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APRIL 19 – 20: Traffic Changes at 7th Ave N and Denny Way

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The three cars at left are taking a lane that will become part of the work zone needed to demolish part of the Battery Street Tunnel's entrance and raise up the old lanes in the middle (view looking north). Photo: WSDOT

The three cars at left are taking a lane that will become part of the work zone needed to demolish part of the Battery Street Tunnel’s entrance and raise up the old lanes in the middle (view looking north). Photo: WSDOT

Crews are expanding their work zone at the north end of the Battery St Tunnel.

 

Get ready: changes are coming to the intersection of Denny Way and 7th Ave N (previously Aurora Ave N) as crews begin work to fill the north end of the Battery Street Tunnel.

 

The ground beneath the closed SR 99 lanes coming in and out of the Battery Street Tunnel is being raised up (view looking south). Photo: WSDOT

The ground beneath the closed SR 99 lanes coming in and out of the Battery Street Tunnel is being raised up (view looking south). Photo: WSDOT

 

Starting April 19, here’s what you can expect.

 

S C H E D U L E

Beginning Friday night, 4/19 at 8 PM, lanes will be reduced and sidewalks will be closed around the intersection of 7th Ave N and Denny Way until 5 AM Saturday morning. Police officers will direct traffic while crews modify traffic signals and establish the new work zone with barrels.

 

Then, beginning on Saturday morning, 4/20, 7th Ave N southbound will be reduced to one lane between John Street and Denny Way, and there will be no left turns from 7th. This will be a long-term lane configuration while construction continues in this area.

 

 

Crews will return Tuesday night, 4/23, to replace construction barrels with roadway barrier. Southbound 7th Ave N will be closed overnight between John St and Denny Way for this work.

 

 

L A N E   R E S T R I C T I O N S

 

One travel lane will remain open in each direction. Drivers heading south on 7th Ave N approaching Denny Way will no longer be able to turn left onto Denny Way or 7th Ave. People driving will have to continue straight on Wall St or turn right on Denny Way. Drivers taking the southbound SR 99 off-ramp to downtown will still be able to take a left on Harrison Street.

 

 

T R A N S I T

 

The southbound bus stop on Seventh Avenue North just north of Denny Way will remain open.

 

 

P R O J E C T   O U T C O M E

 

Crews are expanding their work zone as they begin work to fill in the north end of the Battery Street Tunnel. This is part of the North Surface Streets project to reconnect Harrison St, Thomas St, and John St, which were previously cut off by SR 99’s old path.

 

 

For updates on road closures in this area, subscribe to WSDOT’s weekly construction email.

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Visualize your company’s commute habits using our Commute Trip Reduction Tableau Tool.

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Photo by Lex Photography from Pexels https://www.pexels.com/photo/magic-keyboard-1109543/

Photo by Lex Photography from Pexels https://www.pexels.com/photo/magic-keyboard-1109543/

 

Sharing survey data in a new, modern way to let you visualize your commute.

We’ve partnered with Commute Seattle, the Washington State Department of Transportation, and Tableau to launch an interactive Tableau dashboard tool to view employee commute habits for businesses across Seattle.

 

The tool allows you to view an overall breakdown of different modes of transportation, a heat map of employee’s zip codes, and travel patterns from each zip code. It is an easy way to find out where employees are commuting from.

 

In addition, you can see how your business stacks up against other organizations in your network. Now, you can learn how your company’s transportation program compares to similar employers!

 

 

 

Big companies, big solutions.

 

This tool is available to companies who are affected by the state of Washington’s Commute Trip Reduction law, which requires companies with 100 or more employees to mitigate the traffic impacts of their business by working to reduce driving. Nearly 300 Seattle employers are affected by the Washington Commute Trip Reduction law.

 

Changing your company and commute for the better.

 

CTR-affected companies are required to complete a survey every two years to determine the percentage of employees driving or taking other modes of transportation such as transit or light rail. Previously, all results were delivered only through paper copies with limited charts or graphics.

 

This new dashboard provides employers with data they can visualize and use when strategically planning to invest in new commute programs.

 

There are lots of benefits to using a visual dashboard for viewing employee commute data.

 

  • Quickly and easily understand and interpret survey data.
  • Identify opportunities for employee carpools, vanpools, and employee shuttles.
  • Provide employers with historical data they can visualize and use when strategically planning to invest in new commute programs.
  • Reduce the number of drive-alone trips in and out of downtown.

 

 

 

“By partnering with Tableau, organizations can now offer even more data to inform critical commute decisions in and out of downtown during the Seattle Squeeze, Seattle’s period of transition over the next five years to meet the needs of our growing city, and beyond.”

