Travel Advisory – Climate Change Rallies

September 20, 2019 by Salma Siddick

Climate Change Rally showing sign that reads, "Wake Up" above a picture of the earth burning

Climate Change Rally – Photo Credit : @unsplash, Markus Spiske

A series of Climate Change rallies are being held around the downtown area today. Traffic impacts can be expected during these rallies and in front of City Hall between the hours of noon – 3 PM. The most significant impacts can be expected in the vicinity of 5^th (during the movement of the rallies) and on 4^th Street in front of City Hall between 12:45 – 3 PM.

Seattle Climate Strike and March: 9 AM rally: Cal Anderson Park followed by march to City Hall at 12 PM. Seattle Police Department will escort the march. Route: Cal Anderson Park, west on Pine St, south on 5th Ave, west on James St, and north on 4th Ave. onto City Hall Plaza.

Amazon Employees for Climate Justice Climate Walkout: 12 PM march from Amazon Spheres (7th & Blanchard) to City Hall. Seattle Police Department will escort the march. Route: from Amazon Spheres, south on 7th Ave, west on Westlake Ave, south on 5th Ave. At 1 PM march will link up with Seattle Climate March at 5th & Pine and continue as one march to City Hall Plaza.

Visit SDOT Traffic for up to date information on traffic.

Thought the #SeattleSqueeze was over? Think again. Fairview Ave N bridge is about to close for 18 months.

September 19, 2019 by Ethan Bergerson

Wood beams supporting the Fairview Ave Bridge. The bridge will be closed for 18 months as crews rebuild this aging structure.

Getting around Seattle is about to get even more challenging because the Fairview Ave N bridge is about to close for construction for 18 months. This bridge connecting South Lake Union to Eastlake is a major route in and out of downtown. Early Monday morning on September 23, crews will close Fairview Ave N just south of Eastlake Ave E in order to completely rebuild this aging bridge.

This project is a critical safety investment.

Decaying wooden posts and cracked concrete girders holding up the bridge.

The 65-year-old Fairview Ave N bridge is the last wooden bridge on a major road in Seattle. While safe for travel today, the bridge doesn’t meet current seismic standards. The timber posts holding up the western half of the bridge are decaying and the concrete girders stabilizing the eastern half of the bridge are cracked.

Read our earlier blog post for more information about the condition of the existing bridge and planned safety improvements.

This critical public safety project will be funded by the Levy to Move Seattle passed by Seattle voters in 2015.

Getting around during the closure will be different.

This closure will be a major change to how people get between South Lake Union and Eastlake. During construction, Fairview Ave N from Eastlake Ave E to Aloha St will be closed to through traffic, including people walking and biking. The bridge is expected to reopen in spring 2021.

Drivers and freight traffic are encouraged to use Eastlake Ave E to connect to Stewart St and Howell St further south. Depending on where you are coming and going, you may wish to consider routes on the west side of Lake Union such as SR 99, Dexter Ave N, or Westlake Ave N.

Businesses on Fairview Ave N will be open during construction. Local access will be maintained for businesses north and south of the closed bridge.

Please don’t drive alone if you don’t have to!

Traffic in downtown Seattle.

Just like other major closures, the traffic impacts are really going to depend on the choices each of us make. If you can avoid traveling at rush hour or get around on transit, bike, or foot it will make a big difference for everyone. We know that not everyone has the option to do this, which is why it’s so important that we all do what we can so that the city keeps on moving.

Plan ahead and prepare for more traffic on downtown streets. When traveling to and through Seattle, try shifting your route or taking a new mode of transportation to work, school, or appointments, or while running errands. Here are some helpful tips:

🚌 Bus route changes 🚌

Be alert to bus rerouting. King County Metro Route 70, which regularly runs along Fairview Ave N, will be detoured around the bridge closure. Beginning on September 23, Route 70 will travel along Eastlake Ave E via Aloha St to Fairview Ave N. Temporary bus stops will be located on Eastlake Ave E. The best way to stay informed about Metro rerouting is to check King County Metro Rider Alerts.

