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Start Your New Year’s Resolution Early: Talk to Your Employer About Commute Options.

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The words “Seattle Squeeze” are buzzing around the region.

Beginning with WSDOT’s permanent closure of the Alaska Way Viaduct on January 11 and continuing over the next three years, Seattle is entering a new era of tough traffic. Private and public megaprojects will continue to reduce capacity on our City streets and contribute to gridlock. We’ll all have to adjust to a new normal in and around downtown Seattle.

 

For many people who work downtown, this period will be particularly challenging and quite honestly, frustrating.

We’re entering a new era of really tough traffic. To help our region get through one of its toughest periods, we’re working together with partnering transportation agencies and organizations to reduce congestion during this challenging period and limit the impact on commuters and businesses.

 

Start your New Year’s resolution early. #GetReady

We’re approaching the new year. If this doesn’t sound the alarm for you, it should, because come January 11, 2019, we’ll witness history in the making with the final closure of the WA State Department of Transportation’s (WSDOT) State Route (SR) 99 Alaskan Way Viaduct (you know, that elevated structure along the Seattle waterfront) as one of the first big steps to realigning SR 99 to the new SR 99 tunnel. While all this is underway, travel patterns will change with people moving over to I-5, local downtown surface streets, and Alaskan Way, and we all know what this means:

TRAF-FIC /’trafik/

Cars and buses in downtown Seattle.

Some of you have the power to decide how difficult this period will be: ☝️☝️ or 👇👇

Woman drinking coffee in front of her window while looking at her computer.

Collectively, our commute choices will determine whether Seattle’s transportation system keeps moving. Every trip reduced or shifted off-peak, particularly vehicle trips, will help reduce congestion during the weeks of the viaduct closure and associated construction impacts. While your transportation agencies and partners work hard to mitigate the impacts of the closure, a partnership with the private sector is key to maximizing those efforts.

 

Employers have a significant influence on mobility choices…

…based on the policies, education, and incentives included in the employee transportation programs.

 

Every business – big or small – can help reduce traffic congestion during this time by encouraging their employees to make good choices.

 

To assist, Commute Seattle, (a nonprofit Transportation Management Association funded by the Downtown Seattle Association, yours truly (SDOT), King County Metro, and Sound Transit), will be providing free, personalized tools for Seattle-area employers to plan ahead for the #SeattleSqueeze.

Phone, tablet, laptop, and desktop computer.

Seattle employers have options.

Seattle employers of all sizes have a range of options to help their employees stay informed and make good travel choices.

 

Implement a Flex-work policy.

Implementing a flex-work policy and encouraging employees to take advantage of remote work and flexible scheduling options can improve employee well-being and productivity while reducing vehicle trips to and through downtown.

 

Support sustainable choices.

For those who are able, biking and walking are easy, sustainable ways to reduce traffic impacts for part or all your commute trip, and employers can support these choices through flexible scheduling, bicycle storage, and shower facilities.

 

Invest in commuter benefits.

Investing in commuter benefits such as ORCA Business Passport makes transit an easier and more affordable option for employees, and helping staff members share their commute trips by establishing vanpool and carpool programs can be a great alternative for those who need to drive.

 

Need some success stories? We’ve got ‘em!

We’ve seen some pretty sweet success stories from employer efforts over the years, whether through our Commute Trip Reduction (CTR) program or other business support efforts. Several Seattle employers have illustrated how employees can be flexible if their worksite embraces travel choices and provides the right support.

 

The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation:

The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, located in Uptown, provides 100% subsidized transit, Monorail, and Vanpool/Van share commutes, as well as secure bike parking and HOV priority parking, resulting in over 65% of employees choosing commute modes other than driving alone.

 

Tableau:

Tableau, a software company in Fremont, has fostered a grassroots movement of employees who track their commutes and compete for most miles and days logged using alternatives to driving alone, encouraging employees to try new modes and building a sense of community around these options.

 

Let’s learn from our experience. 

We’ve seen it in the past with major closures – commute times will increase throughout the region. Peak commute hours will start earlier and end later, and in some cases, morning commute times will more than double.

If they can, employers should urge employees to avoid trips during these busy hours, whether by shifting their schedule or compressing their work week. Staying flexible is the best way to reduce congestion on our roadways and will help employees stay productive and engaged.

