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Magnolia Bridge Study Results

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Magnolia Bridge

 

The Magnolia Bridge was built in 1930 & has stood watching over Elliott Bay for nearly 90 years.

 

The Magnolia Bridge has seen a lot over the years. No, we’re not talking about the stunning view you enjoy while driving along the bridge (arguably one of the best viewpoints of downtown in Seattle); we’re talking about the bridge itself. 

 

Ninety years is a long time and the bridge is showing its age. While the bridge is still safe to drive on, it’s not going to last forever. So in 2017, we launched a planning study to look into possible alternative scenarios for when the bridge needs to be replaced.  

 

The Magnolia Bridge opened on December 6, 1930. Photo courtesy of Seattle Engineering Department #458 and Magnolia Historical Society. 

The Magnolia Bridge opened on December 6, 1930. Photo courtesy of Seattle Engineering Department #458 and Magnolia Historical Society.

 

We’ve been working on a planning study of 4 alternative transportation scenarios for when the bridge needs to be replaced.  

 

 

We weighed alternatives based on factors such as:

 

  • environmental impact,
  • ease of mobility and access,
  • cost,
  • construction duration and impact, and
  • how well each alternative would meet the needs of the community.

 

We also created an emergency transportation plan for unexpected closures. Read more about the results of this Magnolia Bridge Planning Study.  

 

The Magnolia Bridge Planning Study was the first of ten studies funded by the Levy to Move Seattle to help us assess and manage roadway structure maintenance needs and maximize future investments. The studies are a part of our effort to better understand the size of Seattle’s maintenance backlog, which requires long-term attention.   

 

With cost estimates spanning from $190M to $420M, bridge replacement and alternative options considered in this study far exceed available Seattle Department of Transportation funds without significant outside investment from our State or Federal partners. 

 

Snapshot of community input: 4 drop-in sessions, 277 drop-in session participants, 94 written comments, 18 day online open house, 186 online alternatives survey participants, 200 online open house comments.

Snapshot of community input.

 

We’ve briefed community organizations, worked with a stakeholder group, hosted drop-in sessions and launched an online survey to inform neighbors of the planning study, to understand their mobility and access needs and to gather input on alternative options to consider along with replacing the existing bridge. Throughout the process, we received a lot of valuable input. 

 

We’ll continue to work with the community and elected officials to be creative in examining funding opportunities for the Magnolia Bridge and will also be launching a study of the Ballard-Interbay Regional Transportation System pending state-funding.

  

 

We’re also hosting a community engagement meeting to share the planning study results and answer questions on Thursday, June 6, at Catharine Blaine K-8 school in the cafeteria, from 6 to 7:30 PM.

 

Safety is a top priority. Our City & regional partners continue to examine potential mobility solutions for Magnolia.

 

And as we do so, we remain committed to maintaining the safety of Magnolia Bridge by conducting regular maintenance and frequent inspections in coordination with the Port of Seattle. We perform 24/hour monitoring to ensure the safe use of the Magnolia Bridge. Ongoing maintenance work includes repairing damaged concrete, as well as performing spot repairs.  

 

Part of our planning study included an emergency bridge closure transportation plan in the event of a major earthquake or other events that make one or more of the bridges unusable. The intention is to consider the safety and resilience of mobility into and out of Magnolia in the event of a catastrophic earthquake. The short-term focus in the event of an unexpected closure would be on W Dravus St and W Emerson Pl, two bridges that have received extensive repairs in the past few years.  

 

Read more about the study by visiting the Magnolia Bridge Planning Study webpage.

 

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Travel Alert: Seneca St Travel Impacts Through June 1

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Crews lifting a girder from the Columbia Street ramp that had been cut away with saws. Photo courtesy of WSDOT.

 

As part of the removal of the Alaskan Way Viaduct, crews will remove the Seneca St off-ramp beginning today, Wednesday, May 22. Due to its height and proximity to nearby buildings, the contractor Kiewit will use cranes to bring the ramp’s girders down one by one. The contractor’s current plan calls for the ramp to be removed in about three weeks, with crews working only during daytime hours. Buildings adjacent to the work will be protected in the air by nets hung from cranes, and on the ground by barriers.

 

Here’s what you can expect:

 

SCHEDULE

 

The contractor will need to close the intersection of Western Ave and Seneca St while removing the ramp above the intersection. We’ve coordinated closely with WSDOT and Kiewit on the work plan for the ramp’s removal to minimize road closures in the neighborhood. The current closure plan:

 

  • Wednesday, May 22: Crews begin site prep and slotting the deck near Alaskan Way.
  • Thursday, May 23: Western crosswalk across Seneca Street at Western Avenue closes at 7 a.m.
  • Tuesday, May 28: Whole intersection of Seneca Street and Western Avenue closes at 4 a.m., for up to 20 days total.
  • Saturday, June 1: University Street reopens onto Alaskan Way.
  • Late May or early June: Intersection of Seneca Street and Post Avenue closes. Exact date depends on crews’ progress.
  • Mid-June: Ramp fully removed, and site restoration begins.

