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Seattle Streetcar South Lake Union Line rider alert: Closures scheduled April 3-7 and May 1-7 for system maintenance and repair work

by on March 23, 2023
The Seattle Streetcar prepares to depart on its route from downtown Seattle through South Lake Union. Photo: SDOT.

Blog stats: 450 words | 3-minute read

At-a-glance:

  • Closure dates: On April 3-7 and May 1-7, 2023, the Seattle Streetcar South Lake Union Line will be closed for maintenance and repairs.
  • Work details: The April closure will allow crews to perform street drain repairs at Fairview Ave N and Harrison St. The May closure will allow crews to replace underground wiring at Terry Ave N and Harrison St.
  • Alternate transit routes: Riders are encouraged to use King County Metro bus routes 40, 70, and the RapidRide C Line during these closures.

The Seattle Streetcar South Lake Union Line is receiving needed maintenance and repairs this spring, leading to the two planned closures in April and May. We’re working closely with King County Metro to complete the work as quickly and efficiently as possible to minimize effects on riders. Temporarily closing the streetcar line helps keep our crews and the traveling public safe as we work next to and in the streetcar tracks.

While the streetcar route is closed, we encourage transit riders to use bus routes 40, 70, and RapidRide C Line to reach their destinations.

Here’s what you can expect:

April 3-7 closure (normal service resumes on Saturday, April 8)

  • Our crews will work around the clock to repair a street drain on Harrison St that is no longer working and is causing the streetcar switch in this location to malfunction.
  • The work includes excavating the street in order to access and fix the drain.

May 1-7 closure (normal service resumes on Monday, May 8)

  • Our crews and King County Metro contractors will work to replace wiring beneath the streetcar tracks that activate signals indicating when the streetcar is approaching.
  • The work includes targeted work to access the underground wiring for repairs, then re-pouring concrete to restore the street to its original condition.

We will update this blog post if there are changes to the planned work schedule.

We’re also coordinating this work with other projects in the area to help minimize the total number of needed closures to streetcar service in the coming months.

Map describing the extend of upcoming Seattle Streetcar South Lake Union Line closures. The full line will be closed on April 3-7 and May 1-7, 2023.
Map showing the locations of work planned in April and May 2023 and extent of the streetcar closure in South Lake Union. Graphic: SDOT.
Graphic highlighting Mobility as one of SDOT's core values and goals. Mobility is in large yellow letters, with a forward yellow arrow and text describing the goal and value. The SDOT logo is to the right, with a blue and black background.
Graphic describing Sustainability as one of SDOT's core values and goals. The graphic has the word Sustainability in large yellow letters, with a recycling icon, text describing the value and goal, and the SDOT logo with a blue and black background.
Graphics highlighting mobility and sustainability, two of SDOT’s core values and goals, which this work and the Seattle Streetcar are helping to advance. Graphics: SDOT.
Filed Under: SDOT, Streetcar, Traffic and Construction, Transit Tagged With: , , , , , ,