Heather Marx, Director of Downtown Mobility, SDOT

 

Want more information?

 

For over 10 years, Commute Seattle has helped Seattle businesses of all sizes unlock their potential and empower employees to utilize convenient, affordable, and sustainable transportation options.  If you have questions about Commute Trip Reduction, such as how to meet your requirements or how to start and maintain an employer commute program, contact Commute Seattle for more information!

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Take Via to Transit – Your New Car-Free Commute in Southeast Seattle!

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Via to Transit is a convenient shuttle service to & from light rail stations in SE Seattle & Tukwila.

 

We’ve partnered with King County Metro & Sound Transit to bring you Via to Transit, a convenient shuttle service to and from light rail stations in southeast Seattle and Tukwila.

 

Via to Transit lets you request on-demand shuttle vans to and from five Sound Transit Link stations: Mount Baker, Columbia City, Othello, Rainier Beach, and Tukwila International Boulevard. The service costs and works the same as transferring to or from a Metro bus with an ORCA card.

 

Download the Via app or call 206.258.7739 to request a ride.

 

You can use the service to get between most parts of southeast Seattle (and some parts of Tukwila) and these five Sound Transit Link light rail stations:

 

Southeast Seattle vans run Monday through Saturday from 5 AM to 1 AM and Sunday from 6 AM to midnight.

 

 

 

Tukwila service runs Monday through Friday from 6 to 9 AM and from 3:30 to 6:30 PM.

 

 

Via to Transit costs the same as a Metro bus ride, & you can transfer between Via shuttles, Metro buses, & Link light rail.

 

You must pay with an ORCA card or the Transit Go app (sorry, no cash or paper transfers).

 

Don’t have an ORCA Card? It’s easy to get one – you can order yours online, by mail, or in person. Visit the ORCA Card website for more info! See if you qualify for free or reduced fares for seniors, people with disabilities, students, or people in need.

 

It works in four easy steps.

 

  1. Request a ride on demand using the Via app or call 206-258-7739. Customers do not need to have a smartphone.
  2. Select your pickup and drop-off locations in the defined southeast Seattle and Tukwila service areas and confirm your ride. One end of your trip must be the designated Link light rail station for the service area.
  3. Expect to be picked up within 10 to 15 minutes of your trip request. Your pick-up location may require a short walk. Wheelchair accessible vehicles are available.
  4. You will likely share a ride with other Metro customers in vehicles that can carry up to six passengers traveling in the same direction.

 

The year-long pilot project is mostly funded by $2.7 million from the voter-approved Seattle Transportation Benefit District. Sound Transit and King County Metro are also contributing funds toward the project. Sound Transit also successfully applied for a Mobility on Demand Sandbox grant from the Federal Transit Administration to test the effectiveness of providing on-demand ride-share connections to transit stations.

 

As we continue navigating the #SeattleSqueeze, getting you to transit quickly & easily is another solution.

 

As we continue navigating the Seattle Squeeze, our new era of tough traffic over the next five years, we want to make sure that we have the newest, most innovative solutions to help people throughout Seattle get to transit. On-demand services like Via to Transit will make it easier for you to take transit, especially if you do not own a car, you prefer not to drive, you live within a long walking distance of a transit hub, or you can’t find open parking spaces near the stations.

 

Home, work, or school is just a short, on-demand ride away from your Link light rail station with Via to Transit!

 

Try an on-demand shuttle in West Seattle or Bellevue, too!

 

Don’t forget: the Ride2 on-demand shuttle service is still available in West Seattle and Eastgate! If you commute or travel to West Seattle or the Eastside, use Ride2 as your on-demand shuttle service to and from the West Seattle Water Taxi dock and the Alaska Junction bus stop or the Eastgate Park & Ride.

 

 

Read more about the Via to Transit announcement on King County Metro’s website.

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APR 15: Construction begins to repair & reconfigure SW Avalon Way for all users.

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Construction begins to repair & reconfigure SW Avalon Way to improve safety, accessibility, & comfort for all users.

 

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 SW Avalon Way to improve safety, accessibility, and comfort for all users.

 

Starting April 15, 2019, we’ll demolish the east side of SW Avalon Way from SW Genesee St to SW Yancy St. This work is weather dependent and subject to change.

 

avalon

 

Starting April 15, here’s what you expect.

 

S C H E D U L E

Beginning April 15, 2019, Crews will be surveying and demolishing SW Avalon Way from SW Genesee St to SW Yancy St. We will also be conducting utility work on the east side of SW Avalon Way at SW Genesee St. Work hours are typically on weekdays from 7 AM to 5 PM.