 

Work hours could change based on crews’ progress, but the planned work hours are:

 

  • 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. weekdays
  • 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. Saturdays
  • 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sunday

 

 

CLOSURE | DETOUR

 

Between Tuesday, May 28 and Saturday, June 1, Western Avenue will be a dead-end street south of Virginia Street. Businesses and sidewalks will be open north and south of Seneca Street, and the street will provide local access. But people walking, biking and driving will need to use Alaskan Way or First Avenue in order to cross Seneca Street.

 

EFFECTS OF CONSTRUCTION

 

The work will unavoidably produce noise, dust and vibration, but crews will work to mitigate those effects where possible. The process for removing this ramp is benefitting from crews’ experience working on earlier sections of the viaduct, and Kiewit has refined their methods since the project began.

 

NEXT STEPS

 

When University Street reopens on June 1, it will be a connection point between the waterfront and Western Avenue. The intersection of Post Avenue and Seneca Street will also close for up to seven days in late May or early June as crews remove the ramp overhead. After the ramp is removed, crews will need to conduct follow-up utility work where the ramp once met First Avenue. Crews will also restore the sidewalk on the west side of First Avenue and build a wall and rail in the hole where the ramp once stood.

 

This is Seattle’s Alaskan Way, looking north from the Marion Street pedestrian bridge. The first photo was taken a day before the Alaskan Way Viaduct closed for good. The second photo shows the same view with the viaduct demolished between Marion and Seneca streets. Photo courtesy of WSDOT.

 

Want more information?

Thanks for your patience as crews work to complete this project. Visit the Alaskan Way Viaduct Replacement Program webpage to learn more about the work, or call the 24-hour program hotline at 1-888-AWV-LINE (298-5463) or email viaduct@wsdot.wa.gov.

 

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See what’s moving in Seattle this week: May 20 – 27

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Here’s a look at Seattle’s upcoming large-scale events and construction happening around the City this week, May 20 -26, 2019. These events may impact how you get around town, so be sure to see our trip planning tools at the end of this post and plan ahead! Also, don’t forget to look at our Citywide Events Calendar for more things to do. Have fun!

   

TUES.  M A Y  21

 

NG Live! Matinee for Students at Benaroya Hall: 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM.  Estimated attendance: 1k.  Student buses will stage on streets around the venue.

 

T H U R S.  M A Y  23

 

Nickelodeon’s JoJo Siwa D.R.E.A.M. The Tour at McCaw Hall: 6:30 – 9 PM.  Estimated attendance: 3k.

 

F R I.  M A Y  24

 

Northwest Folklife Festival: 48th annual Music, Arts, and Heritage festival at Seattle Center: Festival programming begins at 11 AM and concludes at 10 PM from Friday until Sunday.  On Monday, the Festival runs from 11 AM until 9 PM.

 

Eritrean for Human Right Movement Day: SPD will escort march from Eritrean Community Center (2402 E. Spruce St) to Federal Building at 2nd & Madison.  Event hours: 10 AM – 1 PM.  Estimated attendance: 120. 

 

S A T.  M A Y  25

Northwest Folklife Festival: 48th annual Music, Arts, and Heritage festival at Seattle Center: Festival programming begins at 11 AM and concludes at 10 PM from Friday until Sunday.  On Monday, the Festival runs from 11 AM until 9 PM. https://www.nwfolklife.org/

 

South Lake Union Saturday Market Weekly neighborhood market on 9th Ave. N. between Denny Way and John St: 11 AM – 4 PM  Estimated attendance: 2,500.  

 

Eritrean Independence Day at Volunteer Park: 12 PM – 7 PM.  Estimated attendance: 450. 

 

Eritrean Independence Day Celebration at Seward Park Amphitheater: 12 – 8 PM.  Estimated attendance: 1,400. 

 

S U N.  M A Y  12

 

Northwest Folklife Festival: 48th annual Music, Arts, and Heritage festival at Seattle Center: 11 AM until 10 PM.

 

Emerald City 12-mile Bike Ride: Begins and ends in SODO. 7 to 11 AM.

M O N.  M A Y  2 7

 

Northwest Folklife Festival: 48th annual Music, Arts, and Heritage festival at Seattle Center: 11 AM until 9 PM.

Trip planning tools:

 

For an expanded list of upcoming constructions and events, visit our website!

Traveler’s Map

Our map has real-time traffic and travel times, including construction, events, and incidents.

 

Project & Construction Coordination Map

See up-to-date information on current and future construction projects in the right of way, as well as other events that may impact traffic.

