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What’s moving Seattle | Weekender

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Here’s a wrap of what’s moving Seattle this weekend!

Get ready, Seattle! The Capitol Hill Block Party and Bite of Seattle are happening this weekend. Add daily Mariner and Sounders games, a festival, a parade, and 5k runs and that number blows up to 100k people having fun outside. As you guessed it – this could cause some challenges on how you get around. So know before you go. Scan this!

 

Friday, July 20

Featured CHBP Image by The Drainage | http://bit.ly/2KZDbge

Bite of Seattle: Annual food festival at Seattle Center.  11 AM to 9 PM.  About 40k attending.

Capitol Hill Block Party: Annual, 3-day music festival and block party held each July in the heart of Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood.  The event will close E Pike St between Broadway and 12th avenues, and 10th and 11th avenues between E Union St and E Pine St. 3 PM to 11:59 PM. About 9k attending.

Seattle Mariners vs. Chicago White Sox: 7:10 to 10 PM at Safeco Field. About 36k attending.

UPDATED: Nighttime WB I-90 bridge closures planned for this weekend are now canceled. There are still WB I-90 closures planned for next weekend between Island Crest Way and I-5:

  • 11 PM Saturday, July 28 until 7 AM Sunday, July 29.
  • 10:30 PM Sunday, July 29 until 4:30 AM Monday, July 30.

 

Saturday, July 21

Featured image by Bite of Seattle | http://bit.ly/2ml6hI5

Zero Hour Seattle Youth Climate March: 9 AM rally at Garfield Community Center Playfield followed by 10:30 AM march to Judkins Park. About 2k attending.

Refuse to Abuse 5K: Fundraiser to benefit the Washington Coalition Against Domestic Violence. 5K will start on sidewalks outside Safeco Field and finish inside the ball field. 9 to 11 AM.  About 2k attending.

Dog Days of Summer 5K: 5K fun run in Magnuson Park to benefit Emerald City Pet Rescue. 9:30 to 11 AM. About 250 attending.

West Seattle Grand Parade: Annual Seafair sponsored parade on California Ave SW between SW Lander and SW Edmunds streets. 11 AM to 2 PM.  About 2.5k attending.

Bite of Seattle: Annual food festival at Seattle Center. 11 AM to 9 PM. About 40k attending.

Capitol Hill Block Party: Annual, 3-day music festival and block party held each July in the heart of Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood.  The event will close E Pike St between Broadway and 12th avenues, and 10th and 11th avenues between E Union and E Pine streets. 1 to 11:59 PM. About 9k attending.

Seattle Sounders vs. Vancouver Whitecaps: At CenturyLink Field.  1 to 3 PM.  About 40k attending.

Bon Odori Festival: Annual summer festival at Seattle Betsuin Buddhist Temple (1427 S. Main St). 4 to 10 PM. About 2.5k attending.

Seattle Mariners vs. Chicago White Sox: At Safeco Field. 7:10 to 10 PM. About 36k attending.

Construction: Crews will close 4th Ave from University to Union streets for crane work. 11 PM – 5 AM.

Construction: Crews will close Republican St between Fairview and Minor aveenues N for duct bank installation. 9 AM – 7 PM.

 

Sunday, July 22

Featured image by Jameson Florence | http://bit.ly/2Lre1TN

Seafair Triathlon: Seattle’s only triathlon, taking place on the shores of Lake Washington at Seward Park. 6:30 AM to 1 PM. About 1.6k attending.

Bite of Seattle: Annual food festival at Seattle Center. 11 AM to 8 PM. About 40k attending.

St. James Cathedral Parish Picnic: Annual parish picnic will close Terry Ave between Columbia and Marion streets. 11:30 AM to 3 PM.  About 500 attending.

Wekfest: Car show at CenturyLink Field Event Center featuring over 350 pre-screened European, Japanese, and Domestic aftermarket builds. 1 to 6 PM. About 2k attending.

