On the Move Blog Department of Transportation

On The Move

Advisories from the Seattle Department of Transportation

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.

 

SLU Streetcar lane changes go live early November!

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Left lane Streetcar Only sign; Terry Ave at Harrison, looking N

Left lane Streetcar Only sign; Terry Ave at Republican, looking N

 

Phase I of the South Lake Union Streetcar Improvements go live November 2018!  Signs have been installed and parking restrictions are set to change on November 5, 2018.

 

The South Lake Union line connects the fast-growing South Lake Union neighborhood to Seattle’s vibrant downtown core. We are planning to install a set of improvements to reduce travel delays and improve travel time for the streetcar.

 

What you can expect:

Changes Planned Starting November 2018 | Phase 1

  • Streetcar-only lane restriction on Terry Ave:
    • 3 – 7 PM | M – F; between Harrison and Republican streets.
    • 24 hours a day | 7 days a week; between Republican and Mercer streets.

 

  • No parking on Terry Ave, between Thomas and Mercer  streets:
    • 3 – 7 PM | M – F

 

  • No NB left turn from Terry Ave to Harrison St:
    •  3-7 PM; M – F

 

  • No NB left turn from Terry Ave to Republican St:
    • 3-7 PM; M – F

 

Questions?

Contact Jonathan Dong at Jonathan.Dong@Seattle.gov or 206.233.8564.

 

 

 

 

What’s Moving Seattle | This Week

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This week started off with the Sounders whooping the Dynamos, 4 to 1. Beginning Thursday, Aurora Borealis comes to town; the Huskies host Colorado; the UW Dawgs dash; a Snails Shell Tour is scheduled; and….the Alaskan Way traffic switch is planned!

 

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 11

BOREALIS – a festival of lights: Inaugural, annual event creating a kaleidoscope of light, color, and illusion on the exterior of the Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI); plus, art installations in South Lake Union; music; food trucks; and a beer garden during this international competition. Four nights, 6:30 PM – 10 PM; 10,000 to 15,000 attendees expected.

 

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 12

BOREALIS – a festival of lights: Inaugural, annual event creating a kaleidoscope of light, color, and illusion on the exterior of the Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI); plus, art installations in South Lake Union; music; food trucks; and a beer garden during this international competition. Four nights, 6:30 PM – 10 PM; 10,000 to 15,000 attendees expected.

 

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 13

Featured image courtesy of CenturyLink Field | Snails – Shell Tour 2

 

Puget Sound Heart and Stroke Walk: Walk from Seattle Center to Downtown and back in this fundraiser to help fight heart disease and stroke!  Walk begins at 2nd Ave N and Mercer St; to E on Mercer; S on 5th ; W on Cedar; S on 4th; a U-Turn at University; N on 4th; W on Denny; N on 2nd; to the Seattle Center campus.  RapidRide C Line to be rerouted. Event Hours: 9 AM – 11 AM; 6,000 attendees expected.

  • 4th Ave University St to Denny Way closed 8 AM – 11 AM.
  • 4th Ave is WSDOT  I-5 detour route.

 

SODO Flea: Monthly flea market on Utah Ave S between S Stacy and Holgate streets.  Event Hours: 10 AM – 4 PM; 1,000 attendees expected. 

Women Build Nations Banner Parade: This march from the Washington State Convention Center (7th Ave and Pike St), with Seattle Police escort, travels along 7th Ave, to Pine St, to Westlake Park.  Event Hours: 1:15 PM – up to 3:30 PM. 1,000 attendees expected.  

BOREALIS – a festival of lights: Inaugural, annual event creating a kaleidoscope of light, color, and illusion on the exterior of the Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI); plus, art installations in South Lake Union; music; food trucks; and a beer garden during this international competition. Four nights, 6:30 PM – 10 PM; 10,000 to 15,000 attendees expected.

Snails – Shell Tour 2.0 Tour concert at WaMu Theater: Event Hours: 7 PM – 11:59 PM.  7,000 attendees expected. 

 

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 14:

Image courtesy of Alaska Airlines Dawg Dash | www.washington.edu/alumni/dawgdash/

University of Washington Dawg Dash: Run in support of student scholarships!  Route uses UW campus roadways, and roads/trails north and south  10K begins at 9 AM; 5K at 9:20 AM; 4,700 attendees expected. 

BOREALIS – a festival of lights: Inaugural, annual event creating a kaleidoscope of light, color, and illusion on the exterior of the Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI); plus, art installations in South Lake Union; music; food trucks; and a beer garden during this international competition. Four nights, 6:30 PM – 10 PM; 10,000 to 15,000 attendees expected.

