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23rd Ave Corridor Project update: S Judkins St reopens this afternoon!

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S Judkins St reopens this afternoon.

Thank you all for your patience! We’re making progress on the 23rd Ave Corridor Project. We plan on reopening the east and west sides of the 23rd Ave S and S Judkins St intersection this afternoon before the evening commute.

As you know, we recently put conduit in along S Judkins St. We needed to pour back the trenches and were able to do that while school was out and there was a break in the weather. There’s more work to do at this intersection so stay tuned.

But for now, you can drive across 23rd Ave S at S Judkins St.

 

Don’t forget! This is what we’re doing.

 

Local access only along 23rd Ave S potentially happening next week.

The contractor still needs to do a center lane pour between S Dearborn and S Lane streets. They would like to do it next week either on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday. This to say, the pour depends on the weather so we’re keeping an eye on the forecast as it develops and will keep you updated on our plans.

 

What does this mean for you?

What this means for you is that when they pour, 23rd Ave S between S Massachusetts St and S Jackson St will be local access only. This means that people who live, work, play, or shop on or near 23rd Ave S in this stretch can continue to do so. All other through traffic will be detoured to Martin Luther King Jr Way S. If they pour, they’ll do it between the hours of 9 AM and 3 PM. See the map below for how to get around during this time. Thanks again for your patience!

For more information:

Visit: www.seattle.gov/transportation/23rd_Ave.htm
Email: 23rdAveCorridor@seattle.gov
Call the project information line: 206.727.8857

 

 

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COMING SOON: Construction will begin for new sidewalks & speed humps on NE 50th St.

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Construction will begin as early as February 25th or as late as March 4th and when it does, NE 50th St will be open to local traffic only until construction completes in May of this year. This project is a result of significant neighborhood support to make NE 50th St more comfortable and walkable for pedestrians.

 

Here’s what you can expect:

Project Outcome

To provide a more comfortable and separate space for people walking on NE 50th St, we’re installing new curbed sidewalks on the south side of the street between 30th and 33rd avenues NE, with curb ramps at each corner. Five speed humps will also be constructed throughout NE 50th St to reduce driving speeds and make it more walkable.

 

Schedule

Construction will begin late February, early March 2019.

  • Crews will work between 7 AM and 5 PM on weekdays.

Construction will be complete and NE 50th St will be open again by the end of May 2019.

The NE 50th St sidewalk project is weather-dependent, and the project schedule is subject to change.

 

Closure

NE 50th St will be closed, except to residents and local businesses on NE 50th St. Parking will not be allowed on NE 50th St during construction, and temporary driveway closures will occur when work is happening next to or in front of driveways.

Adjacent streets, such as 30th Ave NE, and the residential streets, such as University View Place NE, will be open during project construction.

 

Noise

Expect loud noise, dust, and typical construction equipment while crews are working.

 

Want more information?

For more information on this project, please our project website. If you have questions or concerns, please contact our outreach team by emailing amber.berg@seattle.gov or calling 206.684.5283.

 

Thanks for your patience while make these improvements!

 

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#SeattleSqueezeAlert – More Changes to Seattle’s Streets Beginning February 1

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Image credit: Chun Kwan. SR 99 Alaskan Way Viaduct 2019. Looking north.

Preparing for more changes to traffic patterns downtown.

As we say #GoodbyeViaduct and hello to the new SR #99Tunnel, we’re preparing for more changes to traffic patterns downtown. Read on for details about:

  • The Battery Street closing for good.
  • Planning ahead for the Aurora Ave N detour and construction impacts.
  • Temporary parking restrictions and uniformed police officers – keeping transit and emergency responders moving.
  • Lane changes – be prepared for changes to your commute.

We’re almost there! When the new SR 99 tunnel opens, which is on schedule to open before the morning commute Monday, February 4, traffic patterns will change as travelers encounter this new tunnel and new route options. This will affect everyone who travels to and through downtown Seattle, even if you’re not using the tunnel!

WSDOT’s website for the new SR 99 tunnel, www.99tunnel.com, is your best resource for learning all about the new tunnel. Watch these videos that show you how to use the new tunnel and how connections to downtown will be different. Check it out!