Seattle Mariners vs. Chicago White Sox: At Safeco Field. 1:10 to 4 PM. About 35k attending.

Capitol Hill Block Party: Annual 3-day music festival and block party held each July in the heart of Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood.  The event will close E Pike St between Broadway and 12th avenues, and 10th and 11th avenues between E Union and E Pine streets. 3 to 11 PM. About 9k attending.

Bon Odori Festival: Annual summer festival at Seattle Betsuin Buddhist Temple (1427 S. Main St). 3 to 8 PM. About 1.5k attending.

Chinatown Seafair Parade: Annual community parade hosted by The Greater Seattle Chinese Chamber of Commerce. Route will use S King and S. Weller streets between 8th and 5th avenues S. 7 to 9 PM. About 9k attending.

Admiral Way Ramp Closure: We’re closing the W Seattle Admiral Way ramp for vegetation maintenance. 7 AM to 4 PM. Follow posted detour signs. Buses will use lower Spokane Bridge for W Seattle routes.

Construction: Crews will close 4th Ave from University to Union streets for crane work. 11 PM – 5 AM.

Construction: Crews will close Republican St between Fairview and Minor avenues N for duct bank installation. 9 AM – 7 PM.

Construction: Crews will close Yesler Way between 4th and 6th avenues for crane work. 9 AM – 5 PM.

UPDATED: Nighttime WB I-90 bridge closures planned for this weekend are now canceled. There are still WB I-90 closures planned for next weekend between Island Crest Way and I-5:

  • 11 PM Saturday, July 28 until 7 AM Sunday, July 29.
  • 10:30 PM Sunday, July 29 until 4:30 AM Monday, July 30.

 

Next week preview.

July 24 – 25: Seattle Mariners vs San Francisco Giants at Safeco Field.
July 28: Seafair Torchlight Parade, Seattle Center to SODO via 4th Ave. 7:30 – 11 PM.
July 28 – 29: WB I-90 will be fully closed from Island Crest Way in Mercer Island to I-5 in Seattle. 11 PM – 7 AM.
July 29 – 30: WB I-90 will be fully closed from Island Crest Way in Mercer Island to I-5 in Seattle. 10:30 PM – 4:30 AM.

 

Help us improve.

We’d like to make this information as digestible and helpful as possible. Share your ideas with us on how we can improve communicating important events and construction that may affect your city commute. What’s that you say👂? Let us know!

 

Contact us!

Information subject to change. Additional construction or events may be planned in the Seattle area.

 

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What’s Moving Seattle This Week?

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This week in Seattle.

What do we know? Read it below! Then on Thursday eve check out our Weekender Edition, for updates.

 

Asphalt’s outta’ there! 

East side of Fauntleroy Way SW along Fairmount Park | July 2, 2018

Updated parking restrictions.

FRI 6.29 → FRI 7.6 | 

With several strikes breaking up the asphalt, it’s out! Today crews began prepping Fauntleroy Wy SW near Fairmount for a new concrete sidewalk. Dry weather could bring a concrete home-run by COB July 6.

E side parking lane/bike lane closed July 2, 3, 5, and 6 from 8 AM to 4 PM. UPDATE: Parking allowed–outside of work hours; all day July 4; and Sat/Sun while concrete cures.

 

Colman Dock-S Jackson St.

SUN 7.1 → the year 2023! The drive-on entrance to Colman Dock is now at S Jackson St and Alaskan Wy S–closer to Pioneer Square. The change 6-blocks south is for drivers only, during Colman Dock construction the next 5 years. All vehicles use S Jackson St entrance. No changes to pedestrian and bicycle entrances.

WED 7.4 → Labor Day

Public parking will be available in front of the passenger terminal building, between Madison St and Yesler Way.

No changes to pedestrian and bicycle entrances.

 

6th Ave nocturnal paving.