With early planning and the correct tools, Seattle employers can reduce employee stress and lessen traffic congestion, keeping their business thriving. And remember, at the other end of the tunnel (literally and figuratively) there’s a better transportation system waiting for Seattle!

 

Contact Commute Seattle, today! #GetReadyNow

Commute Seattle is standing by to provide free assistance to your Seattle businesses, creating a personalized action plan tailored to your company’s individual needs. Contact us today at SR99@commuteseattle.com or visit our website at www.commuteseattle.com/SR99 to get started!

Commute Seattle is also offering a Flexwork Open House on Wednesday, November 28 from 11 AM – 12:30 PM to help Seattle employers learn more about flexwork solutions. Learn more and register here!

 

Other things you can do.

Man looking at phone while sitting down.

Stay informed. Visit our new website, www.seattle.gov/traffic, for all of the information and resources you need to get around during the #SeattleSqueeze. For detailed information about the Alaskan Way Viaduct closure, new SR 99 tunnel, and SR 99 tolling, visit WSDOT’s website.

 

Plan your trip. We’re providing real-time construction and traffic information with popular navigation technologies: Google Maps, Waze, and TomTom. But try transit, ride a bike, form a carpool, or walk.

 

Spread the word. Share this information with your customers, delivery and service providers, and neighbors.

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#SeattleSqueeze online resource: seattle.gov/traffic

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You’ve heard it: How you get around is changing. But you’ve also heard that a souped-up website for all things Period of Maximum Constraint (now #SeattleSqueeze) was coming. Well, guess what? It’s here; it’s finally here! To help you prepare for Seattle’s era of tough traffic over the next five years, we’ve worked together with city transportation partners and organizations to bring you the newest one-stop resource during what we’re hashtagging as the #SeattleSqueeze.

 

Go ahead and click it. 👇👇👇

So how exactly will this innovative site work? The information on the site will evolve over time because after WSDOT’s January 11, three-week closure of SR 99 downtown to #Realign99, many – many – many more projects will follow and this website will be your go-to for:

 

  • Current traffic times to neighborhoods across Seattle.
  • Projected travel times 45 mins from now.
  • Apps, maps, and more.
  • Popular questions answered.
  • Partner resources.
  • Signing up for alerts. You’ll have the option to subscribe to traffic alerts for YOUR commute. That’s right, get the latest travel times, tips, and suggestions for your commute with 2x a day traffic alerts to neighborhood corridors so you can plan ahead.

 

Take a self-guided tour! Visit seattle.gov/traffic and subscribe to alerts. #GetReady #SeattleSqueeze

 

 

Details about the seattle.gov/traffic website on our November 16, blog.

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Seattle.gov/traffic – Your web resource for the Period of Maximum Constraint!

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With eight weeks until #Realign99, we’ve launched a new website!

It’s here! To help you prepare for Seattle’s new era of tough traffic that begins on January 11, 2019, with a three-week closure of SR 99 downtown as WSDOT works to #Realign99 , we’ve worked with our partners in the City of Seattle and across the region to bring you www.seattle.gov/traffic, your one-stop resource during what we’re calling the Seattle Squeeze.

 

What’s that?

Beginning with WSDOT’s permanent closure of the Alaska Way Viaduct on January 11 and continuing over the next five years, Seattle is entering a new era of tough traffic. Even after the new SR 99 tunnel opens, the tough times will continue. Additional private and public megaprojects will continue to reduce capacity on our city streets and contribute to gridlock. All this will be worth it. But everyone traveling to and in Seattle needs to have a plan for commuting to work or school, appointments, and/or running simple errands.

 

What can you find on the new website?

This digital platform has tools, information, and resources you need to keep you moving safely to and through downtown.

 

At our evolving information hub you will find:

  • The ”Seattle Squeeze” explained.
  • Current traffic times to neighborhoods across Seattle.
  • Projected travel times 45 minutes from now.
  • Apps, maps, and other tools to help you get around.
  • Q & A to read what people are asking, and ask your own questions!
  • A partners page for the full list and resources!
  • And lastly… Subscribe to traffic alerts for your commute. We’re providing the latest travel times, tips and suggestions for your commute and traffic alert twice per day to different neighborhood corridors to help you plan ahead!