Read on to learn about some upcoming street changes and actions we’re taking to keep people and goods moving safely, including reconfiguring key streets and restricting parking downtown.

 

Bye-bye, Battery Street Tunnel!

This photo shows the three streets – Harrison, Thomas, and John – that will be reconnected as part of the #Realign99 work.

The Battery Street Tunnel will close for good at 10 PM on Friday, February 1. The tunnel is vulnerable to earthquakes, just like the Alaskan Way Viaduct (it’s over 60 years old!), and continuing to use it for any purpose would cost lots of money in restorations and repairs. Additionally, closing the Battery Street Tunnel allows us to “reconnect” streets at the north end of the tunnel that was previously cut off by the approach to the tunnel. Over the next year and a half, John Street and Thomas Street will be reconnected, and Aurora Avenue North rebuilt between Harrison Street and Denny Way. Learn more about the project here!

 

Plan ahead: Aurora Ave N detour and construction impacts.

Traffic Detours: Between Friday, February 1 at 10 PM and the opening of the new SR 99 tunnel, traffic will be detoured off of Aurora Ave N at Valley Street. Please note that 5th Ave N will be closed for Saturday’s Tunnel to Viaduct 8K Run/Walk from 7 AM until the end of the event. Please be aware of these changes to traffic and plan ahead if you’ll be heading either northbound or southbound on Aurora Ave N.

Temporary parking restrictions and uniformed police officers – Keeping transit and emergency responders moving!

During the #Realign99 closure, we restricted parking in key locations and placed uniformed police officers at specific intersections to keep traffic moving and to make room for transit and emergency responders. Since traffic patterns will again be changing when the tunnel opens, we are continuing to restrict parking and keep UPOs in certain locations to maintain that capacity.

The parking restrictions will continue from February 4 for up to two weeks. The parking restrictions are from 6 AM to 7 PM, Monday – Friday.

The uniformed police officer locations are also in place Monday-Friday and will be stationed during the peak morning and evening commute periods: 6 – 10 AM, and 3 – 7 PM.

Click here to view our flyer: Seattle Squeeze Alert – Parking Restrictions and Uniformed Police Officer Locations

Lane Changes – Be prepared for changes to your commute.

Tunnel is open, single NB off-ramp near stadiums still closed.

We reconfigured lanes around downtown to make space for transit and freight vehicles during the Realign 99 closure.

This included a temporary bus-only lane on the Spokane St Viaduct and 4thAve S. This bus lane will remain in place until the new northbound SR 99 off-ramp to S. Dearborn St opens, which will open about one week after the new SR 99 tunnel opens.

We also installed freight and transit-only lane on Alaskan Way during the closure, which will be removed this weekend between February 2 – 3.

Visit King County Metro’s Get Ready site to view bus routes once the new tunnel opens.

We are striping a bus-only lane on Cherry St between 1stand 3rd Ave to keep transit moving eastbound once the S Dearborn St northbound off-ramp from SR 99 is in place.

Now that buses will not be traveling on the Alaskan Way Viaduct, this dedicated bus lane allows these bus lines to keep people moving quickly and efficiently through downtown.

  • This work is scheduled to occur the weekend of February 9 – 10 at the latest but may occur during the week of February 4 to ensure that crews have good weather to restripe this lane. If work occurs over the weekend, it will begin at 5 AM. If work occurs during a weekday, work will begin at 3 AM to be completed before the peak morning commute period begins at 6 AM. Work will take up to two hours and impacts to traffic will be minimal.

 

Why are we making these changes?

These changes are going to make travel times more reliable and help keep people moving during this time of increased traffic. By installing temporary and permanent changes to Seattle’s streets, we will keep transit and vehicle travel reliable and improve our emergency response times as responders address incidents downtown.

 

What does this mean for you?

On-street parking options downtown will be limited. People, businesses, schools, manufacturers, and many others rely on the timely delivery of products and goods, and we want to ensure they move as predictably and efficiently as possible.

If you need to drive, plan ahead and be prepared for your new route and parking locations downtown. Use the Seattle Parking Map to make a plan before you leave. Keep our Vision Zero goal in mind, follow the rules, take a deep breath and travel safely.

This is a great time to try a new commute! Try transit, biking, walking, carpooling or vanpools. View our Tools page at www.seattle.gov/traffic for helpful resources.