 

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

The east side of SW Avalon Way from SW Genesee St to SW Yancy St will be closed to traffic. We will maintain one lane of traffic in each direction on SW Avalon Way from SW Genesee St to SW Yancy St.

 

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. People driving will only be able to turn right onto SW Avalon Way. 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

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

For more information on this project, please visit our project page. If you have questions or concerns, please contact the construction outreach team at AvalonPaving@seattle.gov, or 206.900.8734.  We appreciate your patience during this work.

 

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APR 12: We’re repaving the east side of 25th Ave NE for all users.

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We’re in construction to repave 25th Ave NE to improve safety, accessibility, and comfort for all users.

 

Starting at 8 PM tonight, April 12, we’ll pave the east side of 25th Ave NE between Montlake Blvd NE to NE 65th St. Here’s what you can expect.

 

S C H E D U L E

Crews will pave the east side of 25th Ave NE from Montlake Blvd NE to NE 65th St tonight, April 12. Crews plan to work from 8 PM on April 12 to as late as 2 PM on Saturday, April 13.

 

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

25th Ave NE will be closed to northbound traffic during this work. People driving north will be detoured from Montlake Blvd NE to 35th Ave NE.  One lane of southbound traffic will be maintained during paving. During the day (before 8 PM), a single lane of traffic will be maintained in each direction. Please follow marked pedestrian detours.

 

Tonight, when paving is taking place in front of properties on 25th Ave NE, residents and businesses will not have access to their driveway from 8 PM to as late as 2 PM on Saturday. Please use driveways and side streets east of 25th Ave NE and walk to homes and businesses if you need to leave before 2 PM on Saturday. The pavement needs 4 to 6 hours to cure and crews will be opening driveways as they are able.

 

paving 25th map

 

N O I S E

Expect loud noise and tar-like odors as the roadway is being paved.

 

T R A N S I T

For changes in Metro routes during paving, please refer to King County Metro Alerts.

 

P R O J E C T   O U T C O M E

We are repaving approximately 1.25 miles of 25th Ave NE between Montlake Boulevard NE and NE 65th 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;
  • Replace traffic sensors; and
  • Make bus stop improvements.

 

25th Ave NE connects the Ravenna and Roosevelt neighborhoods to many local retail establishments and services. 25th Ave NE is also a transit route with service connecting northeast Seattle to the U District, Link light rail, and downtown Seattle.

 

For more information on this project, please visit our project page. If you have questions or concerns, please contact the construction outreach team at 25thAvePaving@seattle.gov, or 206-733-9050.  We appreciate your patience during this work.

 

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Starting April 8: Northbound drivers detoured off 35th Ave NE between NE 75th and NE 95th Streets for several weeks.

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We’re in construction to repave 35th Ave NE to improve safety, accessibility, and comfort for all users. Starting on Monday, April 8, crews will be grinding the top several inches of asphalt on 35th Ave NE between NE 75th and NE 89th streets to prepare for paving.

Here’s what you can expect:

S C H E D U L E

Starting at 7 AM on Monday, April 8, we will be grinding the asphalt on 35th Ave NE. Work hours will be from 7 AM to 7 PM, Monday through Friday, but road closures and the northbound detour will be in place 24/7. We anticipate grinding to take several days.

Following that, crews will complete final repairs on the roadway, which may take several weeks. Paving will follow these activities and is weather dependent.

 

C L O S U R E  A N D  D E T O U R

  • One southbound lane will remain open at all times on 35th Ave NE between NE 75th and NE 95th streets.
  • Northbound traffic will be detoured to Sand Point Way NE between NE 75th and NE 95th streets.
  • Trucks and other drivers that are traveling through the area may also use eastbound NE 65th St to Sand Point Way NE as a detour route.
  • There will be limited turns to and from side streets on 35th Ave NE between NE 75th and NE 95th streets.
  • Street parking will be closed on both sides of the streets, 24/7, and there may be temporary driveway closures for up to 1 hour as the grinding machine passes.

 

N O I S E

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

 

T R A N S I T  

For reroutes and bus stop closures, get the latest information by signing up for King County Metro Alerts or calling King County Metro at 206-553-3000.

 

N E A R B Y  P R O J E C T S

We’re coordinating with the 25th Ave NE Paving Project as they plan for paving overnight in early April. During nighttime paving on 25th Ave NE, northbound traffic from 25th Ave NE will be detoured to 35th Ave NE, south of NE 65th St. For the latest construction information, please see the 25th Ave NE Paving Project construction email update archive.