Image by Google Maps

MON 7.2 → TUES 7.3 | The I-5 NB off-ramp at Seneca St will be closed for paving work on 6th Ave, happening between Marion and Madison streets; between Spring and University streets; and at the Cherry St and the James St intersections. NB I-5 off-ramp at Seneca fully closed 10 PM → 4 AM. Travel lane and parking restrictions 6 PM → 6 AM.

 

#TrueToTheBlue Fireworks Night.

TUES 7.3 | After the Mariners vs. Angels game at Safeco Field Tuesday night, stick around for fireworks! First pitch is at 7:10 PM. Approximately 36,000 people anticipated. Heavy SODO traffic expected! Use alternative transportation.

 

W Seattle 4th of July Kids’ Parade.

WED 7.4 | This Annual Holiday Kids’ Parade starts at 10 AM at the corner of 44th & Sunset Ave SW, proceeding to Hamilton Viewpoint Park.  Decorate your wagons, bikes, scooters, and strollers with the red, white, and blue! Estimated attendance is 1,000.

 

Summer Fourth at Gas Works!

Image by SCCA Seafair | www.seafair.com/events/

WED 7.4 | The Seafair SCCA Summer Fourth is coming! The celebration is at Gas Works Park, noon – 11 PM.  A 20-minute fireworks show over Lake Union begins around 10:20 PM!  Estimated attendance: 40,000. Fremont and U-District area traffic congestion expected!! NOTE: King County Metro is running extra late night bus service!

 

Value baseball and independence!

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

WED 7.4 → THURS 7.5 | The Mariners schedule continues with the L.A. Angels.

  • July 4 – First 20,000 fans @ 1:10 PM game get a stars & stripes cowboy hat! 28,000 people expected.
  • July 5 – Mariners Value Game @ 7:10 PM – select $15 Bleachers/View seats or select $30 Main/Club seats; 20,000 people expected.

Expect SODO traffic congestion!  Plan alternative transportation?

 

2018 flame & 2022 host city.

FRI 7.6 | The 2018 Special Olympics Closing Ceremony, free and open to the public, runs from 7 to 9 PM Friday. At Lake Union Park, the 2018 Special Olympics flame will be officially extinguished; the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games host city announced; and musical performances will celebrate the athletes, bidding farewell to those from other U.S. states. Estimated attendance is 8,000.

 

Girl’s Night Out baseball.

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

FRI 7.6 → SUN 7.8 | On Friday, the Mariners kick off a 3-game series at Safeco Field with the Colorado Rockies:

  • July 6 – 7:10 PM Girls Night Out promo – 24,000 attendees expected!
  • July 7 – 1:10 PM game; Sunglasses Day – 32,000 people expected!!
  • July 8 – 1:10 PM start; post-game bases run for fans! – 35,000 expected!!!

Expect SODO traffic congestion!  Plan alternative transportation.

 

Seafair pirates to storm Alki!

Image by Seafair | www.seafair.com

SAT 7.7 | The Seafair Pirates will storm Alki Beach in West Seattle Saturday, to kick off the 69th annual Seafair.  From  10 AM through 5 PM and estimated 3,000 people will join in the pirates’ landing event!

 

40,000 expected for Chesney.

Image by CenturyLink | www.centurylinkfield.com/event/kenny-chesney

SAT 7.7 | Kenny Chesney comes to CenturyLink Field Saturday, to give a 5 – 11 PM concert. Estimated attendance is 40,000 to CenturyLink–-expect heavy traffic!

 

Styling at the Key.

SAT 7.7 | Harry Styles is performing in concert at KeyArena Saturday, 8 – 11 PM.  To be styling, yourself, consider your transportation options in navigating the X-factor of 10,000 expected attendees. Anticipate traffic congestion in Lower Queen Anne and South Lake Union neighborhoods. Follow us on our dedicated traffic Twitter channel for the latest.

 

Food Fest: 5 blocks & 150 booths.

