattle Sounders vs. LA Galaxy: At CenturyLink Field.  1 PM – 3 PM.  Estimated attendance: 35,000.

Mercer x Summit Block Party: Free all ages music and art event on Summit Ave. between Mercer and Roy St.  Event hours are 1 PM to 11 PM.  Estimated attendance: 875.

Liberty or Death – Rally Against Left Wing Violence: Rally at Seattle City Hall.  3 PM – 8 PM.  Estimated attendance: 3,000.

Belltown Block Party: Event will close 2nd Ave. between Blanchard and Lenora Streets.  5 PM – 2 AM.  Estimated attendance: 730.

Seattle Mariners vs. LA Dodgers: At Safeco Field.  First Pitch: 7:10 PM.  Estimated attendance: 43,000.

 

SUNDAY, AUGUST 19

Featured image by Hempfest | www.hempfest.org

Seattle Gift Show: At Washington State Convention Center.  Show hours: 9 AM to 5 PM.  Estimated attendance: 6,000.

Viking Dash 5K, 10K, 15K: At Magnuson Park.  Event hours: 9:30 AM to 12 PM.  Estimated attendance: 350.

Hempfest: 27th annual cannabis festival at Myrtle Edwards and Centennial Parks on Seattle’s waterfront.  Festival hours are 10 AM – 8 PM.  Estimated attendance: 30,000.

Seattle Mariners vs. LA Dodgers: At Safeco Field.  First Pitch: 1:10 PM.  Estimated attendance: 40,000.

 

More Travel Details…

  • August 17 – 19, 24/7 | 2nd Ave will be reduced to 2 lanes, from Pike to Union streets, for roadway reconstruction.
  • August 17 – 31, 24/7 | NB 1st Ave S will be closed, from S Washington to Cherry streets, for utility relocation.
  • August 18 – 19, 9 AM – 5 PM | 5th Ave will be closed, between Union and University streets, for construction involving crane work.
  • August 18 – 19, 24/7 | 35th Ave NE will be fully closed, from NE 45th to NE 55th streets, for paving work.

 

Sneak Peak @ Next Week…

Seattle Mariners vs. Houston Astros at Safeco Field:

  • August 20, 7:10 PM – 10 PM
  • August 21, 7:10 PM – 10 PM
  • August 22, 1:10 PM – 4 PM

The Smashing Pumpkins concert at Key Arena, August 24, 7 PM – 10 PM.

Belltown Crush Block Party Beer and Wine Festival, on Bell St between 4th and 2nd avenues, August 25, 3 PM – 7 PM.

The South Lake Union Night Market will close 9th Ave, John St to Denny Way, August 25, 4 PM – 10 PM.

Seattle Children’s Park to Park Swim, from Matthews Beach to O.O. Denny Park in Kirkland, August 26, 7:30 AM – 11 AM.

Seattle Marathon Summer 5K/10K Race at Seward Park, August 26, 8:30 AM – 12 PM.

Cosmo 7K and 5K run & walk along Alki Beach in West Seattle, August 26, 9:30 AM – 11 AM.

Kawabe SummerFest! on 18th Ave S, August 26, 11 AM – 3 PM.

Celebrate Little Saigon 2018, at 1025 S King Street, August 26, 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM.

 

More Info…

The Seattle Special Events Office has a great collection of calendars to keep you in the know. For updated event and advisory info, check out our Weekender Edition at the end of this week! For more details on travel impacts, visit our construction look-ahead and traveler’s map links, or…

 

Contact us!

Email us at construction.coordination@seattle.gov or call 206-684-ROAD (7623). Information subject to change. 

Cooling down hot moving bridges

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Ballard Bridge | Photo by Isaac Wedin

What do you do when the city experiences three consecutive days of 85+-degree weather?

A. Drink a lot of water

B. Cool off your britches with a pool dunk

C. Cool off moving bridges with a water flush

D. All of the above

 

Admittedly, any of these answers is right – though our Roadway Structures bridge crews focus on “C”. That’s because temperature changes cause steel and concrete to expand and contract, a potential problem for bridges that open and close for passage of marine vessels. Too much expansion can create pinch points, where bridge sections can rub – and therein lies the rub, and reason for the flushing.

 

With this week’s high temps, the cooling truck (like a calming goat, only different) was out Thursday, at all three Ship Canal bridges – University, Ballard, and Fremont – consecutively. The water flushing operations are scheduled when Seattle experiences 2 – 3 consecutive days of at least 85-degree heat. Lucky for us, it didn’t get as hot as THIS looks…

2011 Google Earth Visual | Discover Magazine | blogs.discovermagazine.com/discoblog/2011

 

Thanks to everyone for your patience during those 5-10-minute bridge closures! If temps creep up again, expect to see moving bridge gates down, just briefly, for that cooling/flushing truck and our team to work some misty magic!

SDOT Roadway Structures crews using the bridge cooling truck.

 

 

More Ballard Bridge Cleaning | Aug 9

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Ballard Bridge | Click for aerial photo Google Map

SDOT Roadway Structures bridge crews are cleaning the Ballard Bridge approach and bascule. Bascule?  A fun word for a device that operates like a balance; in movable bridges it’s the weighty area that counters the force of the raised section when, well, when it’s raised.  Either way, between today and tomorrow it’s all getting cleaned!

 

What you can expect:

Thursday, August 9 | 7 AM – 3 PM

Closure

Crews will take one NB lane of 15th Ave NW across the bridge for equipment and safe space to work.

 

Questions?

To learn more about the bridge team, visit our web site.

Contact

Bridge Operations & Structural Maintenance Manager at paul.jackson@seattle.gov.

 

Thank you for your patience as we work to maintain Seattle infrastructure!