On the Move Blog Department of Transportation

On The Move

Advisories from the Seattle Department of Transportation

UPDATE: North Seattle Neighborhood Greenway work progressing

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North Seattle Neighborhood Greenway progress continues, with the installation of new curb ramps and other crossing improvements on the east side of the street at the 3rd Ave NW and N 92nd St intersection: 3rd Ave NW is closed northbound with a detour via Greenwood Ave N until construction is complete in January 2019, weather permitting.

 

What you can expect:

3rd Ave NW and N 92nd St – Installation of curb ramp improvements, crosswalks, and a new crossing beacon on the east side of the street.

Weekdays | 7 AM – 4 PM

Closures

  • Local access only for northbound travelers on 3rd Ave NW between NW 85th St and NW 92nd St through January 2019.
  • NB traffic on 3rd Ave NW will be rerouted to Greenwood Ave N. We recommend using NW 85th St to reach Greenwood Ave N (see map).
  • Those walking will be redirected around the work zone, with a flagger available to assist during work hours.

 

General

  • SB traffic on 3rd Ave NW from NW 95th St to NW 90th St will be maintained throughout construction.
  • Temporary on-street parking restrictions, with “no park” signs placed in advance.
  • Typical construction equipment, materials, noise, dust, and activity in the work area.

 

The North Seattle Neighborhood Greenway will connect with the planned Northgate Pedestrian and Bicycle Bridge at N 100th St, which crosses I-5 and connects to the future Northgate Link light rail station, bringing people to popular destinations including parks, schools, business districts, other greenways, and transit hubs.

North Seattle Neighborhood Greenway Project, 100th & Greenwood3rd Ave NW & NW 92nd St, October/November 2018 | click for project map.

Questions?

Please contact the project team at northseattlegreenway@seattle.gov or 206-684-8105. There’s also more information at the project webpage.

 

Thank you for your patience as we work to complete this new neighborhood greenway!

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.

Closures with Beacon Ave S and S Myrtle St intersection construction | December 8 & 9

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The intersection of Beacon Ave S and S Myrtle St will be under construction Saturday and Sunday. It’s preparation to allow installation of a new signal and conduit replacements.

What you can expect:

Saturday, December 8 | 8AM – 5PM

  • Signal at Beacon Ave S/S Myrtle St intersection will be dark; treat the intersection like a 4-way stop!
  • Travel restrictions in effect:
    • NB Beacon Ave S traffic will be detoured on S Othello St, to 33rd Ave S;
    • SB Beacon Ave S should use S Cloverdale St to Martin Luther King Jr Way S;
    • Local traffic only during construction.
  • Uniformed police officers will be on site to direct traffic.

 

Sunday, December 9 | 8AM – 5PM

  • NW corner of Beacon Ave S/S Myrtle St intersection will be closed. 
  • Travel restrictions in effect:
    • SB Beacon Ave S traffic will be directed to Military Rd S (rest of intersection open)
    • Metro routes 107 and 36 will be rerouted. Visit kingcounty.gov/metro/alerts to learn more.
  • Traffic is expected to return to normal on Sunday, by 5PM.

This work is weather-dependent and may be rescheduled if necessary.

 

Contact Us!

If you have questions or concerns, please contact the construction outreach team at swiftmyrtleothello@seattle.gov, or (206) 256-5227.

For more information on this project, please visit: www.seattle.gov/transportation/paving-swift-myrtle-othello

We appreciate your patience during this work!

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.

 

 

Spokane St Bridge outage 7 – 9 PM tonight | Shuttle van available!

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

 

For 2 hours tonight, starting at 7 PM, the Spokane St Bridge (West Seattle Lower Bridge) and the bike trail will be closed, so crews can replace a power control cable. A shuttle van will be available both directions, to take interested travelers over the high bridge.

 

What you can expect:

During this project, barrels and barricades as well as message boards, will direct traffic. After cable replacement and successful bridge testing, the bridge will reopen to traffic.

November 13 | 7 – 9 PM

Impacts | 

  • Spokane St Bridge (aka Lower W Seattle Bridge) closed.
  • W Seattle Bridge Trail closed.

 

Assistance | A shuttle van will travel back and forth over W Seattle High Bridge, in 15-minute intervals, with the following stops:

  • East Side – 11th Ave SW and SW Spokane St.
  • West side – SW Spokane St and Port of Seattle Terminal 5 Entrance.

 

Shuttle service is scheduled to run during the duration of the outage. Should this maintenance work experience unexpected challenges, the shuttle will run all night, as needed.

 

Questions?

Email paul.jackson@seattle.gov to learn more.

Thank you for your patience as we maintain the Spokane St Bridge!