 

Realigning travel during #Realign99.

When the Viaduct closes, three solid weeks of construction begin. Crews will work around the clock to move SR 99 off the viaduct and into the new, two-mile SR 99 tunnel beneath downtown Seattle.

During the #Realign99 closure, the longest highway closure in Seattle’s history, both the viaduct and new tunnel will be closed. You can expect six weeks of impacts.

 

Why is so much work needed?

Removing the Alaskan Way Viaduct is an important safety project. WSDOT is removing an old roadway vulnerable to earthquakes and replacing it with a much safer tunnel. This regional disruption to traffic is unavoidable. Closing the highway for approximately three weeks is the only way crews can finish building the eight new ramps that will allow travelers to enter and exit the new tunnel. Check out this video to get more of the story.

In the meantime, WSDOT has completed work to provide a temporary surface Alaskan Way option, just west of the Viaduct.

 

Visit www.seattle.gov/traffic.

The #Realign99 closure will be a very challenging time for everyone traveling to, from or through Seattle. We will need everyone’s help to avoid gridlock. Start making your plan today – visit www.seattle.gov/traffic to get started!

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Engineering News Record NW features the renovation of Yesler Way Bridge.

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ENR Northwest November 2018 cover.

The renovation of Yesler Way Bridge is featured in this month’s issue of Engineering News Record (ENR) Northwest, and tonight our project team gets honored for their good work on the Yesler Way Bridge Rehabilitation Project. The effort won ENR Northwest’s Best Project Award for Renovation/Restoration.

Judges reviewed more than 30 projects located in Oregon, Alaska, and Washington state, and this evening in Seattle presents the regional awards.

The winners have a chance to be the ENR ‘Best of the Best’ in their category, as judges from across the country compare all submittals nationwide, as they have in years past.

 

Making a mark – a landmark.

Yesler Way Bridge over Fourth Ave | circa 1920

The Yesler Bridge is one of Seattle’s oldest permanent steel roadway bridges, originally built in 1910—long before Interstate-5 cut through the hill just east of it, and, back when the Mayor’s Office was in the iconic trapezoid structure built prior to the regrading that lowered street levels on Terrace and 5th Avenue.

 

Honoring Seattle history.

Yesler is a historic Seattle name, woven into restoration project outreach. Honoring history; integrating new building knowledge; and designing for the future, all came together in the project to rehabilitate Yesler Way S bridge. It took a great deal of coordination and collaboration — an award-winning amount — to renovate the bridge that carries the intersection of Yesler and Terrace over 4th Ave. Project elements included:

  • An east wall seismic upgrade;
  • A new west wall;
  • A new superstructure*.

*This key rehabilitation eliminated the risk of collapse, should a vehicle strike a column of this formerly multi-span bridge!

 

Something old, something renewed.

Yesler Way Bridge project rendering | Key rehabilitation elements identified.

The rehabilitation team worked with the Pioneer Square-Skid Road National Historic District; Pioneer Square Historic District; and International Special Review District to maintain the bridge’s historic pedestrian railings, fascia girders, ornamental columns and cladding, capitals, corbels, and light fixtures.

 

Shared vintage.

Jan. 1, 1876 issue of Engineering News

You know the old saying, “it takes one to know one…”? Well, the Engineering News-Record (ENR) launched about 35 years before the Yesler Way S bridge was built! Even then, Engineering News covered many Seattle projects, including the call for bids to pave Yesler Way with granite blocks and the Cedar River flood of November 1911. That 140+ years of industry expertise makes the ENR Best Projects program a brass ring for teams to strive for.

Visit http://www.enrbestprojectsawards.com/ for more information on ENR regional awards events.

 

Congratulations Yesler Way project team!

 

 

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How you get around Seattle is changing. #GetReady #Realign99

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Alaskan Way Viaduct + Waterfront + Ferries + Coleman Dock + Elliot Bay + Downtown Seattle

If you’ve not noticed our traffic patterns changing already, you’re going to notice very soon. Starting January 11, 2019, the Puget Sound region will experience the longest closure of a major highway it has ever experienced.

(In addition, there are more than 65 construction cranes dotting our skyline and work is expected to intensify over the coming months.)

