On the Move Blog Department of Transportation

On The Move

Advisories from the Seattle Department of Transportation

Move Seattle quarterly update

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Looking back on the 3rd quarter.

University/Cowen Paving Ribbon Cutting

As November comes to a close, we’re hearkening back to summer, with third quarter (Q3) reporting for Move Seattle. The quarter wrapped up the end of September, and now we’ve closed the books, crunched the numbers, and issued our report for presentation to the Levy Oversight Committee meeting Thursday.

Quarterly reports on Levy performance and financials are important tools to help facilitate the role of the Levy Oversight Committee to monitor revenues, expenditures, and program and project implementation.

Q3 2018 saw a few key Levy accomplishments, with a little for everyone.

We completed:

In total, we spent $47.6M on Move Seattle projects in Q3, up from $39M spent in Q2 and $21.5M spent in Q1.

Wrapping up the Move Seattle assessment.

We’ve also been hard at work drafting the Updated Levy Workplan as the culmination of the Move Seattle Assessment. We took the Move Seattle Assessment’s key findings and worked with staff and teams across the department to develop this Updated Workplan that sets a new baseline with realistic funding and cost expectations for certain programs. These Updated Workplan outlines spend plans and project list projections for all 30 Levy programs.

Interested to learn more?

Visit the Levy to Move Seattle’s webpage or attend this Thursday’s Levy Oversight Committee meeting.

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.

 

Web Resource Launch | Period of Maximum Constraint resource!

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With eight weeks until #Realign99, we are launching a new website!

It’s here! To help you prepare for Seattle’s new era of tough traffic that begins on January 11, 2019 with a three-week closure of SR 99 downtown as WSDOT works to #Realign99 , we have worked with our partners in the City of Seattle and across the region to bring you www.seattle.gov/traffic, your one-stop resource during what we’re calling the Seattle Squeeze.

What’s that?

Beginning with WSDOT’s permanent closure of the Alaska Way Viaduct on January 11 and continuing over the next five years, Seattle is entering a new era of tough traffic. Even after the new SR-99 tunnel opens, the tough times will continue. Additional private and public megaprojects will continue to reduce capacity on our City streets and contribute to gridlock.  All this will be worth it. But everyone traveling to and in Seattle needs to have a plan for commuting to work or school, appointments, and/or running simple errands

 

 

What can you find on the new website?

This digital platform has tools, information, and resources you need to keep you moving safely to and through downtown.

At our evolving information hub you will find:

  • The ”Seattle Squeeze” explained.
  • Current traffic times to neighborhoods across Seattle.
  • Projected travel times 45 minutes from now.
  • Apps, maps, and other tools to help you get around.
  • Q & A to read what people are asking, and ask your own questions!
  • A Partners page for the full list and resources!
  • And lastly… Subscribe to traffic alerts for your commute. We are providing the latest travel times, tips and suggestions for your commute, and traffic alerts twice per day to different neighborhood corridors to help you plan ahead!

 

Realigning travel during Realign99.

When the Viaduct closes, three solid weeks of construction begin. Crews will work around the clock to move State Route 99 off the viaduct and into the new, two-mile SR 99 tunnel beneath downtown Seattle.

During the Realign99 closure, the longest highway closure in Seattle’s history, both the viaduct and new tunnel will be closed. You can expect six weeks of impacts.

 

Why is so much work needed?

Removing the Alaskan Way Viaduct is an important safety project. WSDOT is removing an old roadway vulnerable to earthquakes and replacing it with a much safer tunnel. This regional disruption to traffic is unavoidable. Closing the highway for approximately three weeks is the only way crews can finish building the eight new ramps that will allow travelers to enter and exit the new tunnel. Check out this video to get more of the story.

In the meantime, WSDOT has completed work to provide a temporary surface Alaskan Way option, just west of the Viaduct.

 

Visit www.seattle.gov/traffic.

The #Realign99 closure will be a very challenging time for everyone traveling to, from or through Seattle. We will need everyone’s help to avoid gridlock. Start making your plan today – visit www.seattle.gov/traffic to get started!