 

WSDOT mobile app

The WSDOT mobile app has Seattle traffic and travel information for the state of WA.

For other trip planning and transit, bike and car share, carpooling, parking, and ride-hailing tools, visit our Seattle Traffic website!    

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Travel Alert Tuesday, May 21: Crosswalk Repair on NE 77th Street at the Burke Gilman Trail

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Street view of the location of crosswalk repair

 

On Tues, May 21 we will be repairing the crosswalk on NE 77th St where it intersects with the Burke-Gilman Trail. Access will still be maintained.

 

Here’s what you can expect:

 

  • A 100’ section of the paved trail will be closed all day Tuesday, May 21
  • People riding bikes will dismount and walk along the dirt path parallel to the trail for approx. 100’

 

If you have questions contact our customer care center: 206-684-ROAD or 684-road@seattle.gov.

 

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Travel Alert: Seattle Blvd S Signal & Lane Changes

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To improve traffic flow into downtown during the morning commute, we’re making changes to the traffic signal and middle lane on Seattle Blvd S approaching 4th Ave.

 

 

During the morning commute hours (6-9 AM), the middle travel lane will be right turn-only.

 

We’re installing a new signal at this location that will indicate that this lane is northbound (NB) only in the morning. After 9 AM, the middle lane may be used to turn left or right to head either NB or SB on 4th Ave S.

 

Heads up: If you are turning left to go south on 4th Ave S during the morning commute, be sure to stay in the left lane! If you travel into downtown in the morning using I-90, exit at Rainier, and turn onto Dearborn, this change will feel different.

 

Here’s what you can expect:

 

SCHEDULE

These changes are permanent and are expected to be installed in summer 2019.

 

TRANSIT

During the morning commute hours (6 – 9 AM), buses will travel in the middle lane and turn right to head northbound on 4th Ave S.

 

PROJECT OUTCOME

Our goal is to improve traffic flow into downtown during the morning commute, reducing travel times for transit and other modes of transportation.

After noticing that northbound traffic into downtown during the AM peak commute was getting delayed, we are implementing these changes to keep traffic moving through the area during the #SeattleSqueeze and beyond.

 

Want more information about this project?

 

Thanks for your patience as we install our new signal and lane markings. Plan ahead, give yourself extra time, and be patient as we all adjust to new ways of getting around. Email us at 684-ROAD@seattle.gov or call us at 684-ROAD with further questions.

 

 

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Saturday and Sunday May 18th & 19th: Maintenance work on Mercer St continues

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Image result for GARDENING GIF

 

Our Urban Forestry Landscape Crew will be cleaning up, replanting, and mulching the medians on Mercer St between Boren Ave N and 9th Ave N this weekend.

 

Here’s what you can expect:

 

S A T.  M A Y  18

 

Inside east and westbound lanes adjacent to the median will be closed from 7 AM to 3:30 PM.

 

S U N.  M A Y  19

 

Inside eastbound lanes adjacent to the median will be closed from 7 AM to 3:30 PM.

Inside westbound lanes adjacent to the median will be closed from 7 AM to 12 PM in order to accommodate traffic volumes for the afternoon Mariner’s game.

 

 

If you have questions contact our customer care center: 206-684-ROAD or 684-road@seattle.gov.

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Travel Alert May 18-22: Multiple side street closures on SW Avalon Way and 35th Ave SW

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SW Avalon Way and 35th Ave SW connect West Seattle to many local retail establishments and services. They’re also a major transit and transport route with service connecting West Seattle to the rest of the city. We’re beginning construction for the repair and reconfiguring of 35th Ave SW to improve safety, accessibility, and comfort for all users.

 

To complete our work as efficiently and safely as possible, we will be closing minor side streets temporarily to complete water utility and base repair work.

 

Here’s what you can expect:

 

S C H E D U L E

 

Starting Saturday, May 18, SW Alaska St will be closed through the weekend. We will be conducting water main work at SW Alaska St and 35th Ave SW. We anticipate opening SW Alaska St to 35th Ave SW as early as 6 AM Monday, May 20.

 

Starting Monday, May 20, SW Manning St will be closed for a few weeks to allow for construction staging for work between SW Manning St and SW Charlestown St on SW Avalon Way.

 

Starting Wednesday May 22, SW Genesee St on the west side of SW Avalon Way will be closed for water utility work and road base repair. SW Genesee St is anticipated to open as early as Thursday, May 30.

 

C L O S U R E | D E T O U R

 

SW Alaska St will be closed to 35th Ave SW. Please take alternate routes and expect delays.

 

SW Manning St will be closed. Local alley access will be maintained. Please use alternate routes.

 

SW Genesee St west of SW Avalon Way will be closed. Local access will be maintained via 32nd Ave SW.

 

 

 

L A N E   R E S T R I C T I O N S

On-street parking will be closed on both sides of the street north and south of the work zone. Pedestrian detours will be in place to maintain safety and mobility for people walking.