The time has come as Seattle prepares to bid its final farewell to the seismically vulnerable and aged SR 99 Alaskan Way Viaduct (the elevated portion of the highway next to the waterfront). On January 11, 2019, the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) will permanently close the Alaskan Way Viaduct in preparation for opening the new SR 99 tunnel in early February that will offer a direct route for drivers to get through downtown Seattle from the stadiums to the Space Needle.

Alaskan Way Viaduct through downtown Seattle. Circa 1972. Item 169335, Forward Thrust Photographs (Record Series 5804-04), Seattle Municipal Archives.

This means that once the viaduct closes in January, the days of traffic entering the viaduct from downtown’s Columbia Street and exiting the viaduct from Seneca Street will end. Instead, traffic will enter and exit the new tunnel in South Lake Union and SODO. During the three-week closure, both the elevated highway and Battery Street Tunnel (see our Extras section below for a drive through Battery Street Tunnel) will be closed so that WSDOT can realign the highway into the new SR 99 tunnel. See the diagram below, courtesy of WSDOT.

Image courtesy of WSDOT.

“While we’re excited about the opening of the SR 99 tunnel, it’s important to remember that this is ultimately a safety project, not a congestion-relief project.” – WSDOT

 

Adjusting to a major closure, new openings, tolls, and another route option.

When the new tunnel opens (it will initially be toll-free), drivers will have to readjust their travel from the closure to the newly opened tunnel route through and under downtown. Then, as soon as the summer of 2019, the tunnel will be tolled. WSDOT predicts that traffic patterns will shift again after the tunnel is tolled – they expect a drop in tunnel traffic as seen from patterns on the tolled SR 520 Bridge and other toll roads in the U.S. Some drivers may use other routes (I-5, Alaskan Way, or local downtown streets) until they realize the value (toll will be within the range of $1-2.25) of time saved by using the much quicker tunnel route. Traffic will make is final adjustments when the new future Alaskan Way surface street improvements are completed in 2021 when drivers will have another option through downtown.

 

“Much like a weather forecast, these traffic projections aren’t an absolute certainty but they do give us a glimpse into how traffic patterns may change over time. These projections are our best attempts to predict what people may choose to do based on a model of an extremely complex and constantly changing system.” – WSDOT

 

It’s time to #GetReady.

Traffic will get worse before it gets better. Region-wide traffic disruptions will be unavoidable. We’re working closely with local and regional transit partners, like King County Metro, Sound Transit, the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) and the Downtown Seattle Association on ways to help you get around downtown as safely and efficiently as possible during this transition. The City has prioritized five downtown mobility strategies to help:

 

  • Transportation system monitoring and managing real-time traffic operations.
  • Reducing drive-alone trips downtown.
  • Investing in transit to meet demand and expand access.
  • Managing construction projects in the public right-of-way.
  • Coordinating regional communications. COMING SOON: seattleconnection.org

 

With these five strategies, here’s how we’re responding to the permanent viaduct closure:

The City of Seattle cannot make mobility changes alone and are commissioning the traveling public to help reduce daily downtown Seattle trips by 1,200 in 2018 and 3,000 in 2019. There is no better time than now to #GetReady.

 

Stay informed. Follow the SDOT’s and WSDOT’s Twitter channels, blogs, and available online tools.

 

 

 

Plan your trip. We’re providing real-time construction and traffic information with popular navigation technologies: Google Maps, Waze, and TomTom. But try transit, ride a bike, form a carpool, or walk.

 

Figure out a flexible work plan. Help employees plan for a flexible work plan. Contact Commute Seattle who is offering free consultation for businesses. Commute Seattle fosters mobility partnerships and services. Through education, advocacy, training, and consulting, Commute Seattle is helping create a transit-supportive business culture to ensure that commuters enjoy commuter benefits and amenities.

 

Spread the word. Share this information with your customers, delivery and service providers, and neighbors.

 

Website coming soon!

Keep a lookout in November 2018 – we’re launching a new website for all your #PeriodofMaximumConstraint information and resources. For detailed information about the Alaskan Way Viaduct closure, new SR 99 tunnel, and SR 99 tolling, visit the WSDOT source.

 

Extras

Take a drive through the Battery Street Tunnel with us. After January 11, 2019, closure, you will no longer be able to drive through it.

