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Construction begins in June on Delridge Way SW for the new RapidRide H Line

Five years ago, we set out with a goal to create better and safer streets while also imagining what improvements for people walking, biking, driving, and taking transit could look like along Delridge Way SW. 

Quick Facts // What You Need to Know:

  • Construction on Delridge RapidRide H Line will begin the week of June 8
  • Delridge Way SW will remain open to traffic during most of construction
  • More information about the project can be found at our online open house.
  • If you have questions or comments, please email DelridgeTransit@seattle.gov or call 206-775-8739
  • See the full lists of what to expect and ways to stay informed below

After more than 20 open houses and drop-in sessions, 6 online surveys, 5 project mailers to the community, and countless visits to the neighborhood, we have reached another milestone: we are beginning construction of the RapidRide H Line on Delridge Way SW in West Seattle!

This is one of many projects funded by the Levy to Move Seattle.

This project is in partnership with King County Metro, and is partially funded and made possible by the voter approved Levy to Move Seattle. The H Line will be the first RapidRide project funded by the Levy to break ground and is another way that the Levy is investing in a more connected Seattle.

Visit the RapidRide H Line online open house to learn the latest.

Since we are not able to meet in person, we created a digital platform to engage with the community. In the online open house you will be able to watch a recorded presentation, view project information, and ask questions.

The closure of the West Seattle High-Rise Bridge has significantly impacted the way people move through West Seattle in recent months.

As we continue to make on the ground improvements to keep people moving now, we will also continue to invest in long-term projects that help us build an even stronger, connected, and more livable West Seattle. It is critical that we implement both short- and long-term improvements while we simultaneously pursue all options available to reopen the high-rise bridge, which is why we are moving forward with this much-needed project along Delridge Way SW to add a new rapid transit line, improve safety, enhance bike infrastructure, and repair roads in poor condition.

Construction is scheduled to begin as soon as the week of June 8 to start working while the weather is dry. Construction timelines are always subject to change and we will continue to provide updates if and when they are impacted. Please visit our online open house to learn more about the project design and construction, and ask questions.

We know this is a challenging time for all in and around West Seattle with the high-rise bridge closed and with the critical use restrictions placed on the Spokane Street Low Bridge.

There is no perfect time to start a project, but now is the time to leverage this closure to build greater capacity and mobility so that when the bridge does reopen and as the RapidRide comes online, West Seattle can move forward, full steam ahead, stronger than ever before.

Keeping people moving in West Seattle is one of our top priorities right now. In the coming days and weeks, we will continue to share more about how we are moving with great urgency to do all we can on the ground and in the community during the West Seattle High-Rise Bridge closure to soften the impacts to the very best of our and our partners abilities.

The City of Seattle is partnering with King County Metro by rebuilding Delridge Way SW to make improvements for people walking, biking, and taking transit.

These improvements include:

  • Rebuilding damaged streets
  • Making pedestrian improvements like new crosswalks, lighting, and sidewalks  
  • Adding special bus lanes and signals to help prioritize transit
Map showing traffic improvement along Delridge Way SW and RapidRide H stops.

The new RapidRide H Line service will upgrade the existing Route 120, which is one of Metro’s busiest routes, and extend it farther north to South Lake Union.

RapidRide buses will come more often and be more reliable because they will have dedicated lanes and signal priority. Metro will also increase service on nights and weekends. RapidRide is expected to improve travel times by up to 10-15% between South Lake Union and Burien. New bus stations will be spaced every half a mile to reduce stops and increase travel times, and will include new shelters, lighting, ORCA card readers, and real-time arrival displays.

Currently, 34% of households along the route operate without a personal vehicle, making public transportation a critical way for people in the community to get around.

Delridge will be open to traffic during construction. We will maintain 1 lane of traffic in each direction at most times during construction, though temporary detours may be needed to complete certain work.

Visit our online open house for the latest project news and information.

Project schedule for RapidRide H line showing construction was planned to begin in 2020.
Project schedule for RapidRide H line showing construction was planned to begin in 2020.

Construction could start as soon as Monday, June 8. Generally, we anticipate working weekdays between 7 AM and 7 PM. 

Please expect:

  • Noise, dust, and large vehicle traffic
  • Temporary parking restrictions for weeks at a time
  • Short term driveways closures
  • Some nighttime and weekend work to minimize traffic impacts
  • Periodic traffic detours
  • Vehicle lane shifts around work zones
  • Some full closures of major intersections
  • Pedestrian and bicycle detours around the work
  • Temporary utility service impacts
  • Flaggers to help direct traffic, as needed
  • Temporary bus detours and bus stop relocations

This project is jointly funded by King County Metro and Seattle’s Levy to Move Seattle.

Levy to Move Seattle investment, through this Delridge project, is contributing to better access to frequent and reliable buses, refreshing pavement on our busiest streets, and improving safety for everyone, and is a key way taxpayer dollars are contributing to a growing, stronger, more connected Seattle.

The health and safety of our workers and the public is our first priority.

At the City of Seattle, we are continuing to follow guidance from federal, state, and local leaders and our public health partners regarding COVID-19. To keep our crews and the public safe, we have required all contractors to submit updated jobsite Health and Safety Plans to ensure that they comply with the safety and social distancing requirements in the Governor’s Order.

How do I stay up to date during construction?

The best way to receive the most up to date construction information is by signing up for our weekly construction email updates.

Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns.

If you have any concerns about access to your property, or a property that you manage, during construction, please contact us at DelridgeTransit@seattle.gov or 206-775-8739.