On the Move Blog Department of Transportation

On The Move

Advisories from the Seattle Department of Transportation

Update 1 | W Seattle Lower Bridge

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Bike shuttle service extended.

Inspections are underway following last night’s emergency low-level West Seattle Bridge “closure” – essentially a forced extended opening to enable inspection and repairs. With bicyclists impacted significantly, to reach alternative routes over the Duwamish River, we will continue van service for bicycle commuters and evaluate use throughout the week. Shuttle for bicyclists will be operating during heavy commute hours: 6 to 10 AM and 3 to 7 PM.

More details to come, on bridge damage associated with hydraulic fluid leakage. The leak is contained inside a machine room that holds the huge cylinders which turn the bridge sections in for roadway traffic and out for marine traffic.

 

What you can expect:

✔ Vehicles:

Portable message signs are placed on S Spokane St, east of E Marginal, facing WB traffic; the message to vehicle drivers:

“SPOKANE | BRIDGE | CLOSED WEST OF | HARBOR | ISLAND”

Vehicle Detour Routes began at 8 PM, June 20, with signage at the following locations:

  • Chelan Ave SW
  • 1st Ave S
  • E Marginal
  • Harbor

 

✔ Bike Riders:

Van service for bike riders continues! Shuttle van pickup/drop-off is at the bridge approaches to and from Spokane St Swing Bridge. The shuttle carries up to 15 people and will run during heavy commute hours: 6 to 10 AM and 3 to 7 PM. Cyclist shuttle use will be evaluated throughout the week.  For those riding around the Duwamish:

  • From W Seattle | Detour signs are placed at the West Seattle Bridge Trail, to head south along West Marginal Way; crossing SW Michigan St onto 1st Ave S.
  • From SODO | Detour signs are placed along 1st Ave S to continue south to SW Michigan St.

Our Seattle Bike Map shows commonly advised bicycle travel paths, though this map does not carry construction impact information; however, bike detour maps will be posted asap. Stay tuned!

 

Contact us!

Have a question or want more information? Visit our Bridges page or contact our Bridges and Roadway Structures manager, Paul Jackson, by email at paul.jackson@seattle.gov or phone 206.684.8325.

 

Thanks for your patience while we conduct emergency inspections and repairs!

TONIGHT! | Spokane St Swing Bridge “closing” for emergency repairs.

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Thanks to a bridge safety alarm system, our bridge operators discovered a hydraulic fluid leak on the Spokane St Swing Bridge (aka West Seattle Low-Level Bridge). To protect the safety of travelers and mitigate potentially costly cumulative damages, we will be conducting an emergency inspection and repairs starting at 8 PM tonight, 6/20/18. The bridge will swing out of commission for a week or more and will be closed to vehicle traffic but open to marine vessels.

The leak is in one of the cylinder seals, shown above. To determine the extent of the damage, the bridge must be swung out in its open position and remain there during inspection and repairs.

 

What you can expect:

✔ Vehicles:

Our team is currently placing portable message signs on S Spokane St, east of E Marginal, facing WB traffic; the message to vehicle drivers:

“SPOKANE | BRIDGE | CLOSED

WEST OF | HARBOR | ISLAND”

Vehicle Detour Routes will begin at 8 PM and be clearly marked at the following locations:

  • Chelan Ave SW
  • 1st Ave S
  • E Marginal
  • Harbor

 

✔ Bike Riders:

For tonight only, we are providing van service for bike riders. Van service will stage at the approaches to and from Spokane St Swing Bridge. For those riding around the Duwamish:

  • From West Seattle | Detour signs are placed at the West Seattle Bridge Trail, to head south along West Marginal Way; crossing SW Michigan St onto 1st Ave S
  • From SODO | Detour signs are placed along 1st Ave S to continue south, to (update) Highland Park Way SW, just past SW Michigan St.

 

Our Bridges & Roadway Structures crews staff the City’s moving bridges 24/7. Bridge Operations and Maintenance Manager, Paul Jackson, said a leak unnoticed could cause increasing and eventually severe structural damage.

“Our bridge tenders don’t just sit in a tower—they inspect everything closely—over, and over again. I’m proud of them, though we all realize the repair work will cause significant traffic delays, we’re happy to have found the problem while it may still be small.” – Paul Jackson

It’s hoped the repair will be complete by the middle of next week, but that cannot be confirmed until the cylinder is opened and more thoroughly investigated for damage.

