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A Vibrant Seattle Through Transportation Excellence.

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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It’s Game Day – Avoid the Delays!

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Traveling to, from, or around the stadiums? Don’t get stuck in traffic!

 

Whether you’re #TruetotheBlue or a proud member of the #12s and you’re headed to the game, or if you’re just trying to get through town, we’ve got the information that you need to know.

 

During concerts, games, and other events at T-Mobile Park and CenturyLink Field, thousands of people are traveling to and through the SODO neighborhood. These events have a huge impact on travel times, as certain streets are closed to cars, restricting the ways people can get through.

 

We encourage you to try taking different modes of transportation to get to and from the stadiums, shifting your travel times, and avoiding drive-alone trips through the neighborhood during events. Check out our new map showing the high-impact area of the stadiums during event days along with which streets are closed, as well as access to and detours around SR 99, and find links to tools to help you plan your trip below!

 

Our new map showing street closures and traffic impacts in SODO after stadium events is here to help you.

 

Map of Street Closures and Traffic Impacts in SODO After Stadium Events

 

Check out our Street Closures and Traffic Impacts in SODO After Stadium Events map, which shows the high impact area for traffic after an event at the stadiums. Please note: while there are closures for drivers through the area, streets will remain open to buses. Another great reason to take public transportation!

 

Plan ahead and see all of your travel options using resources from Sound Transit, King County Metro, CenturyLink Field, T-Mobile Park, and yours truly!

 

Link light rail is a reliable and fun way to travel to and through downtown.

 

Choosing different modes of transportation, such as riding the bus, Link Light Rail, streetcar, water taxi, Sounder Train, biking, or walking, are all great options to reduce your travel time and keep your game day spirits high. If you’re riding Link light rail or King County Metro buses, try TransitGO to buy bus, light rail, and water taxi tickets ahead of time.

 

Visit these alert webpages where you can view and signup for alerts, such as game-day temporary stop changes, reroutes, and more!

 

Sound Transit

 

 

Sign up for Sound Transit’s Service Alerts, which provide email and text alerts with construction and event revision information. You can also visit Sound Transit’s webpages with updates on traveling to Mariners, Sounders, and Seahawks games by taking the Sounder Train, Link light rail, and ST Express buses!

 

 

King County Metro

 

 

Sign up for King County Metro’s Alerts, which provide updates to King County Metro service via email or text. You can also visit King County Metro’s webpages with updates on travel to and from Mariners,  Sounders, and Seahawks games using Metro’s handy Trip Planner tool!

 

 

Seattle Streetcar

 

 

Take the First Hill Line, which connects Capitol Hill, the Chinatown-International District, and Pioneer Square. Use the stops at 5th & Jackson (Japantown) or the Occidental Mall (Pioneer Square) to access the stadiums and avoid traffic!

 

 

CenturyLink Field

 

 

CenturyLink Field has its own directions guide! But this isn’t the only resource to help you get to and from the stadiums. The Seahawks transportation guide includes information about parking, public transportation, ride share, and other ways to get to and from the stadium. And the Seattle Sounders also has a transportation guide, with traffic alerts, transportation maps, ways to plan your trip using different modes of transportation, and more.

 

 

T-Mobile Park

 

 

Check out the Mariners’ guide to getting to T-Mobile Park, complete with driving and parking directions, public transportation options, and information for accessible drop-off and pick-up locations.

 

 

Don’t forget to check our traffic cameras and Twitter feed for real-time travel information and know before you go.

 

Always check our Travelers’ Map before you head out the door! You can check current traffic conditions on one of our over 200 traffic cameras, as well as get alerts about construction and other incidents impacting traffic.

 

The camera at 4th Ave S and I-90 gives a great view of one of our dynamic messaging signs. Go to https://web6.seattle.gov/travelers/ for more traffic cameras across Seattle.

 

Follow us on Twitter at @SDOTTraffic, where we post real-time traffic and incident information.

 

Thanks for doing your part to plan your trip during the #SeattleSqueeze and beyond!