 

Emergency work | S Dakota & 38th closed through Friday

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NSF Hawthorne Project | Emergency work closing highlighted intersection.

The intersection of S Dakota St and 38th Ave S is closed now through Friday night for emergency panel work. This emergency work is essential to the efficient and safe completion of the Neighborhood Street Fund Hawthorne Project, in the Mt. Baker neighborhood.

When complete, this project will help enhance safety for people walking, biking, and driving at the intersection.

 

What you can expect:

Wednesday, November 14 – Friday, November 16 | 24/7 closure potentially through 8 PM Friday

Closures | 

  • S Dakota St and 38th Ave S intersection closed, 24/7.
  • No through traffic allowed; local access only.
  • Temporary closure until 8 PM on Friday, as needed.

Detours |

  • N on 38th Ave S:  traffic detoured to Rainier Ave S via S Genesee St.
  • S on 38th Ave S: traffic detoured to Rainier Ave S via S Andover St.
  • People biking: use nearby Neighborhood Greenway, along 37th Ave S.
  • A pedestrian path will be maintained through the intersection.

 

Contact Us:

If you have questions, please contact the project outreach team at NSFHawthorneElementary@seattle.gov or 206-733-9361.

 

Thank you for your patience and understanding!

This project is part of the Neighborhood Street Fund Program. For over a decade, first as part of Bridging the Gap and now the Levy to Move Seattle, the Neighborhood Street Fund (NSF) has enabled SDOT, the Mayor and City Council to partner with the community to identify, prioritize, fund and build transportation improvements in Seattle’s neighborhoods and business districts.

 

 

Rally & March Impact Afternoon Commute in Downtown Seattle | Thursday, November 8

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Heads up if you’re travelling downtown during rush hour this afternoon, Thursday, November 8, especially around 5 PM. A coalition of groups will be holding a rally and march regarding the dismissal of former Attorney General Jeff Sessions, in coordination with a series of rallies at the 5 PM hour across the country.

  • 5 PM – 8 PM event includes march from Cal Anderson Park to Henry M Jackson Federal Courthouse.
  • General route is westbound on Pine St to southbound on 2nd Ave.
  • Estimated attendance is ~5,000; this is an estimate and may vary.
  • Protest is expected to be peaceful; organizers are working with the Seattle Police Department.

Information for travelers.

March route for protest – 1.6 miles

Expected Impacts to Downtown Core:

We expect impacts to the downtown core during the afternoon rush hour, as the march progresses. These impacts begin at approximately 5:30 PM today.

  • E Pine St cross-streets, Broadway to 2nd Ave | Rolling closures as march progresses, starting from north to south along Pine, then onto 2nd.  Length of closures dependent on event attendance numbers.
  • 2nd Ave at University or Seneca | Closed for an extended period after the group arrives at the Federal Building, until the rally disperses sometime after 7:30 PM.
  • Downtown Seattle Transit Tunnel | Metro and Sound Transit bus routes 41, 74, 101, 102, 150, 255 and ST Express 550 will not be operating in the tunnel from 5:30 PM to 6:15 PM, utilizing their surface street routing instead, available online. This is subject to change depending on conditions. Capitol Hill and Second Avenue bus routes also are subject to reroutes due to street closures. Sign up for transit alerts and follow @kcmetrobus for updates.

 

Other Impacts:

The Sounders MLS Cup Playoffs at CenturyLink Field game is tonight! Kick-off at 7:30 PM. Estimated attendance: 40,000. If you’re planning on attending the game, please plan ahead and expect impacts to your travel time.

 

Stay informed.

We are working closely with our partners at the Seattle Police Department and our other City departments to make sure safety and mobility are maintained during the event. For live updates and other helpful information, please visit:

SDOTtraffic TWITTER

SDOT TWITTER

SEATTLE POLICE TWITTER

 

To Help Manage Congestion & Prepare for the Three-Week Closure of the Alaskan Way Viaduct, City’s Transportation Operations Center Began 24/7 Traffic Monitoring October 10

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Transportation Operations Center; Seattle Department of Transportation.