 

N O I S E

Expect loud noise, dust, and vibrations while crews are working.

 

T R A N S I T

Buses will be making in lane stops and taking detours. Sign up for Metro’s Rider Alerts to stay up to date on stop relocations. If a stop is relocated or a bus is detoured, signs will also be posted along the corridor.

 

P R O J E C T  O U T C O M E

We’re repaving SW Avalon Way and 35th Ave SW between SW Spokane St and SW Alaska St. Repaving will make the street more comfortable to drive on and extend its useful life. The project will also:

  • Upgrade curb ramps
  • Make minor drainage system upgrades
  • Install protected bike lanes
  • Make bus stop improvements

 

Want more information?

For more information on this project, please visit our project page. If you have questions or concerns, please contact the construction outreach team at 35thAvePaving@seattle.gov, or 206.512.3950.  We appreciate your patience during this work.

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Let’s roll! It’s Bike Everywhere Day this Friday, May 17.

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It’s time we “spoke” of Bike Everywhere Day. It’s a day we “wheelie” like. 🚴😆

 

 

😉 What, too many puns? Bike Everywhere Day is a curb side celebration all throughout the region on May 17, 2019 – brought to you by Cascade Bicycle Club. We’re right in the middle of Bike Everywhere Month, which is the time to support, encourage, and celebrate all things bicycling.

 

Here are some fun events across Seattle for Bike Everywhere Day.

 

Check out the interactive map to find Celebration Stations across the region!

 

Don’t miss a Bike Everywhere Day Celebration Station!

 

Cascade Bicycle Club and local partners host dozens of celebration stations along major bike routes in the region. On the interactive map, the blue dots indicate stations that will be open in the morning (6-10 AM), red dots are stations that are open in the evening (3-8 PM), and purple dots are open all day!

 

Stop by a Celebration Station and here’s what you can get:

  • Pick up a free souvenir.
  • Join Cascade Bicycle Club at our once-a-year discounted rate (Fremont Station only).
  • Ask a bike mechanic to look over your bike or air up your tires.
  • Fuel up with snacks, coffee, or juice (varies from station to station).

 

Come find us – we’ll be out in the community, too!

 

North Seattle

We’ll be out in the community promoting our new North Seattle Neighborhood Greenway. Look for us at:

  • Fremont Ave N & N 100th St from 6:30-9 AM with donuts & coffee.
  • Greenwood Park from 4:30-6:30 PM with lemonade and reflective sticker making.

 

West Seattle

We’ll also be at the west end of the Spokane Low Bridge with the West Seattle Bike Connections organization from 6-9 AM with homemade cookies, coffee, and bike repairs!

 

Now, get out there and BIKE! 🚲

 

Share your photos on social media and tag #WABikeEverywhere and #WhyIBike! Stay safe and have fun!

 

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10,000 bike parking spots and counting!

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Have you seen the new on-street bike parking in West Seattle?

 

The Mariner’s Moose checking out our new bike parking

 

We’re making something out of nothing.

Ever noticed those curb spaces where you’re not allowed to park your car? Take your bike instead! We’re turning many of those spaces into bike parking.

 

We’ve added 160 new bike parking spaces and plan to install a total of 1,500 by the end of 2019. Come take them out for a spin! 🚴

 

Have you used one of our new bike parking spaces? Share a photo of your bike and let us know! Tag @seattleDOT and use #WABikeEverywhere #WhyIBike

 

We’ll keep you posted as we install more spaces throughout the City! Until then, happy bike everywhere month!

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Let’s Go, South Lake Union! Check out our new website to see all of your transportation options in SLU.

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Did you know more than 50,000 people live and work in Seattle’s South Lake Union neighborhood?

 

With thousands of people traveling to and through the neighborhood, LetsGoSLU.com highlights all the ways you can get to and through the neighborhood using transit, walking, biking, and new mobility options. It’s also a great resource for employers and property managers to find valuable tools and best practices to help their employees and residents connect to efficient and cost-effective transportation choices.

 

 

See all of your available public and private transportation options to get to and from South Lake Union.

 

LetsGoSLU.com provides downloadable biking, walking, local bus routes
and streetcar maps within the neighborhood. Don’t miss the three awesome videos highlighting transportation, small businesses and community involvement with the neighborhood!

 

Check it out today, and make sure you plan your trip using LetsGoSLU.com before your next trip to South Lake Union!

 

 

Let’s Go South Lake Union was developed in partnership between Commute Seattle, Seattle Department of Transportation and South Lake Union Chamber of Commerce.

 

 

Want more information?

 

Transportation Information: Email Commute Seattle

Neighborhood Information: Email South Lake Union Chamber of Commerce

 

See you out there, Seattle! 👋👋👋

 

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