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June 14 – 17: Repairing the Roadway Panels at Mercer St and Fairview Ave N

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Street Closed sign on Mercer St

 

Crews will be repairing the roadway panels on westbound Mercer St at Fairview Ave N this Friday, June 14 – Monday, June 17. Prepare for impacts to travel throughout the weekend.

 

Here’s what you can expect:

 

SCHEDULE

Work will begin on Friday, June 14 at 9 PM. Streets will reopen in time for the morning commute on Monday, June 17.

 

CLOSURE | DETOUR

Westbound Mercer St between I-5 and Boren Ave N will be closed, as well as the I-5 SB off-ramp to Mercer St. Use alternate routes and expect increased traffic at the I-5 SB off-ramps to Union St, Stewart St, and James St.

 

Drivers coming onto Mercer from NB I-5 will take a mandatory left to Fairview Ave N, where they will then be directed to Denny Way and then to Westlake Ave N.

 

Fairview Ave N will be open in both directions, and eastbound Mercer St to the I-5 on-ramps will remain open.

 

A uniformed police officer will be directing traffic at the intersection of Mercer St and Fairview Ave N throughout the weekend. Traffic engineers will be making signal adjustments on Mercer St to keep people moving.

 

Diagram of Mercer St Closure

 

NOISE

Expect loud noise and vibrations on Friday between 9 PM – 12 AM.

 

PROJECT OUTCOME

This work is to permanently restore the pavement that was damaged in the crane collapse on Saturday, April 27.

 

Want more information?

 

If you have any questions, please contact 206-684-7623 or 684-ROAD@seattle.gov. We appreciate your patience during this work.

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Friday, May 31 – Monday, June 3: Expect lane reductions on Aurora Bridge

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View of the SR 99 Aurora Bridge from the Fremont Bridge. Photo courtesy of WSDOT.

 

This weekend marks the beginning of series of lane reductions for pavement preservation work on the SR 99 Aurora Bridge over the summer.

 

From Friday night until Monday morning, contractor crews working for the Washington State Department of Transportation will scrape off old asphalt on the roadway, make any needed repairs to the bridge deck and repave.

 

This work is weather-dependent, so it could be postponed if there’s a decent chance of rain. Plan ahead and prepare for impacts to travel.

 

Here’s what you can expect:

 

SCHEDULE

Beginning at 7 PM Friday, May 31 until 5 AM Monday, June 3, both directions of SR 99 will be reduced to a single lane across the bridge to repave the southern part of the northbound lanes.

 

Additional bridge paving work is scheduled throughout the summer. Other weekend lane reductions scheduled so far are:

 

  • June 14-17
  • June 28-July 1
  • July 12-15
  • Aug. 9-12, 16-19 and 23-26

 

A map and description of the lane reductions on the Aurora Bridge this weekend. Photo courtesy of WSDOT.

 

CLOSURE | DETOUR

Expect heavy traffic on Aurora Ave N, side streets, and I-5 as people work their way around this lane reduction. Know your trip and route options before you head out the door to reach your destination on time. King County Metro riders can stay up to date with Transit Alerts.

 

PROJECT DETAILS

This work is part of the project this summer to repave all of Aurora Ave between Roy Street near downtown Seattle and North 145th Street at the Seattle/Shoreline city limits. Most of the work will take place at night, but repaving the bridge requires weekends.

 

At least one lane in both directions of SR 99 will remain open during the work. Access to residences and businesses will be maintained during business hours.

 

Visit WSDOT’s website to learn more about the project schedule.

 

Crews already have finished paving the southbound section of SR 99
between the Aurora Bridge and Roy Street and are working northbound
in that same area now. They’ll continue working north of the bridge
throughout the summer. Photo courtesy of WSDOT.

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Travel Alert: Seattle Blvd S Signal & Lane Changes

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To improve traffic flow into downtown during the morning commute, we’re making changes to the traffic signal and middle lane on Seattle Blvd S approaching 4th Ave.

 

 

During the morning commute hours (6-9 AM), the middle travel lane will be right turn-only.

 

We’re installing a new signal at this location that will indicate that this lane is northbound (NB) only in the morning. After 9 AM, the middle lane may be used to turn left or right to head either NB or SB on 4th Ave S.

 

Heads up: If you are turning left to go south on 4th Ave S during the morning commute, be sure to stay in the left lane! If you travel into downtown in the morning using I-90, exit at Rainier, and turn onto Dearborn, this change will feel different.