To help manage congestion and prepare for the new era of tough traffic that will begin with the Washington State Department of Transportation’s (WSDOT) three-week closure of the Alaskan Way Viaduct starting January 11, 2019, our Transportation Operations Center (TOC) is operating around the clock beginning October 10.

 

TOC = Real-time traffic information.

The TOC is where we gather real-time information to help manage traffic incidents and to update travelers, media, first responders, and partner agencies. At the TOC, the traffic team is expanding its operation from 6 AM – 10 PM to include overnight and on-call service for 24-hour on-duty operations.

Along with 24/7 operation, the TOC will also have:

  • Enhanced traffic reporting with electronic messaging signs;
  • Real-time construction and traffic data sharing with Google Maps, Waze, and TomTom;
  • Real-time signal adjustments to increase traffic flow and decrease congestion;
  • Ongoing coordination with WSDOT and other regional transportation agencies

 

Preparation for 2019-2024.

24/7 staffing of the TOC is one of many ways we’re not only working to manage congestion now, but to also prepare for WSDOT’s SR 99 closure that will begin on January 11, 2019, and for the Period of Maximum Constraint (POMC), the period of transition that Seattle will face over the next five years to meet the needs of our growing city.

 

Here are our five core strategies to manage congestion from 2019 – 2024:

  • Transportation system monitoring and managing of real-time traffic operations.
  • Managing construction projects in the public right-of-way.
  • Reducing drive-alone trips downtown.
  • Investing in transit to meet demand and expand access.
  • Coordinated regional communications.

 

What is the TOC? 

The TOC is the heart of our Intelligent Transportation System framework, where our operators monitor and manage:

  • 200 traffic cameras installed across Seattle.
  • 34 electronic messaging signs linked to the TOC.
  • 1,100 traffic signals, including 6 corridors where signals respond to traffic volumes.
  • Data from 12 Seattle corridors to update electronic signs.
  • Travel time data posted online for the 12 corridors and entire downtown area.
  • Congestion on an additional 10 corridors posted to the web.
  • An estimated 25 incidents that affect traffic every day.
  • 100 major events or road closures every month.
  • Travelers web site; iPhone app; and @SDOTtraffic Twitter feed.

 

Why are 24/7 operations needed?

Between 2010 and 2017, 15.3 percent of crashes in the City of Seattle was between 10 PM and 6 AM and nearly 29 percent of all fatal and serious injury crashes were during overnight hours. In 2017, the TOC was activated 45 times for after-hour responses. Meeting that need cost the City 360 hours of overtime pay and 2,900 hours of standby pay.

In cooperation with our partners at WSDOT, the TOC will help lead the City’s response to the three-week closure of SR 99 alongside the SDOT Response team.

 

Here’s how you can stay connected.

In coordination with our partner agencies, all traffic incident calls within the City of Seattle will be relayed to the TOC, keeping Seattle better connected. For questions regarding this transition, please contact 206.684.ROAD or email 684-ROAD@seattle.gov.

 

For real-time information during the Period of Maximum Constraint, follow:

 

For more information, follow:

Thank you, Seattle! We’re in this together!

Making bicycle connections | Status report

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We’ve been working hard to better connect bicycle pathways across the city and beyond, and regularly report on progress. The assessment of efforts thus far in 2018, shows dedication toward the larger Bicycle Master Plan (BMP) vision is producing positive results. The BMP is primarily funded by the Levy to Move Seattle, approved by voters in 2015.

The BMP vision is for riding a bicycle to be a comfortable and integral part of daily life in Seattle, for people of all ages and abilities.

