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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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March 23-24: Get ready for round two of closures at S Massachusetts St & 23rd Ave S.

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This weekend, March 23-24, our work continues from last weekend at the 23rd Ave S and S Massachusetts St intersection to replace the existing concrete panels on S Massachusetts St as part of the larger 23rd Ave Corridor Improvements project. This weekend we’re completing the second half of the project and replacing the concrete panels on the east side of the intersection. Our goal is to improve safety and mobility for people who drive, walk, bike, and take transit in this area.

Here’s what you can expect:

 

S C H E D U L E

This weekend we’re focusing on the east side of the intersection. Starting at 7 AM on Saturday, we’re closing the east leg of the 23rd Ave S and S Massachusetts St intersection to dig up and remove the old concrete panels, then form, and pour new ones. The road will stay closed Sunday to allow the concrete to cure and will return to normal on Monday, March 25, at 5 AM.

 

C L O S U R E  |  D E T O U R

The east leg of the 23rd Ave S and S Massachusetts St intersection will be closed. For the duration of the closure, motorists will be detoured to the arterial. Local access will be maintained along S Massachusetts St between 23rd Ave S and Martin Luther King Jr Way S.

 

N O I S E

We’ve obtained a noise variance to start work at 7 AM on Saturday. Neighbors will see and hear construction activity throughout the weekend. Thanks for your patience!

 

Want more information about this project?

Visit our website!

If you have questions or concerns, please contact the project team at 23rdAveCorridor@seattle.gov or call the project information line at 206.727.8857.

 

 

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Mar 26 – Apr 5: We’re removing asphalt along Wilson Ave S to prepare for repaving.

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We’re making progress on the Wilson Ave S Transportations Improvement Project! The 2.5 miles of Wilson Ave S between S Dawson St and S Morgan St will be repaved to improve the safety, accessibility, and comfort for all users. Plus! We’re also installing a new protected bike lane.

From March 26 to April 3, 2019, we’ll be grinding the top several inches of asphalt on Wilson Ave S so we can repair the base of the street. This work is weather dependent and subject to change.

 

Here’s what you can expect:

 

S C H E D U L E

Our work hours will be from 6 AM – 10 PM on Tuesday, March 26 through Wednesday, April 5. We’ll work to minimize disruptions as much as possible. This includes weekend work. Grinding may take about 9 days to complete.

 

March 26

We plan to grind the east side of Wilson Ave S starting at Seward Park Ave S and then move north to S Dawson St.

 

March 27

Next, we’ll grind the west side of Wilson Ave S starting at S Dawson St and then move south to Seward Park Ave S. Any remaining work will be completed on Thursday.

 

Street repairs

During this work, we’ll make additional repairs to the road, including casting repairs, concrete base repairs, and asphalt base repairs. This work will be noisy.

 

Paving work

Paving work is scheduled for April 3 to 5, following the grinding work. This work is weather dependent and could potentially push back to the week of April 8. Once paving is complete, temporary striping will be installed.

 

C L O S U R E S,  A C C E S S,  &  D E T O U R S

While we’re working, Wilson Ave S will be closed to northbound traffic.

  • If you’re driving northbound on Wilson Ave S, you’ll be detoured to Seward Park Ave S between S Morgan and S Dawson streets (peek below map).
  • If you’re driving south on Wilson Ave S, we may use cones to shift which lanes you drive to allow for work to be conducted. Thanks for your patience!

Turns will be limited to/from driveways and side streets on the side of Wilson Ave S where grinding takes place. Driveway access may be disrupted for 30 to 45 minutes as our grinding machine passes. Access to Wilson Ave S from S Graham St will be closed. Please use 52nd Ave S.

 

P A R K I N G  

On-street parking will be closed on both sides of the street, 24/7 for the next several weeks. Drivers will only be permitted to turn right off of 25th Ave NE.

Access for cars for people walking will be maintained when parked in driveways and on side streets; please use designated crossings for your safety (S Morgan St, S Orcas St, and S Dawson St).

 

N O I S E

You can expect loud noise, dust, and vibrations while crews are working.

 

P R O J E C T  O U T C O M E

We’re repaving approximately 2.5 miles of Wilson Ave S between S Dawson and S Morgan streets. Repaving will make the street more comfortable to drive on and extend its useful life. The project will also:

  • Install or upgrade curb ramps to be compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
  • Replace traffic detection loops that control the signals
  • Repair and replace some sections of sidewalk in the project area
  • Bring storm drainage into code compliance where triggered

 

Want more information?