 

Contact us!

Have a question or want more information? Visit our Bridges page or contact our Bridges and Roadway Structures manager, Paul Jackson, by email at paul.jackson@seattle.gov or phone 206.684.8325.

 

Thanks for your patience while we conduct the emergency inspection and repairs!

Lane Closures on SW Barton between 29th Ave SW & 30th Ave SW Beginning May 19th through May 23rd

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SDOT is advising travelers that lane closures on SW Barton St between 29th Ave SW and 30th Ave SW begin Saturday, May 19 through Wednesday, May 23.

The closures are for concrete panel repairs on SW Barton St. This project is weather dependent. SDOT would like to thank the public for its patience while this work is being completed.

What travelers can expect:

  • Parking will be restricted:
    • 72 hours before the work starts and parking restrictions begin, “NO PARKING” signs will be placed on the street
  • SW Barton will have one lane of alternating traffic open during construction hours (8:30am to 6:00pm)
    • Police Officers will be staged at 29th Ave SW and 30th Ave SW to direct traffic
    • Sidewalk access will remain open
    • One lane in each direction of SW Barton will be open for vehicle traffic after construction hours
    • Possible travel delays through construction area during work hours

Events Traffic Advisory for Tuesday, May 15 – Sunday, May 20

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SDOT is advising travelers to be aware of the following events happening around the city that may affect area traffic. The Mariners play tonight through Sunday at Safeco Field with a day games Wednesday and Sunday. The University District Street Fair is this weekend. WSDOT will lane and ramp closures through the weekend.

EVENTS

TUESDAY, MAY 15:

Mariners vs. Texas Rangers: Seattle Mariners host the Rangers at 7:10 p.m. at Safeco Field. About 15,000 people are expected to attend.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 16

Mariners vs. Texas Rangers: Seattle Mariners host the Rangers at 12:40 p.m. at Safeco Field. About 23,000 people are expected to attend.

THURSDAY, MAY 17:

Seattle 17th of May Festival: Annual Ballard neighborhood festival includes a parade celebrating Norway’s Constitution Day. The festival starts at 10 a.m., the parade goes from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. About 4,000 people are expected to attend.

Mariners vs. Detroit Tigers: Seattle Mariners host the Tigers at 7:10 p.m. at Safeco Field. About 15,000 people are expected to attend.

FRIDAY, MAY 18:

F5 Bike Everywhere Day: Event to celebrate and encourage bicycling as transportation, begins at 6 a.m. Celebration stations will be set up along major travel routes throughout the city.

Mariners vs. Detroit Tigers: Seattle Mariners host the Tigers at 7:10 p.m. at Safeco Field. About 31,000 people are expected to attend.

Paul Simon Concert: The Homeward Bound Farewell tour show at KeyArena starts at 8 p.m. About 12,000 people are expected to attend.

SATURDAY, MAY 19:

University District Street Fair:  The 49th annual arts and music fair on University Wy NE between NE Campus Parkway and NE 50th St. Event hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.  NE 42nd, NE 43rd and NE 47th streets are closed from Brooklyn Ave NE to 15th Ave NE.  About 20,000 people are expected to attend each day.

Mariners vs. Detroit Tigers: Seattle Mariners host the Tigers at 7:10 p.m. at Safeco Field. About 32,000 people are expected to attend.

Stars on Ice: At KeyArena features U.S Figure Skating team members. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. About 4,000 people are expected to attend.

SUNDAY, MAY 20:

Nordstrom Beat the Bridge 8K Run and Walk: The annual fundraiser for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation run starts and finishes at Husky Stadium and crosses the University Bridge. Montlake Boulevard closes to all vehicle traffic at 7:30 a.m. The 8K starts at 8:30 a.m. Here’s a link to the course map. About 11,000 people are expected to participate.

West Seattle 5K Run/Walk: The fundraising event for West Seattle High School will take place along Alki Ave SW starting at 9:20 a.m. About 1,400 people are expected to participate.

University District Street Fair:  The 49th annual arts and music fair on University Wy NE between NE Campus Parkway and NE 50th St. About 20,000 people are expected to attend.

Spring Opener: The Georgetown Car and Bike show fundraiser for Treehouse goes from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Airport Way between Corson Ave S and S Bailey St. About 500 people are expected to attend.