 

Working closely with the Bicycle Advisory Board to prioritize projects, decisions within the 2017-2021 implementation plan have focused on how well each project connects to the existing network. Construction plans are also measured against One Center City goals, to align pedestrian, bicycle, street, transit, and development projects.  Highlights of what BMP projects are completing in 2018, include:

 

  • 17.5 miles of bike facilities (adds to ~16 miles built 2016-2017)
  • Rainier Valley Neighborhood Greenway (the longest Greenway in Seattle)
  • An all-ages/abilities connected bike route (with 2nd Ave. protected bike lane)
  • 12 spot-safety improvements (fixing areas with the potential to trip up a cyclist)
  • 180 bike parking spot installations (170 more planned by year’s end)

 

Specific locations of added bicycle facilities in 2018 include:

  • Banner Way PBL Upgrade – 0.57 miles
  • 2nd Ave PBL – 0.92 miles
  • 7th Ave PBL – 0.39 miles
  • Highland Park NGW Connection – 0.52 miles
  • Olympic Hills NGW Connection – 0.76 miles
  • Rainier Valley NGW Phase 1 – 5.5 miles

 

By the end of 2018, the total of bicycle facilities complete, or in construction, is expected to be 19.47 miles. That number includes, but is not limited to:

  • S Dearborn PBL – 0.46 miles
  • S Columbian Way PBL – 1.11 miles
  • North Seattle NGW – 2.7 miles
  • Eagle Staff Middle School NGW Connection – 0.65 miles

 

A definitive restart of the BMP effort last year, saw a dedication to more downtown pieces of the bicycle path network and to more bicycle projects making it to the “construction-ready” stage, increasing efficiency when any one project runs into a delay.

2nd Ave Protected Bike Lane at Pike St | Downtown Seattle

A much-desired result this year, that came after completion of the 2nd Ave protected bike lane, is a significant increase in ridership. From the 2nd Ave bike counter, the numbers show a 31% increase in ridership from 2017 to 2018.

 

Moving forward in developing the 2019-2024 BMP implementation plan, we will continue coordination with bicycle stakeholders, to:

  • Balance available funding with BMP priorities;
  • Manage project delivery on time and within budget;
  • Develop strategies for growing bicycle ridership; and, wherever feasible,
  • Make use of lower-cost design options (e.g. paint striping and posts instead of concrete curbs) to deliver the maximum amount of bicycle network connectivity.

 

As we assess and lay out BMP projects for the remainder of the levy, we will be providing quarterly updates on status to the Seattle Bicycle Advisory Board and the Levy Oversight Committee. It’s this continued collaboration that supports success in addressing bicycle traffic stress; bicycle and pedestrian safety; and safe connectivity, complete with destination tools such as more bike parking spots.

 

 

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.

 

 

Be a public transportation influencer!

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Seattle Transit Advisory Board seeks new members…

The Transit Advisory Board (TAB) is accepting applications for new members to help advise Seattle on matters related to transit and other forms of public transportation. The volunteer board plays an influential role in ensuring a functioning and coordinated transit system, citywide!

 

The board, created by Seattle City Council in 2015, advises the Mayor and City Council on planning, project development, and policies. They make recommendations to all city departments including the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT).

 

Current members represent all types of travelers of public transportation and people passionate about transit!

Board members serve a two-year term, with opportunities for re-appointment, meeting monthly on the fourth Wednesday, 6 – 8 PM at Seattle City Hall.

 

TAB members shall be representatives of any of the following:

  • Different geographical locations citywide
  • A variety of transit rider groups including persons with disabilities, senior and school age community members, commuters, and low-income riders
  • Travelers of different public transportation modes (e.g. bus, light rail, streetcar, and ferry)
  • Residents with an interest in improving transit conditions within the City and region, and have experience with urban transit issues
  • Transit-related organizations and clubs
  • Schools, business, and neighborhood organizations that depend on our public transportation system

 

We’re committed to promoting diversity in the City’s boards and commissions. People of color, immigrants or refugees, youth, seniors, persons with disabilities, and sexual and gender minorities are encouraged to apply.

 

If interested, please  submit a statement of interest (cover letter) and resume (or equivalent information) by Monday, September 24, 2018!