 

Construction updates…

  • October 13: 2nd Ave, Pine St to Pike St, will be reduced to one lane for crane work in support of the future State Hotel (1507 2nd Ave).
  • October 12 – 15: NB I-5 reduced to 2 lanes, MLK to Olive Way, Fri 8 PM – Mon 5 AM.
  • October 12 – 15: SR 99 SB closed, S end of Battery St tunnel to S Spokane St, Fri 9 PM – Mon 5 AM
  • October 13 – 14: Alaskan Way will be closed from 8 PM Saturday night until 10 AM Sunday morning, to switch traffic from under the viaduct to west of viaduct.  Parking will be available under the viaduct until the viaduct closes on January 11, 2019.
  • October 12 – 15; 19 – 22; and 26 – 29: Rainier Ave S at I-90 will be closed, Fri 11 PM – Mon 5 AM, for the Sound Transit East Link Extension project.
  • October 15 – 21: Full closure of SR 99, John St to Harrison St, for multiple utility projects; Times TBD.
  • October 19 – 22: Full closure of SR 99, West Seattle Bridge to Battery St tunnel, Fri 9 PM – Mon 5 AM.
  • WSDOT construction details at:
    www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/Viaduct/construction-notifications
 

In the pipeline…

October 28: Westlake Ave N SB lanes closed at Mercer St and SLU Streetcar will not operate. Seattle Public Utilities is installing a water service connection for the 201 Westlake Ave N development (future 7-story Citizen M hotel). Vehicles will be detoured to Dexter and Fairview.

 

The tunnel down under…

Image from WSDOT Video | One Smart Tunnel

January of 2019 will be a significant traffic transition month, culminating with the opening of the new SR 99 tunnel. To prepare for what’s coming, plan now for options to deal with the necessary 3-week SR 99 closure.

 

Other event/construction info…

 

Contact us!

Resources:

SDOT’s Traveler’s Map

Know before you go. Use the map controls to see real-time traffic, travel times, camera footage, if a bridge is up or down, and if a railroad crossing is open or closed – select by neighborhood if you choose.

 

Follow us!

Follow us for breaking news, real-time traffic, project updates, events, surveys, policy, advisories, blogs, & more.

 

Alert Seattle

Sign up for ALERT SEATTLE, WSDOT, and Metro Alerts. AlertSeattle is the official emergency notification system used by the City of Seattle to communicate with city residents during emergencies. Sign up now to receive free alerts from the City via text message, email, voice message or social media.

 

King County’s Get Ready website

There’s no way around it—getting around Seattle is going to be tricky during the SR 99 closure. Expect traffic delays and be prepared for full buses during peak travel times. Check out the travel options below that can help you get around in anticipation of the new SR 99 tunnel opening.

 

Commute Seattle’s Employer Resources

For over 10 years, Commute Seattle has helped Seattle businesses of all sizes unlock their potential and empower employees to utilize convenient, affordable, and sustainable transportation options.

 

Pruning First Hill Streetcar Corridor

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Image by Google Maps | Intersection of Broadway and Boren Ave.

 

This weekend, SDOT’s Urban Forestry team will do maintenance and pruning work in the First Hill Streetcar Corridor. On Saturday, crews will inspect and complete irrigation maintenance at  Broadway and Boren Ave, and at Broadway and Marion St.

Image by Google Maps | Intersection of Broadway and Marion St.

 

On Sunday, a small crew will weed, mulch and prune in the larger First Hill Streetcar Corridor landscapes, starting on Broadway.

 

What you can expect:

September 15 – 16 | 7 AM – 3:30 PM daily

Closure | On Sunday, there may be a short period of time where we need to close a NB lane of Boren Ave, between Broadway and E Terrace St.

This maintenance work should not directly impact the track areas of the streetcar.

 

About our Urban Forestry team.

Our Urban Forestry team administers, maintains, protects, and expands the City’s urban landscape in the street right-of-way to maximize economic, environmental, safety and aesthetic benefits. Everyone in the community benefits from a healthy urban landscape along the city streets and sidewalks which we all share.

 

Contact us!

Questions? Email seattle.trees@seattle.gov  or call 206-684-TREE (8733).

 

Thank you for your patience as we maintain Seattle’s greenery!

 

 

What’s moving Seattle this week?

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It’s time to party in our streets!

Get ready, Seattle! The Capitol Hill Block Party and Bite of Seattle are happening this week. Add daily Mariner and Sounders games, a festival, a parade, and 5k runs and that number blows up to 100k people having fun outside. As you guessed it – this could cause some challenges on how you get around. So know before you go. Scan this! Then check back on Thursday for our Weekender Edition updates and then scan again.

 

Tuesday, July 17

Landscaping Interbay, SLU, & W Seattle: One lane closure from the on/off ramp from/to 15th Ave W. 8 AM to 3:30 PM.

Landscaping Interbay, SLU, & W Seattle: Southbound outside lane closure of 15th Ave W. 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM.