Video: In the Battery Street Tunnel

 

 

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What’s moving Seattle | this week

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This week, things get moving Friday with the 3-day Seattle Home Show (20,000 people expected daily); Saturday with a Huskies Kick-off (65,000 people expected); and several traffic impacts through the weekend! With one no longer planned: Rainier Ave S @ I-90 closures are canceled! 

 

Friday, October 19

Seattle Home Show at CenturyLink Field Event Center: Hundreds of home and garden displays; “Meet the Experts” seminars; building products and materials information; plus, arts & crafts and home decorating.  Event hours: 10 AM – 6 PM.  Estimated attendance: 20,000.

 

Saturday, October 20

Image by American Cancer Society | https://bit.ly/2P8xLAE

Making Strides of Seattle: 3-mile fundraising walk to fight breast cancer.  Walk will start and finish at Gas Works Park.  Route will use streets and trails to the west of the park.  Event hours: 9 AM – 11 AM.  Estimated attendance:  1,450.

Seattle Home Show at CenturyLink Field Event Center: Event hours: 10 AM – 6 PM.  Estimated attendance: 20,000.

A21 Walk for Freedom: Walk to bring awareness to the issue of human trafficking.  Participants to march N on sidewalks along 1st Ave from 2700 1st Ave to Pike St, and back. Event hours: 10:45 AM – 12:30 PM.  Estimated attendance:  275.

Washington Huskies vs. Colorado Buffalos: Homecoming game at Husky Stadium. Kickoff: 12:30 PM.  Estimated attendance: 65,000.

SeaCompression 2018: A Space Odyssea: Official annual decompression party for the Burning Man community of Seattle and the greater Puget Sound region, at Seattle Design Center.  Event hours: 2 PM – 2 AM.  Estimated attendance:  2,000.

 

Sunday, October 21

Seattle Home Show at CenturyLink Field Event Center:  Hundreds of home and garden displays; “Meet the Experts” seminars; building products and materials information; plus, arts & crafts and home decorating.  Event hours: 10 AM – 6 PM.  Estimated attendance: 20,000.

 

October 20:

  • 2nd Ave reduced to one lane, Pine St to Pike St, for State Hotel crane work (protected bike lane remains open).

October 19 – 21:

  • EB Pike St, between 1st and 2nd, closed all weekend for concrete panel replacement in the State Hotel project.

October 19 – 22:

  • SR 99 fully closed, Fri 9 PM – Sat 5 PM, from the West Seattle Bridge to the Battery St tunnel.
  • SR 99 SB closed, through 5 AM Mon, from West Seattle Bridge to Battery Street Tunnel.
  • Rainier Ave S at I-90 closed Fri 11 PM – Mon 5 AM, along with WB I-90 off-ramp to SB Rainier; closure for Sound Transit East Link construction work. Traffic will be detoured to 23rd Ave S and to MLK Way S. This Rainier Ave S work is now canceled!

 

In the pipeline…

October 28: Westlake Ave N SB lanes closed at Mercer St and SLU Streetcar will not operate. Seattle Public Utilities is installing a water service connection for the 201 Westlake Ave N development (future 7-story Citizen M hotel). Vehicles will be detoured to Dexter and Fairview.

 

Resources:

SDOT’s Traveler’s Map

Know before you go. Use the map controls to see real-time traffic, travel times, camera footage, if a bridge is up or down, and if a railroad crossing is open or closed – select by neighborhood if you choose.

 

Follow us!

Follow us for breaking news, real-time traffic, project updates, events, surveys, policy, advisories, blogs, & more.

 

Alert Seattle

Sign up for ALERT SEATTLE, WSDOT, and Metro Alerts. AlertSeattle is the official emergency notification system used by the City of Seattle to communicate with city residents during emergencies. Sign up now to receive free alerts from the City via text message, email, voice message or social media.

 

King County’s Get Ready website

There’s no way around it—getting around Seattle is going to be tricky during the SR 99 closure. Expect traffic delays and be prepared for full buses during peak travel times. Check out the travel options below that can help you get around in anticipation of the new SR 99 tunnel opening.

 

Commute Seattle’s Employer Resources

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.