SAT 7.7 → SUN 7.8 | The Seattle Street Food Festival is coming…from lunchtime until well into the wee snack hours in South Lake Union! An estimated 15,000 people will check out this event Saturday, and another 10,000 on Sunday, from 11 AM through 10 PM. Closed for the event: 9th Ave N between Mercer St and Denny Way–including side streets between 8th Ave N and Westlake Ave N.

 

Construction closures.

SAT 7.7

  • 2nd Ave reduced to one lane, Pine St to Pike St, 5 AM – 5 PM.
  • 1ST Ave closed from Cherry St. to Yesler Way, 5 AM – 1 PM.

 

SAT 7.7 → SUN 7.8

  • Republican St closed, Fairview to Minor avenues N, 9 AM – 7 PM.
  • 6th Ave closed from Stewart St to Virginia St, 7 AM – 5 PM.

 

Sneak peek at next week.

July 13 → 15 | Ballard Seafood Festival expected to draw large crowds that Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

July 13 → 15 | West Seattle Summer Fest – California Ave SW between Edmunds and Genesee.

July 13 → 16 | WSDOT Full NB I-5 closure at W Seattle Bridge off-ramp to Seneca St, starting at 8 PM Friday.

July 14 → 15 | Dragon Fest 2018 @ S King St/Hing Hay Park.

July 15 | SB I-5 traffic reduced to two lanes between Northeast 45th St and SR 520, from 2 AM through 12 PM. This Ship Canal Deck work is weather dependent.

July 15 | NE 45th St on-ramp to NB I-5 closed from 2 AM to 12 PM. This Ship Canal Deck work is weather dependent. Visit WSDOT King County weekly update page for more information.

Information subject to change. Additional construction or events may be planned in the Seattle area.

 

Contact us.

Email us or call 206-684-ROAD. For more construction information, check out our construction look-ahead and traveler’s map.

Have a great week!

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What’s Moving Seattle | Weekender

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‘What’s Moving’ is a 2-parter!

Our What’s Moving Seattle traffic/events advisory blog has moved to Mondays….but wait, there’s more: part 2 on Thursdays. What?!?  On Thursdays, On the Move will have this update to what we knew Monday, plus new stuff we didn’t know we didn’t know, but now we do! Who knew?!?

 

No more halfsies!

Image by Google Maps

FRI 6.29 → FRI 7.6

For the next week, starting tomorrow at 7 AM, crews pull up temporary asphalt sidewalk along Fauntleroy Way SW at Fairmount Park and install longer-lasting concrete. It’s phase 2 of a 2016 project that replaced damaged sidewalk with concrete on one end, and lower cost asphalt on the other due to budget constraints and the need to complete other safety projects.

Parking lane and bike lane on the east side of Fauntleroy Way SW closed.

West side sidewalk and vehicle travel lanes remain open.

 

Coleman Dock entrance moving!

SUN 7.1 → the year 2023!

Late Saturday night, June 30, the drive-on entrance to Colman Dock will move from Madison Street and Alaskan Way, to South Jackson Street and Alaskan Way South–closer to Pioneer Square. The change 6-blocks south is for drivers only, during Coleman Dock construction this summer.

All vehicles use S Jackson St entrance.

No changes to pedestrian and bicycle entrances.

 

Overnight I-5 off-ramp closure.

MON 7.2 → TUES 7.3

The I-5 NB off-ramp at Seneca St will be closed for paving work on 6th Ave, happening between Marion and Madison streets; between Spring and University streets; and at the Cherry St and the James St intersections.

NB I-5 off-ramp at Seneca fully closed 11 PM → 4 AM.

Travel lane and parking restrictions 6 PM → 6 AM.

 

Columbia 2-way done Mid-July. 

Columbia St & 3rd Ave west side before project | Image by Google

→ MON 7.16

The west side of the 3rd Ave/Columbia intersection has newly completed curb ramps (compare to above photo for before/after experience). It’s part of the Columbia 2-way project that’s converting Columbia St between 1st Ave and 3rd Ave into a 2-way street. Due to complex signal work, the project has a new anticipated completion date of July 16, 2018. 