We recognize the impacts that parking restrictions can have on local businesses, and we’re here to provide support during this time. We’ll closely monitor our downtown streets to confirm traffic is moving smoothly and adjust as needed. If you have any concerns, please contact our Customer Care Center team at 684-ROAD@seattle.gov or call (206) 684-ROAD.

We’re working hard to make sure we’re keeping people and goods moving safely and efficiently, and we appreciate your patience and understanding as we all adjust to this new normal.

Notice of future impacts related to the closure of SR 99 and other projects impacting traffic during the Seattle Squeeze are posted to our blog at www.seattle.gov/traffic. 

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VIDEOS: Plan your route now! Here’s what you need to know about the new SR #99Tunnel.

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#GoodbyeViaduct and hello, SR #99Tunnel!

The new SR 99 tunnel will provide direct access between the stadiums and the Space Needle. Running two miles long, it will be the largest double-deck highway tunnel of its kind in the country. Pretty cool, right? The tunnel offers new options for driving to and through downtown Seattle, which will alter traffic patterns and change how we get around downtown. But, Seattle, don’t freak out – here’s what you need to know as you prepare for your new commute.

 

 

Coming into Seattle from the SOUTH: 

The tunnel’s south portal is just west of CenturyLink Field in SODO. On- and off-ramps in both directions will connect SR 99 to the stadiums, Alaskan Way and Colman Dock along the waterfront, and downtown Seattle. Just to the east is the start of I-90 and connections to I-5.

Coming northbound on SR 99, the exit to downtown and Alaskan Way will be the last exit before the tunnel. That ramp will end at a new intersection of South Dearborn Street and Alaskan Way South (shown below). Drivers heading to southbound SR 99 from downtown or the stadiums will use Alaskan Way or First Avenue South to reach the new southbound on-ramp at this same intersection.

Watch this video showing you how to drive north on SR 99 to get to the tunnel or downtown Seattle!

 

Coming into Seattle from the NORTH:

The tunnel’s north portal sits just east of Seattle Center, near the Space Needle. On- and off-ramps will provide connections to nearby Denny Way, Dexter Avenue and Mercer Street, as well as routes to reach I-5.

Southbound drivers can take the off-ramp to Denny Way and downtown, which ends at the intersection of Aurora Avenue North and Harrison Street. From there they can head to Seattle Center (west), South Lake Union (east), or into downtown (south).

Drivers seeking to head north on SR 99 will use Aurora Avenue North or Harrison Street to reach the northbound on-ramp.

Three blocks of Aurora Avenue North, between Harrison Street and Denny Way, will be reconnected as part of the North Surface Streets project (see below). The approach to the Battery Street Tunnel will be brought up to grade and rebuilt, and John and Thomas streets will be reconnected east-west across Aurora Avenue North. Learn more about this work on WSDOT’s website.

Watch this video showing you how to drive SOUTH on SR 99 to get to the tunnel or downtown Seattle!

Getting in the new tunnel from DOWNTOWN:

If you’re in downtown Seattle and trying to get onto SR 99, check out these videos from WSDOT:

Inside the Tunnel:

Double-decker awesomeness!

The tunnel features two lanes in each direction. Unlike the Alaskan Way Viaduct’s extremely narrow shoulders, the tunnel has an eight-foot shoulder in each direction for vehicles to pull over in case of breakdown or crashes. Long, gentle curves will allow for safe sight distances.

The tunnel is built to modern earthquake standards and features smart systems that work together to keep traffic moving safely. In the event of an emergency, exits every 650 feet provide shelter and escape routes, while a state-of-the-art ventilation system assists first responders and fights fire and fumes.

Seattle, keep up the good work in planning your route, changing your commutes, and staying patient and flexible as we #Realign99 and get ready for our new tunnel!

 

For more information, tips, and resources about the #SeattleSqueeze, visit our website!

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Monday, Feb 4: We’re closing the west side of the 23rd Ave S & S Judkins St intersection.

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We’re placing conduit. Here’s what you can expect.

As the initial closure of the east side of the intersection wraps up, we’ll be moving to the west side of the 23rd Ave S and S Judkins St intersection on Monday, February 4. We will be digging a trenching across the intersection to place conduit. Once the conduit is in, we will back-fill the hole. We will need to close that side of the intersection at least one more time to pour the permanent concrete. Please expect this first closure to last about one to two weeks.