🚲 Traveling by bike 🚲

The best bike route for you will depend on where you are coming and going. The Seattle Bike Blog has several helpful suggestions depending on where you live and work.

🚧 Plan for delays 🚧

Give yourself extra time to reach your destination. Traffic is usually worst when most people are commuting between 7 – 9 AM, and in the afternoon between 3 – 6 PM. So consider traveling at other times if you have that option.

We expect traffic patterns to fluctuate over the first few weeks of this closure as people try out new options and get used to the changes.

This is another chapter in the #SeattleSqueeze.

Link light rail in the Downtown Seattle Transit Tunnel.

This closure marks another milestone in the Seattle Squeeze, the period through 2024 where major construction projects impact how we get downtown. During this time, we’re continuing to work with our partners at WSDOT, King County Metro, Sound Transit, and the Port of Seattle to keep people and goods moving safely. This will all be worth it, but we need your help to keep traffic moving. Visit www.seattle.gov/traffic for the tools and information you need to get around.

Want more information?

The best way to stay informed about upcoming bridge construction and milestones is through our project emails (sign up here). You can also check our project webpage for updates.

Contact us:

Project Hotline: (206) 775-8715

FairviewBridge@seattle.gov

What’s moving Seattle: Sept 19 – 22

September 18, 2019 by Salma Siddick

Musician serenades Seahawks fans on the street

It’s been a busy week and will be an even busier weekend. Here’s what’s happening around the city.

T H U R. S E P T 19

KISW Presents Ghost: The Ultimate Tour Named Death: WaMu Theater. Show hours: 7:30 – 10:30 PM. Doors open: 6:30 PM. Estimated attendance: 7k.

F R I. S E P 20

Seattle Symphony Friday Matinees: Masterworks Series: Benaroya Hall. Student buses will stage on University St, 2nd Ave, and Union St. Event Hours: 9 AM – 2:30 PM. Estimated attendance: 550.

Amazon Employees for Climate Justice Climate Walkout: 12 PM march from Amazon Spheres (7th & Blanchard) to City Hall. Seattle Police Department will escort the march. Route: from Amazon Spheres, south on 7th Ave, west on Westlake Ave, south on 5th Ave. At 1 PM march will link up with Seattle Climate March at 5th & Pine and continue as one march to City Hall Plaza. Estimated attendance: 750.

Seattle Greek Festival: St. Demetrois Greek Orthodox Church in Seattle’s Montlake neighborhood. Festival hours: Friday 12 – 9 PM. Estimated attendance: 1k.

UW Greek Block Party with UW Athletics: University of Washington student event will close 17th Ave. NE between NE 45th St. and NE 47th St. from 9 AM to 8 PM. Event hours are 3 – 5 PM. Estimated attendance: 750.

Fremont Oktoberfest: Annual beer and food festival benefiting the Fremont Chamber of Commerce. Festival hours: Friday, 5 – 11:59 PM. Estimated attendance: 4.5k.

Alice in Chains concert: WaMu Theater. Show hours: 8 – 11 PM. Doors open: 7 PM. Estimated attendance: 7k.

S A T. S E P 21

Nick Jr. Live! Move to the Music: McCaw Hall. Shows start: 10 AM and 2 PM. Estimated attendance: 3k.

Seattle Greek Festival: St. Demetrois Greek Orthodox Church in Seattle’s Montlake neighborhood. Festival hours: Saturday 10 AM – 9 PM. Estimated attendance: 2.5k.

Fremont Oktoberfest: Annual beer and food festival benefiting the Fremont Chamber of Commerce. Festival hours: Saturday, 12 – 11:59 PM. Estimated attendance: 10k.

Social Distortion and Flogging Molly: Summer Tour 2019: WaMu Theater. Show hours: 6:30 – 11 PM. Doors open: 5:30 PM. Estimated attendance: 7k.