 

Here’s what you can expect:

 

SCHEDULE

These changes are permanent and are expected to be installed in summer 2019.

 

TRANSIT

During the morning commute hours (6 – 9 AM), buses will travel in the middle lane and turn right to head northbound on 4th Ave S.

 

PROJECT OUTCOME

Our goal is to improve traffic flow into downtown during the morning commute, reducing travel times for transit and other modes of transportation.

After noticing that northbound traffic into downtown during the AM peak commute was getting delayed, we are implementing these changes to keep traffic moving through the area during the #SeattleSqueeze and beyond.

 

Want more information about this project?

 

Thanks for your patience as we install our new signal and lane markings. Plan ahead, give yourself extra time, and be patient as we all adjust to new ways of getting around. Email us at 684-ROAD@seattle.gov or call us at 684-ROAD with further questions.

 

 

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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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April 26-27, 2019: Overnight paving on 35th Ave NE between NE 75th St and NE 89th St

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We are repaving 35th Ave NE to improve safety, accessibility, and comfort for all users. Starting Friday evening, April 26, crews will pave 35th Ave NE between NE 75th and NE 90th streets.

 

Here’s what you can expect:

 

S C H E D U L E

 

Paving and road closures will begin at 6 PM on Friday, April 26 and last through as late as 5 PM on Saturday, April 27.  This work is weather dependent and subject to change.

 

C L O S U R E  / D E T O U R 

 

  • 35th Ave NE will be closed to traffic between NE 65th and NE 95th streets.
  • People driving on 35th Ave NE will be detoured to Sand Point Way NE.
  • Residents and businesses between NE 75th and NE 90th streets will not have access to their driveways on 35th Ave NE during nighttime paving. Please park on side streets before 6 PM on Friday, April 26.
  • Local access will be maintained for residents and businesses on 35th Ave NE from NE 65th to NE 75th streets and from NE 90th to NE 95th streets. A uniformed police officer will be stationed at NE 65th St and NE 95th St to facilitate access as needed.
  • All sidewalks will remain open. People walking will be able to cross 35th Ave NE at NE 75th St and NE 90th St during the work.
  • Please do not walk across 35th Ave NE during paving, except at NE 75th and NE 90th streets. Asphalt and tar are very hot and harmful to people and animals.

 

N O I S E 

 

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

 

T R A N S I T

 

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

 

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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APR 8-11: Construction on Colombian Way & South Alaska St continues.

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South Columbian Way / S Alaska St between Beacon Ave S and Martin Luther King Jr Way S is a two-way arterial serving southeast Seattle. This stretch of road provides an important connection for all commuters between Beacon Hill and Rainier Valley. Our goal is to improve the safety, accessibility, and comfort for all users.

 

From April 8-11, 2019, we’re grinding the pavement on S Columbian Way & S Alaska St. Here’s what you can expect.

 

S C H E D U  L E

Starting at 7 PM on Monday, April 8 we will be grinding the pavement on S Columbian Way and S Alaska St between Beacon Ave S and Martin Luther King Jr. Way to prepare for paving. We will work from 7 PM to 7 AM. This work will continue for 3 nights, from April 8 to April 11.

 

C L O S U R E  |  D E T O U R

Westbound traffic between Beacon Ave S and Martin Luther King Jr. Way will be detoured from 7 PM to 7 AM. Eastbound traffic will be maintained. Two-way traffic on S Columbian Way and S Alaska St will be open from 7 AM to 7 PM.  Access to S Columbian Way/S Alaska St from side streets will be closed. Please access side streets from S Ferdinand St.

 

There will be limited turns to and from driveways and side streets on the side where grinding is happening. Driveway access may be disrupted for 30 to 45 minutes as the grinding machines passes. Access will be maintained to S Alaska Pl.

 

 

N O I S E

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

 

P R O J E C T  O U T C O M E

S Columbian Way / S Alaska St between Beacon Ave S and Martin Luther King Jr Way S is a two-way arterial serving southeast Seattle. This stretch of road provides an important connection for all commuters between Beacon Hill and Rainier Valley. Our goal is to improve the safety, accessibility, and comfort for all users. We are working to repave about 1 mile of S Columbian Way / S Alaska St between Beacon Ave S and Martin Luther King Jr Way S. As part of the repaving, we will be taking off the old top layer of the road, placing new asphalt and repainting the lane lines. In addition to repaving, we will also be putting in new protected bike lanes along this stretch of road between Beacon Ave S and Martin Luther King Jr Way S. To create space for the protected lanes, we will be removing the center-turn lane from Beacon Ave S to Martin Luther King Jr Way S.