 

Want more information?

For more information on the 35th Ave NE Project, please visit our web 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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Save 30% on Parking from April 1 – 14 When You Try the PayByPhone App!

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Cheaper parking – say what?!

If you’re parking on Seattle streets between April 1-14, you can save 30% by parking with PayByPhone as a first-time user.

PayByPhone1

What is PayByPhone?

PayByPhone, SDOT’s mobile parking vendor, offers an easy and secure way to pay for parking in seconds with your mobile phone and is free to use at all of Seattle’s street parking locations. The app includes a variety of features that make parking convenient – including text message reminders before your parking expires, and the option to extend your parking time from your phone.

One in three people who park in Seattle already use PayByPhone to pay for their parking because it’s so easy and convenient. Join them!

Sweet! How do I use it?

Download the PayByPhone app from the iTunes or Google Play Store here, or pay for your parking directly at m.paybyphone.com.

Then, when you’re ready to park, look for the PayByPhone signs. Simply enter the location number found on the sign into the app, choose your parking duration, and confirm your parking! With the app’s “nearby” feature, you can save time by selecting your location from an automated list of nearby PayByPhone parking location numbers.

New PayByPhone users, don’t miss the chance to save 30% the first time you use the app for on-street paid parking during this promotion period! To learn more about this offer, visit paybyphone.com/seattle.

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Hey! I’m walkin’ (to work) here! Walk to Work Day is April 5.

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walking downtown

Just in time for spring showers…it’s Walk to Work Day tomorrow, April 5! So, get your rain jackets, umbrellas (yes, they are acceptable), walking shoes, and mobility devices ready. #WalktoWorkDay

As we continue through the #SeattleSqueeze, walking continues to be a great option to get to and through downtown, and Walk to Work day is the perfect day to get started.

Walking keeps you healthy, happy, and helps the environment. Wins all around!

Adding any number of steps to your day, even if it’s just a small part of your commute, is a great way to burn calories, lower your risk of chronic disease, improve your mood, and is free. #Winning! Even if you don’t live within walking distance to your workplace, you can look for ways to add in some extra steps, like getting off the bus a stop early. Y’know, to pick up a donut and offset those burned calories. You earned it.

This koala added strength training to their cardio routine.

So, how do I start?

Check out the Seattle Walking Map! This map was designed to help people choose a walking route that best suits their interests and fitness level. It includes routes that follow sidewalks, shoulders on quiet streets, and park trails.

South Seattle Walking Map

The South Seattle Walking Map is one of three walking maps throughout the city.

King County Metro’s Downtown Accessibility Map lets you plan trips to downtown Seattle destinations that avoid the hills using public transportation and a variety of building elevators and escalators.

Accessibility Map

 

Regardless of how you’re getting around, remember to look out for yourself and others.

Here are some basic safety tips to keep in mind on Walk to Work Day and every day:

  • All intersections (not just the marked crosswalks) are legal crossings. Expect pedestrians and be on the lookout for people crossing the street.
  • Look both ways (remember what we learned as children: left, right, left again). It’s also a good idea to look over your shoulder for turning vehicles.
  • If you’re driving, take it slow. Math + basic physics = increased crashes as speed increases. And survivability for pedestrians involved in a crash goes down with each additional MPH. It’s 20 MPH on residential streets, and 25 MPH on arterials, unless otherwise posted.
  • Pay attention. No matter how you get around, get your head out of your apps. Keep your phone out of reach, especially when you’re behind the wheel. If you’re crossing the street, pop it into your pocket and be aware of your surroundings.

Happy walking! #WalktoWorkDay

people with dogs

Bonus points: bring a furry friend.

 

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#MoreMetro = More trips on bus routes for you!

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As of March 23, there are more trips on bus routes with high ridership demand.

 

The buses are out of the Downtown Seattle Transit Tunnel, but that’s not the only change that’s happening to our downtown streets! As of March 23, there are more trips on bus routes with high ridership demand serving many parts of Seattle to make transit an even more reliable option during the #SeattleSqueeze and beyond.

 

Photo by: Jeanne Clark

 

More daily bus trips to get you where you need to go.

 

Thanks to the Seattle Transportation Benefit District (STBD), there’re more daily bus trips to get you where you need to go.

