On the Move Blog Department of Transportation

On The Move

Advisories from the Seattle Department of Transportation

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.

 

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.

 

 

 

 

Bus impacts today | 2nd & Columbia

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

Crews are installing a pole foundation today, in downtown Seattle. Work is taking place on the SW corner of the intersection of  2nd Ave and Columbia St.

What you can expect:

October 21, 2018 | 9 AM – late afternoon

Impacts |

  • SB bus lane will have some reductions during work.

Contact |

  • Call 206-391-3713 with any questions.

 

Thank you for your patience as our crews make improvements!

 

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.

 

Parking impacts | 15th & Dakota

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

Crews are installing metal poles for a new intersection today, in SE Seattle.

 

What you can expect:

October 21 | 8 AM – late afternoon

Impacts |

  • No parking at/near 15th and Dakota.

Contact |

  • Questions? Call 206-391-3713.

 

Thank you for your patience during this work!

 

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.

25th Ave NE paving – SB traffic detour after Husky Homecoming!

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The 25th Ave NE paving team has adjusted work site plans to help traffic flow to and from Saturday’s Huskies game. About 65,000 people are expected to attend the Homecoming game at Husky Stadium!

 

What you can expect:

Before the football game, both NB and SB traffic will be allowed on 25th Ave. After the game SB traffic detours at 55th St.

SATURDAY, October 20 | on 25th Ave NE

Before the game |

  • One NB and one SB lane open, NE 44th St to NE Blakeley St.

 4th quarter |

  • NB traffic only, on both available lanes – guided by Seattle Police Dept. – Montlake Blvd NE at Husky Stadium to NE 55th St.

After the game |

  • SB traffic must detour at NE 55th St.
  • Use NE 55th St to access 15th Ave NE, 20th Ave NE, and 35th Ave NE for SB alternatives.

 

The 25th Ave NE project includes storm drain and sidewalk repairs; curb ramp replacement; and repair of roadway panels.

 

Contact us!

If you have questions or concerns, please contact the construction outreach team at 25thAvePaving@seattle.gov, or (206) 733-9050.  For more information on this project, please visit: www.seattle.gov/transportation/pave_ne25.htm.

 

We appreciate your patience during this work!

 

Beacon/Columbian intersection closures | Fri PM – Mon AM

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Construction is in full swing for the S Columbian Way / S Alaska St project, as crews complete drainage and pedestrian improvements work. This weekend the team will demolish old and pour new concrete on the roadway. Paving work is expected to begin in the spring.

 

What you can expect:

Crews working at the intersection of Beacon Ave S and S Columbian Way.

October 19 – 22 | 7 PM Fri – 7 AM Mon

Closures |

  • S Columbian Way at Beacon Ave S (per detour map above)
  • Lane reductions/shifts on Beacon Ave S, S Ferdinand St to S Alaska St/Cheasty Blvd S
  • Right-turn lane from SB Beacon Ave S to WB S Columbian Way.

Detours |

  • Beacon Ave S traffic consolidated an W side of the median
  • S Columbian Way E/W traffic will be rerouted onto 24th Ave S; S Ferdinand St; and Columbia Dr S.
  • R turns from Beacon Ave S to S Columbian Way WB will be rerouted to R turn around traffic island.

General |

  • Beacon Ave S will have one lane open in each direction.
  • Intersection traffic signal will be deactivated during work.
  • Flaggers will help direct traffic.
  • No parking along designated detour routes.

 

Questions?

Please contact the construction outreach team at (206) 256-5112 or ColumbianAlaska@seattle.gov. There’s also more project information at www.seattle.gov/transportation/paving-columbian.

 

We appreciate your patience during this work!

What’s moving Seattle | this week – UPDATE

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This week, things get moving Friday with the 3-day Seattle Home Show (20,000 people expected daily); Saturday with a Huskies Kick-off (65,000 people expected); and several traffic impacts through the weekend! With one no longer planned: Rainier Ave S @ I-90 closures are canceled! 

 

Friday, October 19

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.

 

Saturday, October 20

Image by American Cancer Society | https://bit.ly/2P8xLAE

Making Strides of Seattle: 3-mile fundraising walk to fight breast cancer.  Walk will start and finish at Gas Works Park.  Route will use streets and trails to the west of the park.  Event hours: 9 AM – 11 AM.  Estimated attendance:  1,450.

Seattle Home Show at CenturyLink Field Event Center: Event hours: 10 AM – 6 PM.  Estimated attendance: 20,000.