 

For more information on this project, please visit: www.seattle.gov/transportation/paving-columbian.htm

 

If you have questions or concerns, please contact the construction outreach team at ColumbianAlaska@seattle.gov, or 206.256.5112.  Thank you for your patience as we make these safety improvements.

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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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Making the most of the Move Seattle Levy resources to implement the Bicycle Master Plan.

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Over the past 3 years, the City of Seattle has built 27 miles of new bike facilities.

 

Mayor Durkan and SDOT Director, Sam Zimbabwe are committed to continuing to build a connected bike network as Seattle grows. We know many people are talking about how we’re implementing Seattle’s 2014 Bicycle Master Plan (BMP) recommendations. We recently submitted to City Council a draft BMP Implementation Plan – a list of projects we’ve currently secured funding for to complete in the next six years. 

 

Let’s talk about what this means.  

 

Last fall, we completed a comprehensive reassessment of the Levy to Move Seattle under the leadership of Mayor Durkan based on more realistic assumptions than we used in 2015. The Bike Master Plan is funded in large part by the Levy so we’ve been working with the Seattle Bicycle Advisory Board to prioritize the projects in the Bike Master Plan to make the best investments and maximize safety, connectivity, equity, ridership, and livability.

 

Enter the draft BMP Implementation Plan.

 

This plan reprioritizes projects based on available funding – keeping in mind that we’re also working to secure additional funds that would allow us to construct more projects.

 

  

 

We’re taking public comments on the draft Implementation Plan plan until April 30. We’ll then submit a revised version to City Council. Once the plan is complete, there are still many steps that need to be taken before a project is built because things can change over time. For example, we may need to revise the plan if something unforeseen comes up during engineering, if there are coordination challenges with other public and private projects, or as we learn about other issues through community engagement.  

 

One way we can advance transparency is to identify potential risks or issues that may change over time, and by engaging in an open public process.

 

Our goal is to be upfront about what we’ll need to consider before each project is built.  

 

The draft BMP Implementation Plan anticipates constructing 49 miles of bicycle facilities and designing an additional 13 miles using a combination of Levy to Move Seattle and other project funding. The plan identifies projects and programs which, combined with existing facilities, will make significant progress towards implementing the BMP recommendations over the next six years. It works to achieve an all ages and abilities bike network through a combination of protected bike lanes, trails, neighborhood greenways, and funding for bike parking, encouragement programs, and safety education. Here’s what we’re proposing.

 

. P R O P O S E D .

Bike Master Plan projects/recommendations over the next six years.

 

The following maps show numbered projects in geographic sections: North, Central, and South Seattle. Reference the project number with the Project Funded List below.

NORTH SEATTLE: Proposed Bicycle Master Plan Projects

 

CENTRAL SEATTLE: Proposed Bicycle Master Plan Projects

 

SOUTH SEATTLE: Proposed Bicycle Master Plan Projects

 

. P R O J E C T S  F U N D E D  L I S T .

Projects funded through construction by risk.

 

 

In 2018, bike ridership increased by 12% compared to last year.

 

This data is based on permanent bike counters. In fact, with the extension of the 2nd Ave protected bike lane (aka PBL), ridership on that facility increased by 32%. The connections recommended in the draft BMP Implementation Plan will encourage even more people to bike. Here’s where the proposed bike lanes and trails will take you: 

 

  • 22 connections to existing or proposed transit hubs 
  • 4 connections to existing or soon to be open LINK light rail stations  
  • 16 bicycle connections near schools 

 

And here are connections made with the recommended neighborhood greenways: 

 

  • 10 new Safe Routes to School connections  
  • 27 projects connect to frequent transit network routes  
  • 11 projects connect to existing or soon to be open LINK light rail stations 

 

This week we’ll discuss the proposed draft BMP Implementation Plan with City Council, the Levy to Move Seattle Oversight Committee, & the Seattle Bicycle Advisory Board. 

 

 

Stay tuned, we’re working with the Department of Neighborhoods & planning three four open houses in April. 