 

  • Route 40: Added 11 daily trips on weekdays, providing 10-minute or better service from 6 AM – 7 PM
  • Route 41: Improved Night Owl service (late-night bus service in your neighborhood) on Saturdays
  • Route 50: Improved weekday midday service with buses coming every 20 minutes
  • Route 106: Added 48 trips on Sundays, providing 15-minute or better service from 8 AM – 7 PM to match Saturday service levels
  • Route 120: Added 28 trips on weekdays, providing 10-minute or better service from 6 AM – 7 PM and added 43 trips on Sundays, providing 15-minute or better service from 8 AM – 7 PM to match Saturday service levels

 

For additional service information on routes 15, 102, 111, 204 and 312, check out King County Metro’s website.

 

71% of Seattle households are now within a 10-minute walk of 10-minute or better transit service!

 

With the weekday service improvements on Routes 40 and 120, 71% of Seattle households are now within a 10-minute walk of 10-minute or better transit service, up from just 25% in 2015. We’re excited to partner with Metro to bring you the transit service you need to get around Seattle.

 

Upgrades on the remaining routes are helping to increase options and access for bus riders at all times of the day, and all days of the week.

 

STBD helps us improve transit access and options for students, low-income families, + more!

 

STBD Proposition 1 was passed by Seattle voters in November 2014. Through a $60 vehicle license fee and 0.1% sales tax increase, STBD raises roughly $50 million per year to fund improved King County Metro transit service within Seattle. It helps us improve transit access and options for students, low-income families, and more. Check out the STBD Year 3 Annual Report for more information.

 

This is just the latest chapter of the Seattle Squeeze.

 

In case you missed it,  March 23 also marked the end of buses operating in the Downtown Seattle Transit Tunnel (home now to Link light rail-only). All buses that previously operated in the tunnel are now serving stops on downtown surface streets. For more information, check out Metro’s website.

 

Over the next five years, Seattle’s downtown will be in a state of transition to meet the needs of our growing city and region – #SeattleSqueeze. We’re making changes to our city and to our regional transportation system and help people get where they need to go safely and efficiently, and we’re excited to provide expanded, reliable transit service to get you where you need to go.

 

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NEW Peak-Only bus lane on 5th & 6th Avenues installed!

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✨NEW✨ pathway on 5th Ave and 6th Ave to serve as a PM peak-only bus lane to help buses move commuters and travelers north.

 

Our crews have been working hard to install new striping and remove old markings quickly and safely in time for the next phase of the Seattle Squeeze on March 23, when all buses that use the Downtown Seattle Transit Tunnel will permanently move to surface streets.

 

Crews removing old road markings on 5th Ave.

 

To keep transit moving reliably, we installed a new pathway on 5th Ave and 6th Ave to serve as a PM peak-only bus lane to help buses move commuters and travelers north. These buses are traveling to northeast Seattle and the Eastside, and we’re thrilled to be providing a quick and reliable commute for these travelers, as well as working with Metro to ensure our other downtown streets are clear for transit.

The King County Metro routes that will use the pathway include 74, 76, 77, 252, 255, 257, 301, 308, 311, and 316.

 

Fresh paint drying on 5th Ave.

 

Here’s the latest.

✔️ COMPLETE: Striping along 5th Ave and 6th Ave! Look for white paint and the words “BUS ONLY” to know where the buses will be traveling beginning March 23.

 

✔️ COMPLETE: Signage has been installed, and a new bus bulb at Union St (where the sidewalk will be extended into the street to make space for people getting on and off transit) has been installed as well.

 

📅  Bus shelters at 5th Ave and Marion St will be installed.

 

Installation of the new PM peak-only bus lane on 5th Ave between Columbia St and Marion St.

Heads up: You will see bus drivers using this lane for practice!

King County Metro drivers will be out on the pathway to practice their driving patterns before the actual service change begins on March 23.

Look for buses Monday – Friday from 7 AM to 3 PM as drivers get used to their new routes! This will ensure that they are prepped and ready once those buses start filling up and they begin carrying commuters to their next destination.

 

Reminder: keep up those commute changes from January.

Those changes you made in January, like biking, taking transit, or shifting your commute hours? They worked! Traffic volumes remained low across the region and we avoided any major incidents, so thank you, Seattle! We don’t want you to stop now that the tunnel is open, though – public and private construction projects are going to continue to challenge how we get around, so check out our Tools page to find everything you need to change your commute. Keep it up!

 

Seattle’s new normal – #SeattleSqueeze

Over the next five years, Seattle’s downtown will be in a state of transition to meet the needs of our growing city and region – #SeattleSqueeze. We’re making changes to our city and to our regional transportation system and help people get where they need to go safely and efficiently. New mobility projects are being developed and constructed to connect communities to downtown with fast, regular service and to create the public spaces our growing region needs.

For more information, tools, and resources on  #SeattleSqueeze, please visit our website!

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