S U N. S E P T 22

Orca Half Marathon: Half marathon along the shores of West Seattle, starting at Lincoln Park and finishing at Don Armeni Boat Launch. Event hours: 7:20 AM – 1 PM. Estimated attendance: 995.

Nick Jr. Live! Move to the Music: McCaw Hall. Shows start: 10 AM and 2 PM. Estimated attendance: 3k.

Seattle Greek Festival: St. Demetrois Greek Orthodox Church in Seattle’s Montlake neighborhood. Festival hours: Sunday, 12 – 7 PM. Estimated attendance: 1k.

Fremont Oktoberfest: Annual beer and food festival benefiting the Fremont Chamber of Commerce. Festival hours: 12 – 6 PM. Estimated attendance: 2k.

Seattle Seahawks vs. New Orleans Saints: CenturyLink Field. Kickoff: 1:25 PM. Estimated attendance: 72K.

The Anatomy of a Curb Ramp

September 18, 2019 by Kari Tupper

Completed curb ramps at E Republican and 16th Ave E

Curb ramps make our city more accessible for everyone, & they’re a high priority for our Maintenance Operations Division (MOD) Concrete Crews.

Pursuant to a Consent Decree, the City of Seattle builds at least 1250 curb ramps per year, and our MOD Concrete Crews complete a significant portion of that required total. Their goal for this year was to complete 300 ramps, and as of Friday, September 13, they’d exceeded their goal! They’ve installed 328 ramps and completed 6 retrofits , for a total of 334 ramps. They’ve done all this with a team of 57 regular concrete crew members and 10 temporary staff (all of them do many other kinds of concrete work, too). They also are supported by our asphalt crews, who assist with drivers and operators when needed.

Here’s a step-by-step guide for you.

Concrete crew member Alex Savini took some great photos documenting two curb ramp projects recently, and we’d like to share them with you, along with a step-by-step explanation of how curb ramps are built. These photos are from two sites: E Valley and 24th Ave E, and E Republican and 16th Ave E.

Step 1: demolishing the old sidewalk at E Valley St and 24th Ave E

Building a curb ramp is a complicated & multi-stage process.

After demolishing the old sidewalk, curb, and connecting structures, we clear and prep the area for the new curb ramp. Our crews form up the ramp, wings, sidewalk, and landing pad.

Forming up a new curb ramp

Once the forms are in place, we level and complete a rock base, which is then compacted. After this is finished, we’re ready for a forms inspection.

I Esponoza works on compacting the rock base at E Valley and 24th Ave E

Our team tackles challenges as they arise. Many of these curb ramps present design complexities & execution challenges.

In the case of this curb ramp at E Valley St and 24th Ave E, the ramp and sidewalk were adjacent to private property steps and other structures. When our projects connect to private property, we must obtain “right of access” to pour the ramp. In this situation, the ramp landing was at base of the homeowner’s steps.

Darryl Shears, I Espinoza, Savang Suth, and Alex Savini work on finishing the first pour

The process by which concrete is formed & poured varies by project.

In these photos, the ramp, wings and gutter were all poured at once. After that, the sidewalks around the ramp are completed. While the concrete is wet, team members score it.

Robert Pasquariello, Troy Perry, and I Espinoza score the sidewalk and landing pad

And now for the final steps!

After all the pours are complete, the concrete must cure completely over a 24-hour period before it can be walked on.

Bricks are placed on the warning tactile to hold it in place while the concrete cures

Finally, we replace the adjoining street surface (which may be cobblestone, asphalt, or concrete) so that the street meets the edge of the gutter smoothly.

The finished product at E Valley and 24th Ave E

We’re so proud of their great work! Our concrete crews are a committed team, and will continue on their mission to go above and beyond in building curb ramps throughout the fall.

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New protected bike lane on Bell St will connect Downtown, Belltown, and South Lake Union

September 18, 2019 by Salma Siddick

Belltown neighborhood showing a cyclist and pedestrians crossing the street

Bell Street intersection

A new protected bike lane is coming to Bell St next year! Construction expected to start in summer 2020. The Bell St Protected Bike Lane will be the final connection in a bicycle network in the north end of downtown. It builds upon the 2^nd Ave, 9^th Ave N and the Westlake protected bike lanes. The Bell St Protected Bike Lane will complete an “all ages and abilities” network that extends nearly 4 miles through the heart of Seattle connecting Downtown to Fremont.