 

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FREE adaptive cycle rentals through a new partnership with Outdoors for All.

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May is #BikeEverywhereMonth and we’re working to ensure everyone has access to get out and enjoy the great joys of biking.

 

Did you know one of the nation’s largest fleets of adaptive cycles is housed here in Seattle? Outdoors for All Foundation, a local non-profit, provides adaptive recreation opportunities for children and adults with disabilities and boasts over 200 adaptive cycles in its Magnuson Park Adaptive Cycle Center.

 

Now, a new partnership between our Bike Share Program and Outdoors for All will help more people access these amazing cycles.

 

This summer, a portion of our bike share permit-generated fees will go straight to Outdoors for All, allowing this great organization to better serve the community through the Adaptive Cycling Center. Read on to learn about the many opportunities for you to get out and bike!

 

Free rentals, extended hours, and bikes in south Seattle – here’s what our partnership is providing:

 

1. All adaptive cycle rentals will be FREE in Magnuson Park through September 30, 2019!

This new partnership will allow all rentals in Magnuson Park to be free-of-charge for children and adults with disabilities! You can rent an adaptive cycle through September 30, 2019 at the Adaptive Cycling Center in Magnuson Park.

 

What are adaptive cycles? They include:

  • Handcycles for individuals with no or limited leg movement
  • Three- and four-wheel cycles for those who need more stability
  • Children’s hand and foot powered cycles
  • Tandem cycles for individuals who want a guide while riding
  • Hand and foot cranked cycles exercising your whole body
  • Standard cycles

 

2. The Adaptive Cycling Center will remain open 7 days a week from May through September.

Now, you can cycle all week long! With our partnership, adaptive cycles will be available for drop-in rentals 7 days a week from 10 AM – 6 PM through September 30.

 

3. We’ll bring the adaptive cycles to 10 events in South Seattle this summer.

We understand that Magnuson Park isn’t easily accessible for those living in the South Seattle. That’s why this partnership allows for Outdoors for All to bring their trailer full of adaptive cycles to 10 events this summer!

 

People will be able to stop by and try an adaptive cycle free-of-charge at these events, including Seward Park Bicycle Sundays and White Center Bicycle Demonstrations. Check out the complete list of dates here!

 

 

Meet Sofi and Patricia, two people who have found the joy and freedom of using adaptive cycles.

 

Sofi and her mom, Tracey, stopped into the Adaptive Cycling Center almost every week during the summer of 2018 trying out different tandem cycles. When Sofi and her mom first started to visit, Sofi didn’t want to pedal, but by the end of the summer Sofi and her mom pedaled over 400 miles! Read Sofi’s story here.

 

 

Patricia also used one of Outdoors for All’s adaptive cycles to cycle for the first time last summer! Because she was able to try different adaptive cycles to see which worked best for her, she was able to get her own. Now she rides everywhere! Learn about Patricia’s adventures here.

 

 

Try out an adaptive cycle today!

 

Check out the great work that Outdoors for All does and make this summer the one you or your loved one get on an adaptive cycle!

For more information, please visit Outdoors for All’s website.

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Updated! May 6: Base paving at the intersection of SW Avalon Way and SW Genesee St

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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 replacement of the water main below 35th Ave SW and the repair of 35th Ave SW to improve safety, accessibility, and comfort for all users.

 

Through May 6, we will be closing the east side of the intersection of SW Avalon Way and SW Genesee St to complete remaining base paving. Seattle Public Utility crews completed emergency water main repairs over the weekend. Crews will work from 7 AM to 5 PM and intend on opening the intersection as soon as it is feasible this evening.

 

35th Ave Map

 

Here’s what you can expect:

S C H E D U L E

Crews will be conducting base paving at the east side of the intersection of SW Avalon Way and SW Genesee St through May 6. Work hours will be from 7 AM to 5 PM.

 

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

Through Monday evening, May 6, the east side of the intersection of SW Avalon Way and SW Genesee St will be closed. Crews intend on opening the intersection as soon as it is feasible this evening.