 

Why do you keep the west side of the intersection open?

One question we continue to hear is, why can’t we keep the west side of the intersection open? The short answer is there isn’t enough room for the workers to work and cars to go by. It’s not safe for you as a motorist and it’s not safe for our contractors. The good news is that the closure is temporary and there are alternate routes to get in and out of the west side of the neighborhood (see map below).

We appreciate your patience. If you have any questions, please send an email to 23rdAveCorridor@Seattle.gov.

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The east side of the 23rd Ave S and S Judkins St intersection will be closed for the next week.

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On January 29, we closed the east side of the 23rd Ave S and S Judkins St intersection and expect this initial closure to last about a week. We’re digging a trench across S Judkins St so to place conduit. Once we’re done trenching, we will temporarily patch the hole and reopen that side of the intersection.

We’ll return to the east side of the intersection in about 2 weeks to pour the road back. Please expect another east side closure at that time.

 

West side closure expected as soon as next week.

Starting as soon as next week, but not before the SR 99 tunnel reopens, we’ll:

  • Close the west side of the 23rd Ave S and S Judkins St intersection.
  • Do similar work on the west side as we’re doing on the east side.
  • Trench across S Judkins St, back-fill it and then pour the road back.

Expect a similar closure timeline for the west side. See below for the west side closure mailer that’s going to about 1400 neighbors in the area this week.

For more information:

Visit: www.seattle.gov/transportation/23rd_Ave.htm
Email: 23rdAveCorridor@seattle.gov
Call the project information line: 206-727-8857

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The view from above #Realign99.

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Image credit: Chun Kwan. Sunset on our beautiful city. Also pictured the SR 99 Alaskan Way Viaduct 2019.

Aerial images captured by one of our own.

This picture of the fading sunlight over Seattle’s cityscape seems appropriate for us as we sunset a part of Seattle’s history (#GoodbyeViaduct, we will miss you) and prepare for the present/future (hello, #99Tunnel) in the coming days. This is truly a new season of thriving changes for our beautiful city and we wanted to pay tribute by pictures to a structure that helped people and goods get to and through Seattle for the last 65 years-ish.

One of our colleagues, Chun Kwan, apparently moonlights as a stellar drone photographer 😉 JK, Chun, JK. He captured these photos to help document the history at play here, and in doing so, remind us (not that we need the reminder) of the beautiful place we call home.

 

Meet Chun Kwan.

Image credit: Chun Kwan. SR 99 Alaskan Way Viaduct 2019. Looking north.

By day, Chun is a supervisor in our Traffic Data and Records team, part of our Transportation Operations Division. The team collects and archives a variety of traffic data, including vehicle and bicycle counts. He’s been with SDOT just under a year and a half. His favorite part of working here? Being able to collaborate in a fun, supportive, and productive environment with teammates of diverse backgrounds in delivering the traffic data that powers decisions for the future of our City’s multimodal transportation network. 👏

Image credit: Chun Kwan. SR 99 Alaskan Way Viaduct 2019.

Chun has been into photography for the past 15+ years, starting with point and shoots, working his way up to large DSLRs, and using a drone to take the amazing photos highlighted in this post. His work life is inundated with data that he and others at here use to make good decisions. And while he often pre-plans his photo shoots using data and weather forecasts, he says that when it comes to photography, sometimes the best opportunities can present themselves spontaneously.

Image credit: Chun Kwan.

FYI, Chun’s been getting to and from work before and during the #SeattleSqueeze via transit (not drone).

 

#GoodbyeViaduct, hello waterfront and #99Tunnel!

Source: Waterfront Seattle via https://waterfrontseattle.org/overlook-walk

Now that you’ve seen all these awesome overhead shots, imagine what this view will look like (from above, and more importantly, from street level) once the viaduct comes down and the reimagined waterfront takes shape.

The struggle (of the Squeeze) is real. Making it through the construction and disruptions over the next several years will be challenging, but over the past few weeks, we’ve seen what regional teamwork can do – people made changes and those changes added up. Keep it up and let’s not forget the amazing changes yet to come.