 

Wednesday, July 18

Median Maintenance: Both NB and SB Harbor Ave SW will shift to the parking lanes, between SW Spokane St and SW Harbor Lane. 9 AM to 3:30 PM.

 

Thursday, July 19

Median Maintenance: Both NB and SB Harbor Ave SW will shift to the parking lanes, between SW Spokane St and SW Harbor Lane. 9 AM to 3:30 PM.

 

Friday, July 20

Featured CHBP Image by The Drainage | http://bit.ly/2KZDbge

Bite of Seattle: Annual food festival at Seattle Center.  11 AM to 9 PM.  About 40k attending.

Capitol Hill Block Party: Annual, 3-day music festival and block party held each July in the heart of Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood.  The event will close E Pike St between Broadway and 12th avenues, and 10th and 11th avenues between E Union St and E Pine St. 3 PM to 11:59 PM. About 9k attending.

Seattle Mariners vs. Chicago White Sox: 7:10 to 10 PM at Safeco Field. About 36k attending.

 

Saturday, July 21

Featured image by Bite of Seattle | http://bit.ly/2ml6hI5

Zero Hour Seattle Youth Climate March: 9 AM rally at Garfield Community Center Playfield followed by 10:30 AM march to Judkins Park. About 2k attending.

Refuse to Abuse 5K: Fundraiser to benefit the Washington Coalition Against Domestic Violence. 5K will start on sidewalks outside Safeco Field and finish inside the ball field. 9 to 11 AM.  About 2k attending.

Dog Days of Summer 5K: 5K fun run in Magnuson Park to benefit Emerald City Pet Rescue. 9:30 to 11 AM. About 250 attending.

West Seattle Grand Parade: Annual Seafair sponsored parade on California Ave SW between SW Lander and SW Edmunds streets. 11 AM to 2 PM.  About 2.5k attending.

Bite of Seattle: Annual food festival at Seattle Center. 11 AM to 9 PM. About 40k attending.

Capitol Hill Block Party: Annual, 3-day music festival and block party held each July in the heart of Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood.  The event will close E Pike St between Broadway and 12th avenues, and 10th and 11th avenues between E Union and E Pine streets. 1 to 11:59 PM. About 9k attending.

Seattle Sounders vs. Vancouver Whitecaps: At CenturyLink Field.  1 to 3 PM.  About 40k attending.

Bon Odori Festival: Annual summer festival at Seattle Betsuin Buddhist Temple (1427 S. Main St). 4 to 10 PM. About 2.5k attending.

Seattle Mariners vs. Chicago White Sox: At Safeco Field. 7:10 to 10 PM. About 36k attending.

 

Sunday, July 22

Featured image by Jameson Florence | http://bit.ly/2Lre1TN

Seafair Triathlon: Seattle’s only triathlon, taking place on the shores of Lake Washington at Seward Park. 6:30 AM to 1 PM. About 1.6k attending.

Bite of Seattle: Annual food festival at Seattle Center. 11 AM to 8 PM. About 40k attending.

St. James Cathedral Parish Picnic: Annual parish picnic will close Terry Ave between Columbia and Marion streets. 11:30 AM to 3 PM.  About 500 attending.

Wekfest: Car show at CenturyLink Field Event Center featuring over 350 pre-screened European, Japanese, and Domestic aftermarket builds. 1 to 6 PM. About 2k attending.

Seattle Mariners vs. Chicago White Sox: At Safeco Field. 1:10 to 4 PM. About 35k attending.

Capitol Hill Block Party: Annual 3-day music festival and block party held each July in the heart of Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood.  The event will close E Pike St between Broadway and 12th avenues, and 10th and 11th avenues between E Union and E Pine streets. 3 to 11 PM. About 9k attending.

Bon Odori Festival: Annual summer festival at Seattle Betsuin Buddhist Temple (1427 S. Main St). 3 to 8 PM. About 1.5k attending.

Chinatown Seafair Parade: Annual community parade hosted by The Greater Seattle Chinese Chamber of Commerce. Route will use S King and S. Weller streets between 8th and 5th avenues S. 7 to 9 PM. About 9k attending.

Admiral Way Ramp Closure: We’re closing the W Seattle Admiral Way ramp for vegetation maintenance. 7 AM to 4 PM. Follow posted detour signs. Buses will use lower Spokane Bridge for W Seattle routes.

 

Help us improve.

We’d like to make this information as digestible and helpful as possible. Share your ideas with us on how we can improve communicating important events and construction that may affect your city commute. What’s that you say👂? Let us know!

 

Contact us!

Email us at construction.coordination@seattle.gov or call 206-684-ROAD (7623). For more information on travel impacts, check out our construction look-ahead and traveler’s map links.