 

To access SW Avalon Way, please head north on Delridge Way SW, turn left onto SW Andover St, left onto 28th Ave southwest, and right onto SW Yancy St. One lane of traffic will be maintained in each direction on SW Avalon Way. Local access will be maintained to driveways on SW Genesee St near the SW Avalon Way intersection.

 

N O I S E

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

 

T R A N S I T

Bus stops may be temporarily closed and buses may be rerouted during paving: get the latest information at King County Metro Alerts.

 

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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Bike Share Parking 101

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Taking a bike share bike to Alki is an easy and fun way to get exercise and enjoy the fresh air! Be sure to park your bike in one of our new parking spaces!

Taking a bike share bike to Alki is an easy and fun way to get exercise and enjoy the fresh air! Be sure to park your bike in one of our new parking spaces!

Alright Seattle, we know you already know the obvious places where you’re not supposed to park a bike share bike. 

 

GeekWire put together a comprehensive list of incorrectly parked bikes across Seattle in 2017. Presented without comment.

 

 

But, there are certain spots you may not realize are blocking access for people.

 

Sometimes we may not realize it, but certain places that we leave our bike share bikes parked can prevent access for people who are just trying to get around. Here are three easy areas to avoid when you’re ready to park your bike:

 

In the middle of the sidewalks.

 

Bike share parked in the middle of a sidewalk.

 

People of all ages and abilities rely on clear sidewalks to travel throughout Seattle. Did you know: people who are blind sometimes use the walls of buildings to get around? It’s really important that we keep the sidewalk, from the edge of buildings to the “planting strip” (the space, paved or unpaved, between the curb and sidewalk), clear for everyone.

 

Park your bike share on the outer edge of the sidewalk, where you usually find street trees, newspaper stands, & fire hydrants.

 

Near curb ramps.

 

 

Along with keeping sidewalks clear, it’s important to keep curb ramps free of bikes to help those who rely on curb ramps to access sidewalks. Make sure you’re not blocking ramps when you park your bike.

 

Near bus stops & building entrances.

 

 

Have you ever had a bike block your bus stop, or get in the way of the front door to a building? Not only is it frustrating, but it can prevent people who are unable to move the bikes themselves from accessing public transportation, get to appointments on time, or just get home.

 

Be aware of where you’re leaving your bike, & make sure to keep it out of the way! Here, it’s easy. We’ll show you!

 

Take a minute and 30 seconds out of your day to watch our bike share parking video with Rooted in Rights, with the how-to on parking your bike share bike.

 

(P.S. share with your friends, neighbors, and colleagues – we could all use a refresher!)

 

More bike parking spaces are coming this year!

 

 

We’re making it easier for you to park your bike! Look for new parking for 160 bikes in West Seattle along Alki Beach and at the Seacrest Marina. We’ll be installing a new corral at Seacrest Marina that will be the largest in Seattle!

 

If you can help move an improperly parked bike, you’d seriously be a top-notch citizen!

 

Relocating a bike that’s blocking access is a quick and easy way to be a good neighbor and look out for others who are just trying to travel safely through Seattle. Use our tips listed above to find the perfect location to store that bike for the next rider!

 

Thanks, Seattle, for doing your part to keep our sidewalks clear for everyone. We’re all in this together! Now, get out there and ride a bike for #BikeEverywhereMonth, and when you’re done, be sure to park it right!

 

For more info about our bike share program, visit our Free-Floating Bike Share program page. You can also visit our Bike Program page where you’ll find our Bike Map and more helpful info.

 

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Saturday, May 4: Asphalt island improvements at NE 80th St & Banner Way NE

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NE Banner Way Asphalt Island

 

We are reconstructing the asphalt island at the intersection of NE 80 ST & Banner Way NE to improve access. As part of this work, we are relocating signals, rebuilding pavement, repositioning jersey barriers, and redoing the pavement markings.

Here’s what you can expect:

 

SCHEDULE

 

On Saturday, May 4 from 6 AM – 4 PM, we are pouring concrete in a new traffic signal pole foundation, installing the new traffic signal pole and traffic signs, and removing the old traffic signal pole.