Source: Waterfront Seattle via https://waterfrontseattle.org/overlook-walk

Source: Waterfront Seattle via https://waterfrontseattle.org/overlook-walk

Source: Waterfront Seattle via https://waterfrontseattle.org/overlook-walk

Source: Waterfront Seattle via https://waterfrontseattle.org/overlook-walk

For additional tools, tips, and resources about the #SeattleSqueeze, visit our website!

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#GoodbyeViaduct – Hello, SR #99Tunnel! Here’s what you need to know.

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Northbound deck of the SR 99 tunnel. Photo courtesy of WSDOT.

Northbound deck of the SR 99 tunnel. Photo courtesy of WSDOT.

2 weeks down, 1 to go until the new SR #99Tunnel opens!

We’re almost there! Crews are completing the final work needed to realign the SR 99 highway into the new tunnel below downtown Seattle. We’re so grateful to everyone who changed their commute during this time – these two weeks have proved that when we work together, we can keep traffic volumes low and spirits high. (We don’t want you to stop using the #MyCommuteWasAwesome hashtag, by the way! If you can continue to change your commute, please do.) Keep it up – we’re almost there.

Heading into the light. Photo from 2014 courtesy of WSDOT.

Heading into the light at the end of the tunnel. Photo from 2014, courtesy of WSDOT.

However, it’s not “back to normal” when the #99tunnel opens.

Instead of getting right back on the Alaskan Way Viaduct with downtown exits and Belltown and SODO entrances, we’ll be driving through the new SR 99 tunnel straight from the stadiums to the Space Needle. This is going to be different, especially for folks in the SODO and South Lake Union neighborhoods, where the tunnel’s north and south portals will transfer drivers to Seattle’s surface streets. It’s time to get ready.

SR 99 Tunnel Map

Click this photo to view the map of the new SR 99 Tunnel.

What do you need to know?

Traffic patterns will change again, as travelers get used to these changes and their new routes. This will affect everyone who travels to and through downtown Seattle, even if you’re not using the tunnel!

 

Duration: approximately 1-2 weeks. Tunnel is open, single NB off-ramp near stadiums still closed. Photo courtesy of WSDOT.

Tunnel entrances & exits have changed.

The tunnel entrances and exits are in South Lake Union and SODO, which is different than how travelers used to access the viaduct. We’re expecting more vehicles in these areas near the new tunnel portals and fewer vehicles in the parts of downtown which no longer connect to SR 99 (such as Seneca and Columbia streets).

 

Watch the ‘how to’ navigate the new tunnel videos.

WSDOT’s website for the new SR 99 tunnel, www.99tunnel.com, is your best resource for learning all about the new tunnel. Watch these videos that show you how to use the new tunnel and how connections to downtown will be different. (Videos also available in Spanish and Chinese – Mandarin and Cantonese.) Check it out!

 

Know about construction still underway.

When the tunnel opens, a key connection to downtown – the northbound off-ramp to Alaskan Way/downtown near the stadiums – will still be under construction. Travelers going northbound toward downtown will either need to choose another route or plan to drive through the tunnel to South Lake Union.

 

What is the City doing?

TOC - Transportation Operations Center

TOC – Transportation Operations Center

Just like the #Realign99 highway closure, we’ve been planning and preparing for the #99Tunnel opening for a long time. We’re here to make sure our transportation system functions well in order to keep people and goods moving safely and efficiently.

Our Transportation Operations Center (TOC) staff are working 24/7 to monitor our transportation system.

 

Tracking traffic patterns.

We’re tracking traffic patterns through signal technology to move as many people as safely and as quickly as possible through busy intersections.

 

24/7 Transportation Operations Center continues.

Our Transportation Operations Center (TOC) will continue to operate 24/7 to monitor traffic across the city and implement changes as needed. If incidents arise, they work with our partner agencies at WSDOT, King County Metro, Sound Transit, the Port of Seattle, Seattle Police Department, and Seattle Fire Department to ensure a coordinated and rapid response to clear the situation quickly and safely.

 

Dynamic messaging signs on key streets.

We use dynamic messaging signs (DMS) on key streets in and around downtown to alert travelers of immediate concerns and provide notice in case incidents arise and alternative routes are needed.

 

Don’t worry – we’re in this together!