Information subject to change. Additional construction or events may be planned in the Seattle area.

 

1st & Yesler | Full Intersection Closure on July 7-8.

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

Utility work for the Center City Connector.

To complete utility work for the Center City Connector, the intersection at 1st Ave S and Yesler Way will be closed on July 7-8 for our crews to install a new water main.

 

What you can expect.

Closure | Full intersection closure at 1st Ave S and Yesler Way from 7 AM on Saturday, July 7 to 9 PM on Sunday, July 8.

Detours | Detour signs will be posted.

  • EB Yesler Way will be closed at Western Ave, except for local access.
  • WB Yesler Way will be closed at 2nd Ave, except for local access.
  • NB 1st Ave will be closed at S Jackson St.
  • SB 1st Ave will be closed at Cherry St, except for local access.
  • WB James St will be closed at 2nd Ave, except for local access.
  • Temporary sidewalk and crosswalk detours at the intersection of 1st Ave S and Yesler Way.

 

Contact us!

Visit our project website for more information or contact our team by calling 206.400.7578 or emailing centercitystreetcar@seattle.gov.

 

Thank you for your understanding while crews complete the work as quickly as possible!

 

1st & Yesler Partial Closure 6.30→7.1

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

East side of the intersection.

To complete some utility work for the Center City Connector, the east side of the intersection at 1st Ave S and Yesler Way will be closed this weekend. Crews are installing a new water main.

 

What you can expect.

Closure:

Partial closure of 1st Ave S and Yelser Way intersection – on east side; Detour signs will be posted.  Work starts at 7 AM Saturday, June 30, and runs through 9 PM Sunday, July 1.

SAT 7 AM → 9 PM SUN

 

Detours:

  • EB Yesler Way detoured south, on 1st Ave S
  • NB 1st Ave detoured north, on Alaskan Way S and Western Ave
  • WB Yesler Way detoured via Occidental Ave S and S Washington St
  • Local access to James St available from 2nd Ave
  • Local access along Yesler Way between Occidental Ave S and 1st Ave S
  • Temporary sidewalk/crosswalk detours at 1st Ave S/Yesler Way intersection

 

Contact us!

Questions? Contact the team at (206) 400-7578 or centercitystreetcar@seattle.gov. Or, visit the project webpage for more information: www.seattlestreetcar.org/centercity.htm.

 

Thank you for your understanding while crews complete the work as quickly as possible!

 

Temporary Lane Impacts on SB 1st Ave S between Marion and Columbia

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Travelers should be advised that due to repair of an existing underground areaway, there will be a temporary curb-lane closure of southbound 1st Ave from Marion St to mid-block of 1st Ave between Marion and Columbia streets. Two southbound lanes will be maintained for the majority of the work, with traffic partially shifted into the northbound lane of 1st Ave. This impact will occur for approximately 3 months, beginning as soon as May 29. Additionally, width of the sidewalk on the northern half of the block will be temporarily reduced for the duration of the work.

Traffic impacts related to water main replacement along 1st Ave remain in Pioneer Square. For more information on the extent of those impacts, please visit: www.seattlestreetcar.org/centercity.htm.

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

Long-Term Closure of Northbound 1st Ave at Yesler Way starting May 23

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Travelers should be advised that due to utility construction in support of the replacement of the existing water main, northbound 1st Ave between Yesler Way and Columbia St will be closed for approximately 5 months. Additionally, the curb lane of southbound 1st Ave between Columbia St and Yesler Way will be closed for the same duration.

These closures are in addition to the following lane closures in this area:

  • Westbound S Jackson St between 2nd Ave S and 1st Ave S. These blocks are scheduled to open by May 25.
  • Northbound 1st Ave S between S Jackson St and Yesler Way. These blocks are scheduled to open later in the summer.
  • Southbound 1st Ave S between Yesler Way and S Jackson St is occasionally closed, 9:30 AM – 3 PM. These closures are expected to conclude by the end of May.
  • S Main St between 1st Ave S and 2nd Ave S is closed in both directions, 7 AM – 5 PM weekdays until May 23.

 

Please visit the project webpage for more information:

www.seattlestreetcar.org/centercity.htm.

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

 

Temporary Closure of southbound 1st Ave S in Pioneer Square

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The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) advises travelers that due to utility construction to replace the existing water main, side mains, and services, there will be weekday, non-peak hour closures of southbound 1st Ave S between Yesler Way and S Main St. These closures will occur for approximately 2 weeks, Monday – Friday, between the hours of 9:30 AM to 3 PM. Southbound traffic will remain open on Thursday, April 19.

Northbound 1st Ave S remains closed between Yesler Way and S Jackson St around the clock.

Please visit the project webpage for more information: www.seattlestreetcar.org/centercity.htm.

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