 

CLOSURE | DETOUR

 

The intersection of NE 80 ST & Banner Way NE will be impacted. We will be closing the left lane of NB Banner Way at NE 80 ST during our work.  No detours are planned.  While transit will not be impacted, you can expect some traffic delays.

 

Asphalt Island Construction

Please plan ahead and expect travel delays through the area when crews are performing work. Thanks for your patience!

 

Want more information about this project?

 

If you have questions or concerns, please contact Chris Eaves at 206-684-4524 or at Christopher.Eaves@seattle.gov. Thanks for your patience, Seattle!

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Saturday, May 4, 7 AM – 3:30 PM: Maintenance work on Mercer St

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Our crews will be performing landscape and road maintenance on Mercer Street this Saturday.

Here’s what to expect:

  • Saturday, 7 AM – 3:30 PM: Inside eastbound lane adjacent to the median will be closed between 9th Ave N and Terry Ave N
  • Westbound lanes will not be impacted

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

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Get a FREE Good To Go! pass for the SR 99 Tunnel!

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Toll signs above the new SR 99 tunnel exit. Photo courtesy of WSDOT.

Toll signs above the new SR 99 tunnel exit. Photo courtesy of WSDOT.

Get ready: WSDOT will begin tolling drivers in the SR 99 tunnel late this summer.

 

The #SeattleSqueeze continues, as the tolling of the new SR 99 tunnel will again change traffic patterns to and through downtown. We’ll all need to plan ahead and prepare for impacts to our commutes, but good news: WSDOT is making it easy to pay the lowest toll rate if you’ll be driving in the SR 99 tunnel.

 

Why is the tunnel being tolled? The Legislature has directed WSDOT to collect tolls in the SR 99 tunnel in order to repay $200 million in construction bonds borrowed to build the tunnel and to fund the ongoing cost of operating and maintaining a safe facility. This funding is part of the $3.3 billion investment to replace the aging Alaskan Way Viaduct and rebuild SR 99 through Seattle.

 

Northbound lane stripes near the south end of the SR 99 tunnel. Photo courtesy of WSDOT.

Northbound lane stripes near the south end of the SR 99 tunnel. Photo courtesy of WSDOT.

 

Luckily, WSDOT is here to help. They’re giving away free Good To Go! sticker passes, which let you pay the lowest toll rate in the SR 99 tunnel.

 

Don’t delay in getting your free pass, but first, make sure you know what kind of Good To Go! pass is right for you. There are four different kinds of Good To Go! passes. The sticker pass will work for most tunnel drivers, but if you plan on carpooling in the I-405/SR 167 express toll lanes, you have a motorcycle, or you drive a vehicle with metal in the windshield, you will need a different pass. If you need help deciding which pass is best for you, visit the Good To Go! pass page.

 

Just complete a few quick and easy steps to get your pass.

 

Take a simple survey and get your free Good To Go! pass! Photo by rawpixel.com from Pexels. https://www.pexels.com/photo/photo-of-woman-holding-smartphone-1842623/

Take a simple survey and get your free Good To Go! pass! Photo by rawpixel.com from Pexels. https://www.pexels.com/photo/photo-of-woman-holding-smartphone-1842623/

 

Take a short survey and you’ll receive your free sticker pass within four weeks.

 

Once you receive your sticker pass in the mail, you must activate it by adding it to a Good To Go! account. Your sticker pass will not work until it’s been added to an account.

 

You may either add your pass to your existing Good To Go! Account or open a new account. Or, wait until this summer to open your new account in WSDOT’s new Good To Go! system, which will not require a $30 pre-paid balance!

 

A few other important notes about getting the free sticker pass:

 

  • To get the pass, you must currently use the SR 99 tunnel or plan to in the future.
  • Limit of one sticker pass per person. You will need to purchase any additional passes.
  • Free sticker passes will be offered while supplies last.

 

Got a burning question about getting a Good To Go! pass?

 

Stick your Good To Go! Pass on your windshield, and you’ll be, well, good to go. Photo courtesy of WSDOT.