It’s time to make your plan.

We’ll be releasing more information about how to get around when the tunnel opens later this week, and our friends at WSDOT are providing updates on their website and social media as well. Now’s the time to prepare. Make a plan, know your route, and if you can, keep up those alternate commutes! Taking alternate modes of transportation or shifting your commute times will continue to be great travel options even after the tunnel opens.

 

This is just the beginning.

Downtown Seattle At Night

Our city is transforming. It’s all going to be worth it.

Although we’ve made it through the #Realign99 closure, this is just the beginning of the #SeattleSqueeze, Seattle’s new era of tough traffic over the next five years. We are going to continue to be “squeezed” as construction projects and changes to our infrastructure change how we all get around. Stay patient and flexible and make a plan before you go. Visit our website, www.seattle.gov/traffic, for the latest information and the tools you need to get around.

 

Keep it up, Seattle – we’re truly making lemonade from lemons!

Stay tuned for more information about using the tunnel, navigating to and from the tunnel’s north and south portals, and the City’s response to these changing traffic patterns. For now, plan ahead, visit www.99tunnel.com, and keep on keepin’ on – you’re doing great!

Keep up with all things #SeattleSqueeze. Visit our website!

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#SeattleSqueezeAlert – Be prepared for changes to Seattle’s streets beginning January 9.

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PLEASE NOTE: Starting January 14, 2019, we will retire the On the Move blog channel and all traffic advisory blogs will be posted on the SDOT blog channel. 

To manage the increased volume of traffic on our city’s streets and changing traffic patterns in advance of the SR closure beginning Friday, January 11, we’re configuring key streets and restricting parking on key streets in Seattle.

 

Overview by date:

👉 On January 9 – Roy St Closure

Roy St between SR 99 and Dexter Ave N will be closed during the day to allow crews to install temporary right-turn-only lane striping to help people traveling out of the tunnel exit and head south on Dexter Ave N. Here’s what you can expect:

  • On Roy St heading eastbound between SR 99 and Dexter Ave N, the right lane will be temporarily striped as a right turn only lane.
  • This will allow drivers traveling out of the tunnel to avoid backup on Republican St and instead take Roy St, the second exit, to turn right and head south on Dexter Ave N.
  • This work will occur from 9 AM – 3 PM on Wednesday, January 9 in order to be completed before rainy weather is expected to occur over the weekend.
  • Weather depending, this work may be pushed back, but crews will work to wrap this up quickly!

 

👉 On January 12 – Seneca St Changes

We’re converting Seneca St between 1st Ave and 3rd Ave into a one-way street headed westbound to accommodate the shift from the Seneca St off-ramp closure. Read our Seneca St lane change flyer with graphics here. Here’s what you can expect:

  • Beginning at 7 AM on Saturday, January 12, our crews will convert Seneca St between 1st Ave and 3rd Ave to a one-way street headed westbound.
  • This is to accommodate the shift from the Alaskan Way Viaduct Seneca St off-ramp closing, as cars will no longer need to use Seneca St headed eastbound off of the Viaduct off-ramp. This change increases our city streets’ capacity for mobility.
  • This work will be completed by the end of the day.

 

👉 Starting January 14 – Parking Restrictions

Parking restrictions will begin January 14 and will be in place until the new SR 99 tunnel opens in early February 2019. Read our parking restrictions flyer with graphics here. Here’s what you can expect:

  • Temporary no-parking signs will be posted beginning Friday, January 11 in order to provide 72 hours’ notice of these parking changes. Please note that only 24-hour notice is needed prior to parking enforcement so we’re posting the signs over the weekend to provide additional time for public awareness.
  • On key streets downtown and in West Seattle, on-street parking restrictions will be in place Monday – Friday from January 14 until about mid-February, when the northbound off-ramp to Dearborn St opens.

Why are we making these changes?

These changes are going to make travel times more reliable and help keep people moving during this time of increased traffic. By installing temporary and permanent changes to Seattle’s streets, we will keep transit and vehicle travel reliable and improve our emergency response times as responders address incidents downtown.

 

What does this mean for you?

On-street parking options downtown during the SR 99 closure will be limited. People, businesses, schools, manufacturers, and many others rely on the timely delivery of products and goods, and we want to ensure they move as predictably and efficiently as possible.