Email: TransitBoard@seattle.gov | subject line: “TAB Recruitment”

Mail:

Benjamin Smith
ATTN: TAB Recruitment
Seattle Department of Transportation
P.O Box 34966
Seattle, Washington 98124-4996

 

Seattle Department of Transportation’s mission is to deliver a high-quality transportation system for Seattle.

www.seattle.gov/transportation 

 

Making The 8 Less L8! | Today – 8/28

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One of the busiest stretches of Denny Way, eastbound from Fairview Ave E to Stewart St, is about to get a new transit-only lane—dedicated to moving many people efficiently. The project is part of a larger effort to address the historically late King County Metro Route 8, which serves an estimated 10,000 riders per weekday.

Diagram of new Denny Way configuration, Fairview Ave to Stewart St.

 

Work starts this afternoon, August 24, to transform one underutilized westbound lane of Denny Way for eastbound general-purpose traffic to Capitol Hill and dedicating the middle eastbound lane of the resulting three, to mass transit around the biggest single bottleneck that Route 8 experiences. The area is already bordered by construction projects, so crews can sometimes use the existing lane closures.

 

Route 8 currently runs 6 buses an hour per direction in peak periods. Separating the lane of cars turning right onto Yale to get to I-5 is expected to reduce lane merging friction and reduce congestion headed east on Denny Way to Capitol Hill.

 

Route 8 WB on Denny Way, at Aurora | Image by Cait Sith Productions, Caitsith810 – YouTube

 

Comprehensive and coordinated planning over the last four years has focused on better reliability for this key route in this location, and on sections of Route 8 in Lower Queen Anne, South Lake Union, and Capitol Hill. Besides enhanced Route 8 reliability, the change is also expected to benefit riders by:

  • Keeping more buses running on time, which in turn…
  • Reducing bus-bunching (jamming up at a bus stop);
  • Reducing wait times at important transfer locations (e.g. Capitol Hill Link); and
  • Making transit a more attractive travel option for crosstown travel in some of Seattle’s densest neighborhoods.

 

Capacity for mobility is critical, as Seattle growth continues, from 608,660 people in 2010 to more than nearly 730,000 in 2018 (click chart image for more details).

Seattle population growth chart | https://bit.ly/2MwIxAj

 

Much of the employment growth in downtown Seattle since the recession has been in South Lake Union, and Route 8 is a crucial connection for residents to access jobs, cultural destinations, and housing in central Seattle.

 

Crush loads…

The seated capacity of Metro’s 60-ft articulated coaches is 56 passengers, with a so-called ‘crush load’ equating to about 90- riders. As Route 8 riders likely know, crush loads are frequent during afternoon peak periods on this section of Denny, as are long wait times. Speeding up bus travel also provides operational savings to Metro and City-funded bus service.

 

#Make8LessL8!

The new bus lane is one piece of a set of improvements intended to enhance Route 8 speed and reliability. Although the changes are not expected to completely solve the reliability problems currently experienced on Route 8, together they should offer noticeable improvement.

Denny Substation Project, Aug 23, 2018 | Image by Seattle City Light | seattle.gov/light/dennysub | John St on left; Denny Way on right.

 

Originally expected to be installed last year, we accommodated Denny Substation construction needs and are now implementing the design. The reconfiguration project is expected to finish Tuesday, August 28.

 

What you can expect:

This afternoon crews begin placing and bagging (until project completion) new signage between Fairview and Stewart.

Beginning at 7 AM Saturday, August 25, the team will hydro-blast (weather & equipment dependent) the street surface to remove existing street configuration markings; and then paint the new lines.

The moving operation will create additional, temporary lane closures through Saturday afternoon. Work is scheduled again Monday and Tuesday, 9 AM – 3 PM, to complete the project.

 

August 24, Friday | Noon – 3 PM | Closures
Crews need 1 – 2 rolling lane closures, and at times may be able to use those already in place for construction on both sides of Denny Way.

 

August 25, Saturday | 7 AM – 3 PM | Closures
As crews progress with mobile operations, there will be 1 – 2 rolling lane closures.

 

Monday August 27 and Tuesday, August 28 | 9 AM – 3 PM | Closures
Expect rolling lane closures during work hours, to finish project.

 

Thank you for your patience during this mobile operation!

 

Contact us!

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