Bell St is an ideal connection between downtown, Belltown, and South Lake Union. The Bell St Protected Bike Lane Project includes a 2-way protected bike lane, concrete curb barriers with ground plane landscaping, and bike lane markings on Bell St between 5th Ave and Denny Way.

Bell Street Protected Bike Lane Map

Because we will be closing off vehicular access onto Bell Street Park from 5^th Ave, bicyclists will be able to ride in both directions in a shared space with pedestrians and lowered volume of vehicular traffic. This project does not include bicycle facility markings in Bell Street Park. Bicyclists will have an all ages and abilities network that will connect the 9th Ave N protected bike lane to the 2nd Ave protected bike lane.

Please stop by our drop-in session at 5th Ave and Bell from 4 – 7 PM this Thursday, 9/19 to learn more about the project. Made possible by the Levy to Move Seattle, this project’s goals stemmed from the Bell Street Concept Plan. It aims to create a pedestrian-focused and cohesive corridor along Bell St. Don’t have time to drop by? Share your comments with us by emailing our outreach team at ching.chan@seattle.gov, or (206) 615-0786.

A critical safety project to replace the aging Fairview Ave N bridge kicks off construction next week.

September 16, 2019 by Molly Wright

Thousands of people travel on Fairview Ave N between South Lake Union and Eastlake every day without even realizing that they’re passing over Seattle’s last remaining major road on a wooden bridge. The road next to the historic Lake Union Steam Plant building just south of where Fairview Ave N splits off from Eastlake Ave E is held up by wooden posts built over 65 years ago which desperately need to be replaced. On Monday, September 23, this section of Fairview Ave N will close for approximately 18 months so that crews can rebuild this aging bridge which does not meet current seismic standards.

Your Move Seattle Levy tax dollars at work!

Peeking underneath the Fairview Ave N bridge, which will be rebuilt to improve safety and seismic vulnerability.

This critical public safety project will be funded by the Levy to Move Seattle passed by Seattle voters in 2015. The Levy will provide a $27 million investment in the Fairview Bridge Replacement project, which is one of three major bridge projects funded by the Move Seattle Levy. The Levy committed to replacing Seattle’s aging and seismically vulnerable Fairview Ave N bridge, improving safety and updating the street design to accommodate all people.

With funds from the Levy’s Maintenance & Repair category, the Fairview Bridge Replacement project is an investment in the future with improvements to move people and goods more safely and efficiently. We’re proud to begin construction on this cornerstone project and deliver on our commitment to voters.

Getting around during construction.

A map showing how to get around during the Fairview Ave N Bridge closure.

To replace the bridge, we will need to close this section of Fairview Ave N for 18 months starting on September 23. We know this will be a challenging period as we’re all dealing with the ongoing traffic created by the Seattle Squeeze, but this is an absolutely critical investment in public safety. Learn more about the details of the closure and detour on the Fairview Ave N Bridge Replacement Project web page.

This is a critical safety investment.

Decaying timber piles hold up the Fairview Ave N bridge.

While the 65-year-old bridge is safe to travel on today, it will not last forever and does not meet current seismic standards.

The timber posts which hold up the western half of the bridge are decaying and the concrete girders which stabilize the street on the eastern half of the bridge are cracked. Rebuilding the bridge is essential for public safety.

Concrete girders which stabilize the street on the eastern half of the bridge are cracked

The final bridge design has many benefits for our community.

The final bridge design includes improvements for pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles.

When the bridge is completed in 2021, all people will be able to move through the corridor more safely. A new wider street will benefit all users and provide more room for people to drive, walk, bike, and get to transit.