 

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What’s Moving Seattle | This Week

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This week got off to a slow rainy start, then nearly blew us away!  Things get rolling by Thursday, with Jay-Z and Beyonce’; basketball; R-Day; and a tail of the Regatta!

 

Wednesday, October 3

Late morning text test – Tomorrow you may receive a text related to a national test of the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System, the Wireless Emergency Alert System, and the Emergency Alert System. It’s only a test…

 

Thursday, October 4

Image courtesy of CenturyLink Field | http://www.centurylinkfield.com

Jay-Z and Beyoncé concert at CenturyLink Field –  7:30 PM – 11 PM;  Estimated attendance: 50,000.

 

Friday, October 5

Image courtesy of KeyArena | www.keyarena.com

NBA Champion Golden State Warriors vs. Sacramento Kings at KeyArena – Pre-season game 7:30 PM – 10 PM.  Estimated attendance: 12,000.

 

Saturday, October 6

Image courtesy of Georgetown Merchants Association | georgetownmerchants.org

R-Day: This outdoor community celebration of music, art, and beer will close Airport Way S, 13th Ave S to Corson Ave S, for 24 hours (12:01 AM to 11:59 PM).  Event hours are 4 PM – 11 PM.  Estimated attendance: 3,000.

 

 

Sunday, October 7

Image from 2012 HNA Crew video: Tail of the Lake Course Guide | vimeo.com/50027253

Tail of the Lake Regatta on Seattle’s Lake Union – Rowing event 7:30 AM – 12:30 PM.  Spectators may watch from Gas Works Park.  Event Estimated attendance: 1,200.

Seattle Seahawks vs. LA Rams at CenturyLink Field.  Kickoff: 1:25 PM.  Estimated attendance: 67,000.

Double Tenth Flag Raising and Parade: Event to celebrate the national day of Republic of China Taiwan.  Flag raising ceremony at Hing Hay Park followed by community parade.  Event hours: 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM.  Estimated attendance: 350.

Chris Cornell Statue Unveiling at MoPOP: A public unveiling of a commemorative statue outside MoPOP will celebrate Seattle singer/songwriter Chris Cornell. The event closes 5th Ave N between Mercer St and Broad St, 4 PM – 7 PM.  Event hours are 5 PM – 8 PM.  Estimated attendance: 1,000.

 

Construction updates…

Adding to our On the Move advisories…

  • October 6 – 7: Fairview Ave N SB closed for sewer work, Thomas St to Denny Way, 7 AM – 7 PM.
  • October 7: 9th Ave/Pike St Express Ramp, NB and SB, closed for Washington State Convention Center layover, 9 PM – 4 AM.

 

In the pipeline…

October 12 – 15: SR 99 SB closed, S end of Battery St tunnel to S Spokane St, Fri 9 PM – Mon 5 AM.

October 12 – 15: NB I-5 reduced to 2 lanes from MLK to Olive Way, Fri 8 PM – Mon 5 AM.

October 19 – 22: SR 99 fully closed, West Seattle Bridge to Battery St tunnel, Fri 9 PM – Mon 5 AM.

 

Start making your plan!

WSDOT image | Alaskan Way Viaduct Replacement Program

Early 2019 kicks off with a planned 3-week SR 99 closure. Learn more here and be prepared for the ‘during’ and the ‘after’!

 

Other info…

 

Contact us!

__________________________

Resources:

SDOT’s Traveler’s Map

Know before you go. Use the map controls to see real-time traffic, travel times, camera footage, if a bridge is up or down, and if a railroad crossing is open or closed – select by neighborhood if you choose.

 

Follow us!

Follow us for breaking news, real-time traffic, project updates, events, surveys, policy, advisories, blogs, & more.

 

Alert Seattle

Sign up for ALERT SEATTLE, WSDOT, and Metro Alerts. AlertSeattle is the official emergency notification system used by the City of Seattle to communicate with city residents during emergencies. Sign up now to receive free alerts from the City via text message, email, voice message or social media.

 

King County’s Get Ready website

There’s no way around it—getting around Seattle is going to be tricky during the SR 99 closure. Expect traffic delays and be prepared for full buses during peak travel times. Check out the travel options below that can help you get around in anticipation of the new SR 99 tunnel opening.

 

Commute Seattle’s Employer Resources

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.