A21 Walk for Freedom: Walk to bring awareness to the issue of human trafficking.  Participants to march N on sidewalks along 1st Ave from 2700 1st Ave to Pike St, and back. Event hours: 10:45 AM – 12:30 PM.  Estimated attendance:  275.

Washington Huskies vs. Colorado Buffalos: Homecoming game at Husky Stadium. Kickoff: 12:30 PM.  Estimated attendance: 65,000.

SeaCompression 2018: A Space Odyssea: Official annual decompression party for the Burning Man community of Seattle and the greater Puget Sound region, at Seattle Design Center.  Event hours: 2 PM – 2 AM.  Estimated attendance:  2,000.

 

Sunday, October 21

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.

 

October 20:

  • 2nd Ave reduced to one lane, Pine St to Pike St, for State Hotel crane work (protected bike lane remains open).

October 19 – 21:

  • EB Pike St, between 1st and 2nd, closed all weekend for concrete panel replacement in the State Hotel project.

October 19 – 22:

  • SR 99 fully closed, Fri 9 PM – Sat 5 PM, from the West Seattle Bridge to the Battery St tunnel.
  • SR 99 SB closed, through 5 AM Mon, from West Seattle Bridge to Battery Street Tunnel.
  • Rainier Ave S at I-90 closed Fri 11 PM – Mon 5 AM, along with WB I-90 off-ramp to SB Rainier; closure for Sound Transit East Link construction work. Traffic will be detoured to 23rd Ave S and to MLK Way S. This Rainier Ave S work is now canceled!

 

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.

 

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.

 

This Weekend: #Realign99 SB & NB #ReviveI5 closures.

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Looking S from Marion at new Alaskan Way striping in front of the ferry terminal.

Making the switch.

It’s time to make the switch – Friday PM to Monday AM – to #realign99 from under the Alaskan Way Viaduct to just west of it. The traffic switch is an important step towards viaduct demolition, which starts after the new tunnel opens in early 2019.

Also, this weekend, is SR 99 and I-5 work, making it important to plan ahead for any travel!

 

Southbound – #Realign99 Alaskan Way: 

Closure: 9 PM Oct. 12 to 5 AM Oct. 15

South end of Battery St Tunnel to Spokane St to complete paving near Atlantic St – critical preparation for next year’s SR 99 tunnel opening.

 

Alaskan Way along the waterfront: 

Closure: 8 PM Oct. 13 to 10 AM Oct. 14

Alaskan Way along the waterfront, between Railroad Way S and Wall St to finish striping a new four-lane alignment and begin striping almost 250 new, temporary parking spots underneath the viaduct. Washington State Ferries’ Colman Dock will remain accessible.

 

Northbound #ReviveI5: 

Reduced to 2 lanes: 8 PM Oct. 13 to 10 AM Oct. 14

Martin Luther King Jr Way to Olive Way, plus several ramps to replace pavement and expansion joints.

 

Plan ahead. Expect delays.

To limit congestion, consider:

  • Using transit, particularly light rail.
  • Postponing discretionary trips. Fewer trips = fewer cars = less backup.
  • Before hitting the road, get real-time Revive I-5 traffic information on mobile devices using the WSDOT traffic app, and tracking #ReviveI5 on the WSDOT Traffic Twitter feed.

 

How you get around downtown is changing. The Alaskan Way Viaduct will permanently close January 11, 2109, for three weeks of work to #realign99 into the new SR 99 tunnel. WSDOT encourages everyone to plan ahead for this closure – the longest highway closure ever in the Seattle area!

Beacon Ave S & S Columbian Way lane closures | Sat/Sun

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

The intersection of Beacon Ave S and S Columbian Way will be under construction this weekend, while crews demo and rebuild ADA curb ramps and improve drainage.

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

 

What you can expect:

October 13 & 14 | 7 AM – 7 PM daily

Closures |

  • Shoulder of Beacon Ave S, starting ~200ft before intersection.
  • Right-turn lane from SB Beacon Ave S to WB S Columbian Way.

Detours |

  • Drivers turning R from Beacon Ave S to S Columbian Way WB will be rerouted for R turns around traffic island.

General |

  • Beacon Ave S will have one lane open in each direction.
  • All lanes on S Columbian Way will remain open.
  • Intersection traffic signal will be deactivated during work.
  • Flaggers will help direct traffic.
  • Beacon Ave S median parking will be accessible.

 

Questions?

Please contact the construction outreach team at (206) 256-5112 or ColumbianAlaska@seattle.gov. There’s also more project information at www.seattle.gov/transportation/paving-columbian.

We appreciate your patience during this work!

 

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!