Unlike the current bridge, the design will feature sidewalks on both sides as well as a protected 12-foot, 2-way bike lane on the west side of the bridge. Just like today, there will be three lanes for cars and buses.

Along with seismic improvements, we’re building 3 new lookout points along the west side of the bridge to provide viewing platforms looking out to Lake Union. They will replace the current lookout area located on the northern end of the bridge.

Fortson Square Open House: September 18

September 13, 2019 by Niki Seligman

SDOT, Chief Seattle Club, and Alliance for Pioneer Square are hosting an open house to get input on the forthcoming re-design of Fortson Square (at the intersection of Yesler Way and 2nd Ave Ext S). At the open house, SDOT staff will share the results of the Public Life Study we led in Pioneer Square in the public spaces surrounding the light rail station on Yesler Way.

The Context

SDOT launched the Public Life Program a couple of years ago to establish a way to study our public spaces and how they are used. The results of a public life study provide SDOT with people-centered data to make investment decisions, evaluate designs and interventions, and understand what makes a successful public space. The study in Pioneer Square was our latest effort, in coordination with Councilmember Sally Bagshaw’s office.

When?

September 18th, 4-6 PM

Where?

(Well, it’s kind of in the name… 😉) Fortson Square: 410 2nd Ave. Ext. S. | Seattle, WA 98104

What?

Learn about how these spaces are used and provide input for how to improve Fortson Square’s ability to serve the neighborhood as a vibrant, culturally resonant space!

Download…

a flyer here + share it with friends ~ Make a night of it!

Hey Ballard! Here’s what’s happening at 24th Ave NW & NW Market St

September 12, 2019 by SDOT Blog

Crews Working.

Starting Monday, September 16, the north half of the 24th Ave NW and NW Market St intersection will be closed to replace an aging water main and complete paving work. The entire intersection is scheduled to be closed Saturday, September 21 and will reopen Monday, September 23, to allow crews to demolish and replace concrete panels at the intersection.

Here’s what you can expect:

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

During the north half closure, 2-way traffic (one lane in each direction) will remain open on NW Market St for those traveling east/west through the intersection.

When the full intersection is closed, traffic will be limited to local and business access only between 22nd Ave NW and 28th Ave NW for vehicles traveling on NW Market St and Shilshole Ave NW, and up to NW 54th St for vehicles traveling on 24th Ave NW.

Vehicles traveling north from NW Market St should use 20th Ave NW
Vehicles traveling southeast from NW Market St should use 20th or 22nd Ave NW to access Shilshole Ave NW
Trucks are advised to use NW 65th St to 32nd Ave NW or 15th Ave NW
The west crosswalk will be closed, follow marked detour

Changes in traffic flow are detailed in the graphics below.

Ballard MultiModal Detour Map: North Half Closure

Ballard MultiModal Detour Map: Full Intersection Closure

N O I S E

During weekend work, crews will be working around the clock to complete intersection paving. A noise variance has been granted for this work. Expect loud noise, dust, and vibrations while crews are working.

T R A N S I T

King County Metro bus routes 18 and 40 will be rerouted along 56th Ave NW to 22nd Ave NW. Please visit the Metro website for more information.

P R O J E C T O U T C O M E

Transportation investments included in the Ballard Multimodal Corridor Project were developed in consultation with the community and evolved from initial conversations about the Burke-Gilman Trail Missing Link Project. Improvements identified by trail users, truck drivers, the industrial community, and nearby neighbors identified opportunities to design a complete, multimodal corridor along the Ship Canal between the Ballard Locks and 11th Ave NW. These improvements include new pavement on some roadways, driveway enhancements, new signals, new utility and drainage infrastructure, and enhanced pedestrian infrastructure.

If you have questions or concerns, please contact the construction outreach team at ballardMultimodal@seattle.gov, or (206) 519-8136. Thank you for your patience as we make these transportation improvements.

What’s Moving in Seattle This Week? Sept. 10 – 15

September 9, 2019 by Niki Seligman

Picture courtesy of Lukas Robertson via Unsplash.