Mariners vs. Detroit Tigers: Seattle Mariners host the Tigers at 1:10 p.m. at Safeco Field. About 35,000 people are expected to attend.

CONSTRUCTION

WSDOT Closures May 18- 21

Several lanes and ramps will begin to close at 8 p.m. Friday night, May 18, and reopen for the morning commute by 5 a.m. Monday morning, May 21:

  • Two lanes of northbound I-5 will remain open between the West Seattle Bridge and SR 520 from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.
  • A single lane will remain open each night from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m.The following ramps will be closed during the May 18-21 weekend construction:

Ramp closures

  • 5th Ave/Columbia Street on-ramp to northbound I-5 Express Lanes
  • Northbound I-5 off-ramp to Seneca Street
  • University Street on-ramp to northbound I-5
  • Mercer Street on-ramp to northbound I-5 (and Express Lanes)
  • Express Lanes will remain open in the northbound direction all weekend

Southbound SR 99 Overhead Sign Installation on Saturday, February 10 and Sunday, February 11

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SDOT is advising travelers that SDOT crews will reduce the number of southbound SR 99 travel lanes on Saturday February 10, and Sunday, February 11 to replace overhead signs directing travelers on southbound SR 99 to West Seattle and Harbor Island.

This work will reduce the number of southbound travel lanes to create work zones for crews just north of the West Seattle and Harbor Island exits starting Saturday morning and continuing through Sunday afternoon. Please use extra caution during this time as lane closures will alternate depending on the location of signs being replaced. SDOT would like to thank the public for its patience while this work is being completed. Please map below for locations:

Fauntleroy Way SW and SW Wildwood Pl, south of Fauntleroy Ferry Terminal to Close for Construction

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SDOT advises travelers that contractors will close the intersection of Fauntleroy Way SW and SW Wildwood Place, just south of the Fauntleroy Ferry Terminal, beginning Monday morning, February 5, through Monday, February 19.  During construction, motorists and Transit will be rerouted.

Crews will replace concrete road panels at the intersection, and install a curb ramp on the northeast corner.

Between 7 a.m. on Monday, February 5 and 5 p.m. on Monday, February 19, travelers can expect:

  • The intersection of Fauntleroy Way SW and SW Wildwood Place to be closed in all directions.
  • Signed detours will be in place:
    • Motorists exiting the ferry terminal who would normally head south, will instead be directed northbound on Fauntleroy Way to SW Morgan St, at which point they can turn right, and then right again onto 35th Ave SW to head back south.
  • Construction will occur Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. until 5 p.m. Saturday construction may be required to finish within the scheduled timeframe.
  • King County Metro’s Rapid Ride C Line will be detoured.

KC Metro Detour and Transit Impacts:

Bus stops near the work area will be temporarily closed during construction. Please look for posted Metro Rider Alerts or visit this Alert link.

SDOT would like to thank the public for its patience while this work is completed.

Events Traffic Advisory for Tuesday, Nov. 28 – Sunday, Dec. 3

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SDOT advises travelers to be aware of the following events in the city that may affect traffic. The Seattle Sounders FC host Houston in a playoff match on Thursday night at CenturyLink Field. The Great Figgy Pudding Caroling Competition is Friday evening at Westlake Center and will have a significant impact on traffic in and around downtown Seattle. The Seahawks host Philadelphia at CenturyLink Field on Sunday afternoon.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30:

Seattle Sounders FC vs. Houston Dynamo in the second leg of the MLS Cup playoffs at 7:30 p.m. at CenturyLink Field. About 45,000 people are expected to attend. Go Sounders!

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1:

Seattle Symphony Friday Matinee Concert: Matinee for students between 9:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. at Benaroya Hall. Student buses will stage on University St between 2nd Ave and 3rd Ave. About 180 students are expected to attend.

Great Figgy Pudding Caroling Competition will close streets around Westlake Center mall and Westlake Park Friday evening. Competition starts at 6 p.m. About 9,000 people are expected to attend.

A Perfect Circle concert at WaMu Theater at CenturyLink Field. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. About 7,200 people are expected to attend.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1 – SUNDAY, DECEMBER 3:

Pacific Northwest Ballet’s The Nutcracker at McCaw Hall. Show times vary. About 2,900 people are expected to attend each performance.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 2:

Our Lady of Guadalupe Celebration: Procession starts at 10:30 a.m. at 20th Ave S and S Weller, continues west on S Jackson St, north on 12th Ave S, west on E Cherry St to 9th Ave and Columbia St.  About 1,000 people are expected to participate.