Stick your Good To Go! Pass on your windshield, and you’ll be, well, good to go. Photo courtesy of WSDOT.

 

WSDOT has the answer to your tolling questions on their SR 99 Tolling webpage. Learn who is exempt from the toll, other ways you can pay the toll, and more!

 

Questions about getting your free Good To Go! sticker pass? Email SR99TunnelTolls@wsdot.wa.gov, or call 206-440-4444.

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Join Commute Seattle’s 2019 Bikes and Bakeries Challenge!

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Bike. Eat treats. Win. It’s that easy!

 

May is #BikeMonth, and we’ve got just the sweet treat for you to get riding! Join Commute Seattle’s Bikes and Bakeries Challenge, where you can win amazing bike-related prizes just for riding your bike and supporting bakeries across the city!

 

Participating is as easy as 1-2-3:

 

  1. Ride a bike to one of the participating bakeries.
  2. Scan the QR code at checkout and let Commute Seattle know which bakery you visited. Forgot to scan the code? Click here to submit your entry.
  3. Visit four bakeries during the month of May and be entered to win amazing bike-related prizes from local bike shops! Each additional bakery gives you another chance to win.

 

Check out the participating bakeries!

15 bakeries are participating in the Bikes and Bakeries challenge! Use this interactive map to see them all.

Don’t forget: you can #ShoptheSqueeze and win a $100 pre-loaded ORCA card or Visa gift card!

 

Bonus: if you visit a bakery in a Downtown-area neighborhood, you can also enter to win a $100 ORCA card or Visa gift card through the #ShopTheSqueeze contest! Shop the Squeeze encourages folks to explore Seattle’s small business scene via bike, bus, walking, or however you choose to get around without driving solo.

 

Entering #ShopTheSqueeze is easy:

 

1. Visit a small business in Belltown, Chinatown-International District, the Downtown Retail Core, Little Saigon, or Pioneer Square via alternative transportation

2. Post a photo from your visit to your Instagram, Twitter, or the OED Facebook page and tag or include the name of the business

3. Finish your post by using #ShoptheSqueeze and tell us how you got there in your caption!

 

That’s right—you can enter two contests for the price of one! Check out seattle.gov/shopthesqueeze for contest details.

 

And, once it’s all over, let’s CELEBRATE! 🎉

child biking

 

On Friday, May 31st from 4:30-6:30 PM, join Commute Seattle for a Bike Month Celebration at Optimism Brewing Company! They will select winners for our prize drawings and celebrate employers who support bike commuting throughout May and beyond!

 

Register for the event here!

 

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Wednesday, May 1: Prepare for May Day Travel Impacts

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The 20th Annual May Day March for Worker and Immigrant Rights is expected to impact traffic through the city on May 1. Please plan ahead for delays due to crowds along demonstration routes and potential traffic disruptions.

2019_MayDay_Route

Here’s what you can expect:

 

SCHEDULE

The event will begin at Judkins Park at the intersection of 20th Pl S and S Dearborn St at 1 PM on Wednesday, May 1. The march is expected to reach the U.S. District Courthouse around 3 PM, and the rally will continue until 7 PM.

 

CLOSURES | DETOUR

The march route begins on S Jackson St and is scheduled to end at the U.S. District Courthouse at 700 Stewart St. The route will go along 20th Ave S, E Yesler Way, 12 Ave, Madison St, Broadway, E Pine, 6th Ave, and 7th Ave, ending at Stewart St.  About 650 people are expected to participate.

 

TRANSIT

King County Metro Routes 2, 11, 12, and 14 may be impacted by this event. Please refer to King County Metro Alerts for service alerts and information about impacts along your route.

 

OTHER IMPACTS

The Mariners play the Chicago Cubs at T-Mobile Park on Wednesday, May 1.  First pitch is at 3:40PM.  Estimated attendance: 35,000. Prepare for increased travel times around the stadiums.

 

Please plan ahead and prepare for impacts to travel on Wednesday afternoon and evening. Thank you for your patience!

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