 

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Join the Seattle Transit Advisory Board!

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Would you or someone you know like to influence issues such as commuter access to frequent transit; transit access for low-income residents; Seattle transit investments; and future RapidRide lines? You can, as a member of the Transit Advisory Board.

 

Would you like input on transit strategies during the so-called period of maximum constraint? Do you want to have a say in the future of Seattle’s mass transit, bringing your experiences or representing others? Join the Transit Advisory Board. One monthly meeting gets you up close and involved.

 

Influence public transportation!

The Transit Advisory Board (TAB) is accepting applications through Friday, October 12, for new members, an extension of the original deadline to help ensure the word gets out.

The volunteer board plays an important role in advising the City of Seattle on decisions regarding transit and other forms of public transportation. The TAB’s recommendations go to the Mayor and City Council and the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT), to name some partners in this space.

 

Board members serve a two-year term, with opportunities for re-appointment, and attend a meeting on the fourth Wednesday of every month, 6 – 8 PM at Seattle City Hall.

TAB members can be representatives of any of the following:

  • Different geographical locations citywide
  • A variety of transit rider groups including persons with disabilities, senior and school-age community members, commuters, and low-income riders
  • Travelers of different public transportation modes (e.g. bus, light rail, streetcar, and ferry)
  • Residents with an interest in improving transit conditions within the City and region, and have experience with urban transit issues
  • Transit-related organizations and clubs
  • Schools, business, and neighborhood organizations that depend on our public transportation system

 

Here’s how you can apply!

Please submit a statement of interest (cover letter) and resume (or equivalent information) by Friday, October 12, 2018!

Email: TransitBoard@seattle.gov | subject line: “TAB Recruitment”

Mail:

Benjamin Smith
ATTN: TAB Recruitment
Seattle Department of Transportation
P.O Box 34966
Seattle, Washington 98124-4996

We’re committed to promoting diversity in the City’s boards and commissions. People of color, immigrants or refugees, youth, seniors, persons with disabilities, and sexual and gender minorities are encouraged to apply.

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Join the Convo! 3 Neighborhoods that will soon be better connected by Link light rail in 2021!

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Capitol Hill Station Opening Day, March 19, 2016

By now, most of you know that how you get around downtown Seattle is rapidly changing.

We’ve made investments around the city to help you get around and for many travelers, the time is now to adjust and adapt to the new normal.

The University District (U District) is no different. This urban center adjacent to the University of Washington is seeing investments that will change how people get to and from the neighborhood – including the opening of a new Link Light Rail station in 2021.

 

To assist residents and commuters, as well as a focus on small business support, U District, Let’s Go! connects people working, living, and visiting the U District with transportation resources and assistance so that they can navigate and leverage the increased economic capacity and growth brought by light rail.

 

“I’ve heard a lot over this past year,” says Miriam Castro, U District, Let’s Go! Program Manager. “I’ve heard people’s excitement for Link light rail and the opportunities it will bring; I’ve also heard uncertainty around how the neighborhood might change.”

 

The value of shared insights – because we’re in it together.

Image by rachelsgingerbeer.com

Earlier this year at the recent U District, Let’s Go!‘s (UDLG) Transit Talk, Rachel Marshall, co-founder of Rachel’s Ginger Beer (and two small businesses near the Capitol Hill Link light rail station), shared her insights on what she learned when her neighborhood was preparing for the light rail, one of which was the value of looking at what other neighborhoods are doing. Connecting, talking, and learning from each other is what is inspiring the next U District, Let’s Go! Transit Talk, We’re in it Together, on October 4, at 6:30 PM at the Urban Luxe Café.

 

We’re in it Together is the convening of three neighborhoods, U District, Roosevelt, and Northgate that will soon be better connected by Link light rail in 2021.

 

“I’ve seen several examples of how organizations have stayed ahead of changes and have heard a lot of great ideas too,” said Castro.

 

The Transit Talk is a way for these neighborhoods to showcase what they are working on, what concerns they have, and maybe get a few interested volunteers.

 

What’s happening in the next two years.

Representatives from neighborhood organizations and from public agencies like King County Metro Transit and Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) will talk about what lies ahead in the next two years and beyond. Another goal is to learn about upcoming transportation projects associated with the light rail station opening, discuss changes these neighborhoods can expect between now and 2021, and how community stakeholders can engage in getting ready for these three new light rail stations.