 

If you need to drive, plan ahead and be prepared for your new route and parking locations downtown. Use the Seattle Parking Map to make a plan before you leave. Keep our Vision Zero goal in mind, follow the rules, take a deep breath and travel safely.

 

This is a great time to try a new commute! Try transit, biking, walking, carpooling or vanpools. View our Tools page at www.seattle.gov/traffic for helpful resources.

We recognize the impacts that parking restrictions can have on local businesses, and we’re here to provide support during this time. We’ll closely monitor our downtown streets to confirm traffic is moving smoothly and adjust as needed. If you have any concerns, please contact our Customer Care Center team at 684-ROAD@seattle.gov or call (206) 684-ROAD.

 

Want more info?

These are just a few of the ways we’re preparing for the three-week closure of SR 99 and the Seattle Squeeze, which will impact traffic across the region. We’re working hard to make sure we’re keeping people and goods moving safely and efficiently, and we appreciate your patience and understanding as we all adjust to this new normal.

Notice of future impacts related to the closure of SR 99 and other projects impacting traffic during the Seattle Squeeze are posted to our blog at www.seattle.gov/traffic. Head to this website for the latest updates and announcements.

 

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STARTING WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 2: Buses merge with traffic on Aurora Ave N at N 100th St. 

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PLEASE NOTE: Starting January 14, 2019, we will retire the On the Move blog channel and all traffic advisory blogs will be posted on the SDOT blog channel. 

We’re making progress on the North Seattle Neighborhood Greenway.

Heads up travelers, we’re making progress on the North Seattle Neighborhood Greenway and will be installing accessible curb ramps and sidewalk improvements. Starting as soon as next Wednesday, January 2, here’s what you can expect.

Construction area.

Construction area

Nearby at Greenwood Ave N and N 100th St, traffic on Greenwood Ave N will be shifted around the construction work zone as we install a pedestrian island and pedestrian signal on Greenwood Ave N, as well as new accessible curb ramps on the west side of the street. Regular weekday work hours will be 7 AM to 4 PM.

  • Temporary on-street parking restrictions, with “no park” signs placed in advance.
  • Typical construction equipment, materials, noise, dust, and activity in the work area.
  • It is weather-dependent and may be rescheduled. For the safety of everyone using the street, please follow posted detour signs and avoid residential streets unless you live there or have business in the area. It’s important to drive slowly and be aware of the work areas.

 

Closure

N 100th St at Greenwood Ave N (west side of intersection) will be temporarily closed to through traffic during this work and open for local access only. Traffic will return to normal in spring 2019 once improvements are complete.

  • Once complete, those driving will no longer be able to cross Greenwood Ave N at N 100th St (see map on project webpage).
  • Two-way traffic on Greenwood Ave N will be maintained with lane shifts around the work zone.
  • Bike lanes in the vicinity will be closed during construction, and people biking will be directed to merge with traffic.
  • People walking will be redirected around the work zone, with a flagger available to assist during work hours.

 

Buses and bus lanes

The northbound bus lane on Aurora Ave N near N 100th St will be closed during the weekday, off-peak hours. Buses will merge with traffic. N 100th St at Aurora Ave N (east side of intersection) will also be temporarily closed to through traffic during this work and reopen outside of work hours (Monday-Friday, 7 AM to 4 PM) when possible. Local access will be maintained via Stone Ave N.  Traffic will return to normal in spring 2019 once improvements are complete.

  • Bus stops will remain open but may be temporarily relocated. Please check King County Metro Alerts for more information.

 

About the North Seattle Neighborhood Greenway.

The North Seattle Neighborhood Greenway will connect the Crown Hill, Greenwood, Licton Springs, and Northgate neighborhoods with the planned Northgate Pedestrian and Bicycle Bridge, which crosses I-5 and connects to the future Northgate Link light rail station, bringing people to popular destinations including parks, schools, business districts, other greenways, and transit hubs.

 

Want more info?

Please contact the project team at northseattlegreenway@seattle.gov or 206.684.8105. There’s also more information on the project webpage! For more information about King County Metro service, visit kingcounty.gov/depts/transportation/metro.

 

Thank you for your patience as we work to complete this new neighborhood greenway!

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