For more information on this project, please visit our project page. If you have questions or concerns, please contact the construction outreach team at WilsonAve@seattle.gov, or 206.256.5232.  Again, thank you for your patience during this work.

 

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CHAPTER 1 #SeattleSqueeze Data: Less driving, more transit, more biking!

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Image courtesy of Chun Kwan, SDOT.

Approximately 250,000 people commute to and through downtown each day. With the new SR 99 tunnel now open, we’ve been analyzing the data from the closure to understand what went well, how we could have done better, and how we can keep the good changes going during the next chapter of the #SeattleSqueeze. Our entire region came together to take on this challenge and be part of the solution. Here are the results in a nutshell: people drove less, took transit, and biked more. Read on!

 

. D R I V I N G .

People drove less downtown.

 

 

One of our goals during the SR 99 closure was to prevent gridlock by having fewer cars downtown. We can’t say it enough, Seattle, we couldn’t have done it without the collective whole working together.

Peek the data!

We were able to produce comparable data by counting vehicles that came into downtown Seattle from location points north (at Mercer St) and south (at Holgate St) into the center city and compared the numbers to a baseline period back in September 2018. For every single day that SR 99 was closed, fewer vehicles drove into downtown. See that blue line in the data graphic to the right? That’s the baseline volumes in 2018. The green was the daily volumes during the three-week SR 99 closure. You’re the best, Seattle.

 

. T R A N S I T .

People took transit and shifted their commutes.

 

 

Peek the ridership data!

King County Metro tracked daily ridership along major corridors and on the water taxi. Bus and water taxi ridership varied during the closure, but ridership increased during two of the three weeks compared to January 2018. During each week of the closure, the percent of riders during the midday was higher as compared to the same month last year. That means there was a shift from commute times out of the peak/rush hours towards the midday.

Sound Transit’s Link light rail ridership during the three-week viaduct closure was up 14 percent from last year, to more than 79,000 daily boardings.

 

 

. T E L E C O M M U T I N G . 

People changed their work schedules.

 

 

Based on a survey of some of the largest downtown employers, people used telecommuting as a great way to reduce commute trips downtown. We launched an Alternative Work Arrangement Pilot for Chapter 1 of the Seattle Squeeze. The City previously had 12.5 percent of employees that had alternative work arrangements, which included telework or flexible work hours. Now, 30 percent of Citywide employees are participating in alternative work arrangements, with 38 percent in the downtown core.

 

. B I K I N G .

People biked more.

 

 

Peek the bike data!

The number of people biking to and through downtown increased during the SR 99 closure. We installed bike counters at the Spokane St. Bridge, the Fremont Bridge, the Elliot Bay Trail, and 2nd Ave downtown. We saw 40,000 more trips in January 2019 compared to the same time in 2018.

 

We also expanded our free-floating bike share program and made it permanent. Our data shows that change paid off; we also saw a significant increase in people who used free-floating bike share. Peek the bike share data!

 

. I N F O | C O N T A C T .

Don’t miss a thing.

 

 

Keep up with all things #SeattleSqueeze by visiting our website.

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March 19-26: Lenora Street Pedestrian Bridge closed for overhead viaduct demolition work

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Image courtesy of WSDOT

The Lenora Street Pedestrian Bridge will be closed March 19 – 26 as a safety precaution while crews remove a section of the viaduct overhead. During the closure, a free shuttle will provide rides between the top and bottom of the bridge.

 

For more information see WSDOT’s website here.

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March 9-11: Road work for pedestrian improvements at the intersection of S Myrtle St & Beacon 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 March 9 to 11, 2019, we’ll be making sub base repairs to the road and pour concrete on Swift Ave S. We will also continue work on pedestrian improvements at the intersection of S Myrtle St and Beacon Ave S.

Here’s what you can expect:

S C H E D U L E

Starting on 7 AM on Saturday, March 9, we will be demolishing concrete on Swift Ave S. This will be followed by a concrete pour as soon as 5 PM and completed by 2 AM. The road will remain closed Sunday to allow the concrete to cure. We’ll return Monday at 12 AM to place temporary asphalt over the road panels. Traffic will return to normal by Monday, March 11 at 6 AM.