TUES.SEPT10

Seattle Mariners vs. Cincinnati Reds: At T-Mobile Park. Event hours: 7:10PM. Estimated attendance: 11,000.

WED.SEPT11

Seattle Fire and Police Remembering 9-11: At Seattle Center Memorial Garden (305 Harrison St.). Mayor Jenny Durkan, Police Chief Carmen Best and Fire Chief Harold Scoggins will speak at the event, followed by a Moment of Silence. The honor guards from both departments, and the Seattle Fire Pipes and Drums will be part of the ceremony.

Seattle Mariners vs. Cincinnati Reds: At T-Mobile Park. Event hours: 7:10PM. Estimated attendance: 11,000.

THURS.SEPT12

Boats Afloat Show: At Chandlers Cove in South Lake Union. Event hours: 11AM – 6PM weekdays and 10AM – 6PM weekends. Estimated attendance: 900.

Seattle Mariners vs. Cincinnati Reds: At T-Mobile Park. Event hours: 7:10PM. Estimated attendance: 14,000.

Maluma 11:11 World Tour: Concert at WaMu Theater. Event hours: 8PM – 11PM. Doors at 7PM. Estimated attendance: 7,000.

FRI.SEPT13

Susan G. Komen 3-Day: Annual 60-mile 3-day walk to raise funds for breast cancer research. Participants will depart the Seattle Center following the Opening Ceremonies Friday morning. Estimated attendance: 1,300.

Boats Afloat Show: At Chandlers Cove in South Lake Union. Event hours: 11AM – 6PM weekdays and 10AM – 6PM weekends. Estimated attendance: 1,000.

St. Benedict Wallingford Wurst Festival: At St. Benedict Catholic Church in Seattle’s Wallingford neighborhood. Event hours: 4PM – 10PM Friday, 10AM – 10PM Saturday. Estimated attendance: 2,800.

Seattle Mariners vs. Chicago White Sox: At T-Mobile Park. Event hours: 7:10PM. Estimated attendance: 26,000.

Zedd: Orbit Tour: Concert at WaMu Theater. Event hours: 8PM – 11PM. Doors at 7PM. Estimated attendance: 7,000.

SAT.SEPT14

Boats Afloat Show: At Chandlers Cove in South Lake Union. Event hours: 11AM – 6PM weekdays and 10AM – 6PM weekends. Estimated attendance: 2,200.

Grilled Cheese Grand Prix: Food Truck event will close 9th Ave. N. between Denny Way and Thomas St. Event hours: 11AM – 5PM. Estimated attendance: 10,000.

Green Lake Oktoberfest: 1st year festival in Seattle’ Green Lake neighborhood will feature some of Washington’s finest craft breweries, live music, dancing, delicious German-style food, costumes, games, and wiener dog races. Event hours: 11AM – 11PM Saturday, 11AM – 6PM Sunday. Estimated attendance: 2,000.

Seattle Fiestas Patrias: Annual festival and parade in Seattle’s South park neighborhood to commemorate the independence of Latin American countries, many of which celebrate their national Independence Day in the month of September. Parade 11AM – 1PM; Festival 1PM – 6PM. Estimated attendance: 800.

Chinatown – International District Night Market: Annual night market at Hing Hay Park. Event will also close S. King St. between 5th and 7th Ave, and Maynard Ave. S. and 6th Ave. S. between S. Weller St. and S. Jackson St. Event hours: 4PM – 12 Midnight. Estimated attendance: 10,000.

UW Huskies vs. Hawaii Rainbow Warriors: At Husky Stadium. Event hours: 4:30PM. Estimated attendance: 65,000.

Seattle Mariners vs. Chicago White Sox: At T-Mobile Park. Event hours: 6:10PM. Estimated attendance: 28,000.

Maggie Rogers: Heard it in a Past Life Tour: Concert at WaMu Theater. Event hours: 8PM – 10PM. Doors at 7PM. Estimated attendance: 7,000.