The event will be moderated by Miranda Redinger, a Senior Planner with the City of Shoreline who spent four years planning for two light rail stations that will be operational in 2024, and also a resident of Northgate. When asked about her role in the evening, she replied,

“I understand how the process can be frustrating for the public and public agencies alike, especially with regard to the effectiveness of public input. Timelines and budgets are outside of how households plan, and transportation and land-use planning can seem counter-intuitive to people, but there are ways that residents can leverage this regional investment to improve their neighborhoods.”

 

Redinger and Castro hope that the event will help attendees gain valuable information, inspire creativity, and bring meaningful dialogue on how communities can engage with each other and with public agencies.

 

“Our three neighborhoods are about to get closer, we should start talking now,” said Castro.

 

Join the convo! RSVP.

 

Let’s learn from our collective creativity! Save your seat and engage with the entire line up of speakers. RSVP.

 

U District, Let’s Go! is a collaboration with Transportation Choices Coalition, Seattle Department of Transportation and U District Partnership, supported by a WSDOT project using Congestion Mitigation & Air Quality (CMAQ) funds.

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What’s Moving Seattle | This Week

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This week in Seattle are many Mariners games, plus a Sounders and a Huskies game. Concerts and festivals are in the mix, along with walking for good causes and an emergency response test to ensure sound understanding of our new tunnel…

Monday

Image from www.centurylinkfield.com/event/rise-against/

 

Tuesday

Image by Mariners Baseball | www.mlb.com/mariners

 

Wednesday

Image by Mariners Baseball | www.mlb.com/mariners

 

Thursday

Image by WSDOT | Tunnel rendering.

 

Friday

Image from www.biteofbroadview.com/

 

Saturday

Image by Center for Wooden Boats | cwb.org/events

 

Sunday

Image by KeyArena | www.keyarena.com

 

Construction information.

  • September 23 – 27: Ramp closure of 9th Ave and Pike St. Express Ramp, 9 PM – 4 AM nightly, for work on Washington State Convention Center  layover loop.
  • September 27: Closure of 6th Ave N between Thomas and Mercer streets, and closure of Harrison St between 6th Ave N and SR 99, for effort to test tunnel emergency response.
  • September 28 – 29: 35th Ave NE will be fully closed, between NE 65th and 75th streets for paving.
  • September 28 – 29: Rainier Square Mat Pour, 10 PM Friday – 4 PM Saturday, closing:
    • 5th Ave, University to Pike streets;
    • 4th Ave, Seneca to Union streets;
    • University St, 3rd to 5th avenues; and
    • Union St, 4th to 6th avenues.
  • September 29: 7th Ave will be closed from Lenora St to Blanchard St, 7 AM – 5 PM, for crane work. Bicycle, pedestrian and access Amazon buildings will be maintained.
  • September 30: Ramp closure of 9th Ave and Pike St. Express Ramp, 9 PM – 4 AM for work on Washington State Convention Center  layover loop.

 

Reality check…

WSDOT image | Alaskan Way Viaduct Replacement Program

  • The reality of a 3-week SR 99 closure is on the horizon. With a confirmed date of January 11, 2019, now is the time to be sure you’re prepared!

 

More info…

 

Contact us!

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Resources:

SDOT’s Traveler’s Map

Know before you go. Use the map controls to see real-time traffic, travel times, camera footage, if a bridge is up or down, and if a railroad crossing is open or closed – select by neighborhood if you choose.

 

Follow us!

Follow us for breaking news, real-time traffic, project updates, events, surveys, policy, advisories, blogs, & more.

 

Alert Seattle

Sign up for ALERT SEATTLE, WSDOT, and Metro Alerts. AlertSeattle is the official emergency notification system used by the City of Seattle to communicate with city residents during emergencies. Sign up now to receive free alerts from the City via text message, email, voice message or social media.

 

King County’s Get Ready website

There’s no way around it—getting around Seattle is going to be tricky during the SR 99 closure. Expect traffic delays and be prepared for full buses during peak travel times. Check out the travel options below that can help you get around in anticipation of the new SR 99 tunnel opening.

 

Commute Seattle’s Employer Resources

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.

 

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