 

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

Northbound lanes on Swift Ave S between S Graham St and Beacon Ave S will be closed. Traffic will be detoured to S Graham St via Beacon Ave S. Traffic will return to normal by Monday, March 11 at 6 AM. Please follow marked pedestrian detours.

 

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.

 

P R O J E C T   O U T C O M E

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.

We’re repaving about 1.75 miles of Swift Ave S, S Myrtle St, and S Othello between S Albro Pl and Martin Luther King Jr Way S. We’ll remove the old top layer of the road, placing new asphalt, and repainting lane lines. We’re also making improvements to the existing bike lane along Swift Ave S / S Myrtle St between S Albro Pl and Martin Luther King Jr Way S by making it wider. There will be some parking consolidation along S Myrtle St east of Beacon Ave S.

 

Want more information about this project?

Visit our website!

If you have questions or concerns, please contact the construction outreach team at swiftmyrtleothello@seattle.gov, or 206.256.5227.

Thanks for your patience as we make these safety improvements.

 

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March 2-4, 2019: Sub base repairs + concrete pour as we make pedestrian improvements at the intersection of S Myrtle St & Beacon 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 March 2-4, 2019, we’re finishing up our sub base repairs to the ground for a concrete pour as we make pedestrian improvements at the intersection of S Myrtle St and Beacon Ave S.

 

Here’s what you can expect:

 

S C H E D U  L E

Starting on 7 AM on Saturday, March 2, we will be demolishing concrete on Swift Ave S. This will be followed by a concrete pour as soon as 5 PM and complete by 2 AM. The road will remain closed Sunday to allow the concrete to cure. We’ll return Monday at 12 AM to place temporary asphalt over the road panels. Traffic will return to normal by Monday, March 4 at 6 AM.

 

C L O S U R E  |  D E T O U R

Northbound lanes on Swift Ave S between S Eddy St and Beacon Ave S will be closed. Traffic will be detoured to S Graham St via Beacon Ave S. Traffic will return to normal by Monday, March 4 at 6 AM. Please follow marked pedestrian detours.

 

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.

 

P R O J E C T  O U T C O M E

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. We’re repaving about 1.75 miles of Swift Ave S, S Myrtle St, and S Othello between S Albro Pl 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’ll also be improving the existing bike lane along Swift Ave S / S Myrtle St between S Albro Pl and Martin Luther King Jr Way S by making it wider. There will be some parking consolidation along S Myrtle St east of Beacon Ave S.

Want more information?

For more information on this project, please visit our project page. If you have questions or concerns, please contact the construction outreach team at swiftmyrtleothello@seattle.gov, or 206.256.5227. Thanks for your patience as we make these safety improvements.

 

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Wed, Feb 27: Local Access Only along 23rd Ave S between S Massachusetts St & S Jackson St.

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This Wednesday, from 9 AM to 3 PM, we’ll be pouring the center lane on 23rd Ave S between S Dearborn St and S Lane St. What this means for you is that when we 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. See below for details. Thanks again for your patience!

What does Local Access Only mean?

If you live, work, shop, or play on or near 23rd Ave S between S Massachusetts St and S Jackson St, you will still be able to get to your destination. Please let the flagger know where you are going and they’ll get you there. Note, travel times may be longer. If you are passing through the area going north on 23rd Ave S, you will be detoured to Martin Luther King Jr Way S.

 

What does this work mean for your driveway?

During the pour, all driveways between S Dearborn St and S Lane St will be not be accessible. If you live on the west side of the street in this stretch, we’re advising you to move your car before 7am on Wednesday and not use your driveway until after 5pm.

If you live on the east side of the street, you should be receiving notification to move your car to a side street and plan to return Friday morning. The reason for this extended closure is because we have to form the new lane on Tuesday, pour it on Wednesday, and then the new concrete needs time to set (harden) on Thursday.

 

What else should you expect?

  • There will be a slight bump in side street traffic on Wednesday.
  • We are placing NO PARKS on S Lane St between 23rd Ave S and 24th Ave S to keep local traffic moving.
  • Expect traffic to be slower than normal in this area.

 

Questions?

Email: 23rdAveCorridor@Seattle.gov
Phone:206-727-8857

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