SUN.SEPT15

Susan G. Komen 3-Day: Annual 60-mile 3-day walk to raise funds for breast cancer research. Participants will return to the Seattle Center throughout the day Sunday for the Closing Ceremonies. Estimated attendance: 1,300.

Boats Afloat Show: At Chandlers Cove in South Lake Union. Event hours: 11AM – 6PM weekdays and 10AM – 6PM weekends. Estimated attendance: 2,200.

Green Lake Oktoberfest: 1st year festival in Seattle’ Green Lake neighborhood will feature some of Washington’s finest craft breweries, live music, dancing, delicious German-style food, costumes, games, and wiener dog races. Event hours: : 11AM – 11PM Saturday, 11AM – 6PM Sunday. Estimated attendance: 2,000.

Seattle Mariners vs. Chicago White Sox: At T-Mobile Park. Event hours: 1:10PM. Estimated attendance: 21,000.

Seattle Sounders vs. New York Red Bulls: At CenturyLink Field. Event hours: 3PM. Estimated attendance: 35,000.

Moving Forward with the Center City Connector Streetcar Project

September 9, 2019 by Jeanne Clark

: First Hill Streetcar, Yesler Way. Photo by Jeanne Clark.

Over the past year, Seattle Streetcar ridership has increased by 18 percent and we’ve worked to place the Center City Connector Streetcar Project on a more secure financial footing.

In August, the Seattle City Council appropriated $9 million so that we could move forward with essential design work to advance the Center City Connector project.

With this critical funding, we’re excited to be moving this transit project forward so that millions of people will have the opportunity to use a complete streetcar system providing easy connections between South Lake Union, the waterfront, Pioneer Square, Chinatown-International District, and First Hill.

Here are the key next steps moving forward with the streetcar project:

In April 2017, we entered into a contract with CAF USA to build 10 streetcar vehicles. In March 2018, Mayor Durkan ordered an independent review of the streetcar project budget and we issued a stop-work-order to halt production of these vehicles before they were built, while we worked to ensure the project had strong financial footing.

Now that we have a better understanding of the new project timeline, we’re ready to cancel the old streetcar vehicle contract and move forward.

Resuming work now under the old vehicle contract could have significantly increased project costs due to our new project timeline.

The City has the flexibility to terminate the contract at any time which may save the City considerable money in the long run.

First Hill Streetcar up close. Photo by Jeanne Clark.

Seeking a new vehicle contract is the most fiscally responsible option for Seattle taxpayers and will offer several cost-saving opportunities:

A new bidding process will give companies a chance to propose plans to build vehicles that are closer to the size and weight of our existing streetcars.
A new contract will align with our current streetcar design timeline and eliminate financial risk and uncertainty associated with the old vehicle contract schedule.

Today, we informed CAF USA that we’re terminating the old vehicle contract and are preparing to move forward with seeking a new vehicle contract.

In the coming months, we’ll be updating the design specifications for streetcar vehicles to take into account the existing vehicle market in the United States and some of our system’s specialized needs. Once this work has been done, we’ll move forward by issuing an updated Request for Proposals for streetcar procurement.

We’ll also be moving forward with the essential engineering and facilities design work with the resources approved by City Council last month.

This work will help inform the new vehicle procurement and include a variety of necessary steps that align with the potential vehicle design specifications, such as making sure the streetcar platforms, maintenance facility, and roadway structures are ready for the new streetcars because many of the streetcar vehicles currently being manufactured are longer and heavier than our current streetcars.

Passengers preparing to on-board the South Lake Union Streetcar. Photo by SDOT.

We’re preparing to search for a consultant to help complete this facilities engineering work and will release a request for qualifications for engineering consultants in the coming weeks.

Moving forward with engineering work will reduce risk and ensure we’ll be ready to comprehensively and responsibly deliver the entirety of the Center City Connector.

The additional design work will also be essential to help secure the funds prioritized for this project from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA).

Actions we’ll be taking over the next several months will help establish that we have a solid and dependable plan to finish building the streetcar and set us up for FTA’s approval of these federal funds.

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