 

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

 

What’s Moving Seattle | This Week UPDATE

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Besides the last day to turn in your voting ballot (by 8 PM today), this week in Seattle includes some overnight NB I-5 lane closures; a Sounders playoffs game; an home show and auto show (not together – that would require a commute); and Veterans Day, honoring all who have served and continue to serve in the United States Armed Forces.

 

Tuesday, November 6

Washington State General Election Day & King County Elections: You have until 8 PM tonight to return your ballot, to get either a postmark or make it to a ballot drop box.

Seattle Home Show at CenturyLink Field Event Center: Hundreds of home and garden displays; “Meet the Experts” seminars; building products and materials information; plus, arts & crafts and home decorating.  Event hours: 10 AM – 6 PM.  Estimated attendance: 20,000. Oops – this already happened! Look for the next one starting February 23, 2019!

 

Thursday, November 8

Image by Seattle Sounders | www.soundersfc.com/playoffs

MLS Cup Playoffs at CenturyLink Field – Seattle Sounders host Portland Timbers: Kick-off at 7:30 PM. Estimated attendance: 40,000.
Here’s to a winning Thursday!!!

 

Friday, November 9

Image by Seattle International Auto Show | seattleautoshow.com

Seattle International Auto Show at CenturyLink Event Center: Show hours: 12 PM – 9 PM.  Estimated attendance: 10,000.

 

Saturday, November 10

Image by Seattle International Auto Show | seattleautoshow.com

Seattle International Auto Show at CenturyLink Event Center. Show hours: 9 AM – 9 PM.  Estimated attendance: 10,000.

 

Sunday, November 11

100th Anniversary of Veterans Day: President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed that Armistice Day, later known as Veterans Day, be celebrated on November 11 – honoring the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month when a truce or armistice was signed to stop the fighting in World War I.

In Seattle, this year, veterans are honored and thanked in many ways, including:

  • Veterans Day Ceremony on the University of Washington Campus: The ceremony includes recognition of the 2018 Distinguished Alumni Veteran Award recipient, and presentation of the colors and a performance by the Husky Band. Event hours: 11 AM – 12:30 PM. Parking is free on campus all day.
  • More UW Veterans Day events: The list notes events in Bothell, Seattle, and Tacoma.
  • Free admission (+ spouse) to Woodland Park Zoo: On Sunday from 9:30 AM to 4 PM, free admission to all active, veteran and retired U.S. military personnel and their spouses with valid service identification. Plus, up to four family members accompanying heroes with valid ID, receive $5 off admission.
  • FREE Admission at Museum of Flight: On Sunday from 10 AM to 5 PM, enjoy film screenings, presentations, and musical performances honoring war veterans. Precisely at 11:00 AM, a bell will be rung twenty-one times to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Armistice Day and the end of the First World War. The official ceremony begins at noon.

 

If you’re a vet, be sure to bring along your VA Universal Access Card, Military ID, DD-214 (discharge papers), or Veterans Service Organization Card to enjoy these and other thank yous!

“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.”

President John F. Kennedy

 

Seattle International Auto Show at CenturyLink Event Center:  Show hours: 9 AM – 6 PM.  Estimated attendance: 10,000.

 

Monday, November 12

Veterans Day is a federal holiday: Veterans Day is observed in 2018 on Monday, November 12, with government offices closed in recognition.

Seattle International Auto Show at CenturyLink Event Center: Show hours: 9 AM – 6 PM.  Estimated attendance: 10,000.

 

 

Construction this week…

November 5 – 9 | 10 PM – 5 AM – 2 left lanes of NB I-5 will be closed nightly, from Edgar Martinez to Olive Way

November 9 – 12 | 24/7 – W Nickerson St and 15th Ave W Interchange will be closed

 

In the pipeline…

November 15: Seattle Seahawks host Green Bay Packers at CenturyLink Field, 5:30 PM Kick-off (Thursday night game).

November 17: University of Washington hosts Oregon State, Kick-off TBA.

 

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.

 

Painting the downtown red | for Columbia transit!

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Columbia St at 3rd Ave, looking West | October 2018

Columbia St at 3rd Ave, looking West | August 2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Did you notice something new and bright along Columbia St, headed west past 3rd Ave? The bright red “only bus” markings are one more step toward an eventual 2-Way Transit Corridor.

 

Seeing Red.

The new vivid coloring underscores rules for lane use in that busy area, helping to keep buses moving through in both the current 1-way configuration, and future 2-way operations.

 

The team took advantage of dry weather Saturday, October 27, to complete the thermoplastic installation on the northern most lane of Columbia St, between 1st and 3rd avenues. The Columbia St segment between 3rd Ave and Alaskan Way will be rebuilt and converted to 2-way operations, as part of the Waterfront Seattle project.

 

Contact Us!

Do you have questions about this effort? Visit the project web page, or contact the team at Columbia@seattle.gov or (206) 316-2545.