West Seattle Hometown Holidays Tree Lighting will close SW Alaska St between California Ave SW and 42nd Ave SW from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tree lighting is at 5 p.m. About 750 people are expected to attend.

Magnolia Winterfest will close W McGraw St between 32nd Ave W and 34th Ave W from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tree lighting is at 5 p.m. About 500 people are expected to attend.

Deadbeats Seattle concert at WaMu Theater at CenturyLink Field at 7 p.m. About 7,200  people are expected to attend.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 3:

Seahawks vs. Philadelphia Eagles at 5:30 p.m. at CenturyLink Field. About 67,000 people are expected to attend.

Seahawks vs. Atlanta for Monday Night Football at CenturyLink Field Tonight, November 20

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SDOT advises travelers that the Seattle Seahawks will play the Atlanta Falcons tonight, November 20, at 5:30 p.m. for Monday Night Football at CenturyLink Field.

The game is expected to have significant traffic impacts for the PM rush hour commute. Travelers are advised to plan ahead and to expect delays if traveling in and around the city late Monday afternoon and evening. About 72,000 people are expected to attend the game at CenturyLink Field.

For fans attending the game, here are some transportation options:

Visit Metro Online or Metro’s online Trip Planner to find out your options for riding transit to and from the game. When planning your trip, check Metro’s Service Advisories page to find out about any known revisions to your routes.

Sound Transit Link Light Rail: Ride from your nearest light rail station to Stadium Station.

Sounder Train Service: Sounder trains travel between Lakewood and Seattle (with stops in Tacoma, Puyallup, Sumner, Auburn, Kent and Tukwila) and between Everett and Seattle (with stops in Mukilteo and Edmonds).

West Seattle Bridge Closure November 10 – 11

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SDOT advises travelers that crews will close a portion of the West Seattle Bridge (Fauntleroy Expressway) in both directions to replace jersey barriers on Friday night, November 10 through Saturday morning, November 11.

From 11:59 p.m. on Friday, November 10, through 7 a.m. on Saturday, November 11, travelers can expect:

  • Both directions of the West Seattle Bridge (Fauntleroy Expressway) will be closed between 35th Ave SW and SW Admiral Way
  • Signed detours will be posted:
    • Eastbound traffic will be detoured via SW Avalon Way to SW Spokane St to the West Seattle Bridge
    • Westbound traffic will be detoured via Harbor Ave SW to SW Avalon Way
  • The West Seattle Bridge is scheduled to reopen by 7 a.m. on Saturday

SDOT would like to thank the public for its patience while this work is completed.

Battery Street Tunnel/Aurora Avenue Closure for Paving November 10-11

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SDOT advises travelers that crews will close the Battery Street Tunnel/State Route 99 in both directions for roadway paving above the tunnel on Friday night, November 10 to Saturday morning, November 11. Closure of the tunnel is required for grinding work before paving the roadway above the tunnel.

From 11:59 p.m. on Friday, November 10 until 5 a.m. Saturday, November 11, travelers can expect:

  • The Battery Street Tunnel will be closed to all traffic in both directions between Western Ave and John St
  • Northbound SR 99 traffic will be required to exit at Western Ave
  • Southbound SR 99 traffic will be required to exit at Denny Way
  • Signed detour routes will be in place
  • The tunnel will be reopened at 5 a.m. while paving above the tunnel is done through 8 a.m.

From 11:59 p.m. on Friday, November 10 until 8 a.m. Saturday, November 11, travelers can expect:

  • Aurora Ave will be closed to all traffic between 6th Ave and Denny Way (above the Battery Street Tunnel) for grinding and paving
  • There will be No Parking in the work zone
  • A signed detour will be in place
  • King County Metro bus routes 5, 26, 28 and RapidRide E-Line will be impacted
    • Bus Stop #6235 (behind the Pink Elephant Car wash) will be closed
    • Please visit Metro’s Alerts & Updates page or call 206-553-3000 for additional bus stop information
  • Sidewalk access will be maintained
  • Police officers will be at the intersections of Aurora Ave/6th Ave, Aurora Ave/Denny Way, and 6th Ave/Denny Way to assist with traffic

SDOT would like to thank the public for its patience while this work is completed.