 

At the open houses, you’ll learn about the value of a bicycle network, get your questions answered about how the project list was developed, and hear your thoughts on the projects. We’ll also share a summary of what we heard from the Seattle Bicycle Advisory Board and other stakeholders and then finalize the plan and update City Council.  

 

As individual projects move forward, we’ll continue to engage with the community as we move through design and construction.  

 

Resources:

2014 Bicycle Master Plan (BMP)

Draft BMP Implementation Plan

The comprehensive reassessment of the Levy to Move Seattle 

 

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Keeping you in the Levy loop.

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We completed a comprehensive reassessment on the Levy to Move Seattle.

 

Last fall, we completed a comprehensive reassessment on the Levy to Move Seattle under the leadership of Mayor Durkan. The update was based on more realistic assumptions than we used in 2015.

 

This is an update on the improvements we’ve made since the levy work began in 2016. We also published the 2018 Annual Levy to Move Seattle Report which details our performance and financial progress from last year. The report provides a status update for the planned levy deliverables. This is our most detailed report yet, giving the Levy Oversight Committee, elected officials, and the general public the information needed to track progress and hold us accountable.

 

While work is still underway, here’s a look at the levy work completed so far between 2016-2018:

 

4,170

Repainted crosswalks

 

 

9

Miles of new protected bike lanes

 

 

85

Repaved lane miles

 

 

4 & 44

4 Newly installed traffic signals

44 Additional improved traffic signals

 

 

88

Safe Routes to School projects

 

 

Our crews & contractors are progressing on completing projects that carried over from 2018.

 

We’re also getting started on the 2019 plan. This year, we’ll continue making maintenance and safety improvements on lane paving, protected bike lanes, neighborhood greenways, new sidewalks, curb ramps, tree plantings, and traffic spot improvements. We’re also excited about three cornerstones progress-making Move Seattle projects on the horizon:

 

Lander Bridge

We’re constructing a new bridge over the train tracks on S Lander St between 1st and 4th Avenues S to improve access and relieve congestion in SODO.

 

Fairview Bridge

We’re replacing the existing bridge to meet current seismic standards and improve traffic flow.

 

Northgate Ped/Bike Bridge

We’re designing and constructing a new pedestrian and bicycle overpass across Interstate 5 to improve neighborhood connection and access in Northgate.

 

We’ll continue to keep you informed on Levy progress through quarterly & annual reports.

 

Keep a lookout for our Bike Master Plan 2019-2024 Implementation Plan and project list. 

 

Resources:

April 2 Move Seattle Levy Presentation

2018 Annual Levy to Move Seattle Report

2019 Planned Accomplishments

 

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Apr. 1-5: Night grinding on Swift Ave S

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Swift Ave S, S Myrtle St, and S Othello are two-way arterials serving south Seattle. The streets link Holly Park and Beacon Hill to Interstate 5 (I-5). Our goal is to improve the safety, accessibility, and comfort for all users. From April 1-5, 2019, we’re grinding the pavement on Swift Ave S, as part of a larger effort to repave areas of Swift Ave S, S Myrtle St, and S Othello between S Albro Pl and Martin Luther King Jr Way S.

 

Here’s what you can expect:

 

S C H E D U  L E

Starting at 7 PM on Monday, April 1 we will be grinding the pavement on Swift Ave S from S Albro Pl to Beacon Ave S. We will work from 7 PM to 7 AM. This work will continue for 4 nights, from April 1 to April 5.

 

C L O S U R E  |  D E T O U R

Southbound lanes on Swift Ave S between S Albro Pl and Beacon Ave S will be closed. Traffic will be detoured to Beacon Ave S and S Columbian Way. The I-5 northbound ramp at Swift Ave S and S Graham St will be closed, as will Exit 161 northbound to Swift Ave S and S Albro Pl. Use S Columbian Way to access I-5. Access to Swift Ave S from side streets will be closed. Residents should access their neighborhoods through Beacon Ave S. Access will be maintained to Covello Dr S and Military Rd S, south of S Myrtle St. Traffic will return to normal by Friday, April 5 at 7 AM.

 

N O I S E

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

 

T R A N S I T

King County Metro route 107 will be rerouted. For information on changes to King County Metro stops, please visit kingcounty.gov/metro/alerts.

 

Want more information about the project?

Visit our website! If you have questions or concerns, please contact the construction outreach team at SwiftMyrtleOthello@seattle.gov or call 206.256.5227.

 

….and when on Swift Ave S……

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