S side of Columbia St: one WB travel lane and parking lane are closed.

 

Construction Deets?

For more information on travel impacts, check out our construction look-ahead and traveler’s map. Or…

 

Contact us!

Email us at construction.coordination@seattle.gov or call 206-684-ROAD.

Information subject to change. Additional construction or events may be planned in the Seattle area.

 

Have a great weekend!

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The Steel-toed Warriors and their concrete dedication.

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SW corner of 48th SW and SW Andover St | June 7, 2018

Evidence of concrete dedication.

🗣📢 WE LOVE OUR MAINTENANCE OPERATIONS CONCRETE TEAM! They are on the front lines every day, making our city better for everyone. Our four 11-person crews maintain our citywide infrastructure and their accessibility work is evident across Seattle. In the last couple of weeks, three of our crews were stationed in West Seattle knocking out Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant curb ramps, after multiple West Seattle work orders came through the design process. 

If you don’t know already – ADA curb ramps are a top priority for us. In fact, our goal is to install 300+ ramps every year (we’ve installed nearly 180 this year)! New public and private development projects will build out a significant number; but more than 5,000 will come directly from our hard-working, steel-toed-boots-wearing, SDOT concrete crews! 

 

We’ve got solid teamwork.

South crew helping in West Seattle, at Harbor Ave SW | June 7, 2018

Every ADA curb ramp must be designed to wed an existing site’s idiosyncrasies with required access parameters. When designs are complete, concrete crews can take action–the south, northeast, and southwest concrete crews joining forces since early June for ADA improvements at:

 

  • SW Andover at 47th, 48th, and 49th avenues SW;
  • SW Stevens St at 46th and 47th avenues SW; 
  • Harbor Ave SW and Fairmount Ave SW, along the Alki Trail.

 

We have such a diverse team. The wide range of backgrounds strengthens what we bring, especially since we all take pride in good work and making a positive difference. – Ken Ewalt, Maintenance Operations Concrete Manager

Northeast crew in West Seattle, with Ken Ewalt (yellow vest) | June 7, 2018

Ken came to the job last fall, after several years in Access Seattle construction coordination. He started with the City 20 years ago as an equipment operator and says he wants to help others build their careers and feel appreciated – because people do their best work when they’re happy!

 

Crafted consideration.

Many Seattle sidewalks were built before the 1950s, meaning labor-intensive sidewalk removal is often required to meet current ADA standards. Our team coordinates with property owners to limit construction impacts.

 

At this SW Stevens St location, our concrete crew took careful steps to save decorative pavers, after asking the homeowner’s preferences. The team switched from heavy machinery to shovels and hands, to remove and stack the decorative bricks intact. The homeowner plans to reinstall them once the new curb ramp and sidewalk cures.

 

 

SW 49th Ave

In another location along SW 49th Ave, concrete crews preserved landscaping by building a curb to shore up planting beds. Here, the new sidewalk had to be lower than the previous one, to meet ADA slope requirements. But as the photo shows, concrete crews successfully implemented a foliage-saving design. Now all that’s needed is rain to help grass seed grow up around the newly exposed sign pole base.

 

 

Just a ramp you say?

SW Stevens St and 46th Ave SW | June 14, 2018

Curb ramp design and construction is not as simple as it might seem. It requires careful attention to lots of variables. ADA curb ramp building requires:

 

✔ Demolition.

(After crews mark the locations of underground utilities.)

 

✔ Recreating whole sections of the sidewalk.

(After the site is excavated and cleared of debris.) 

 

✔ Accurate measuring to install frames.

(To hold liquid concrete’s shape while it cures.)

 

✔ Pouring liquid concrete.

(Referred to as ‘mud’ by those in the know, that can expire, and the special truck’s spinning barrel thingy (aka drum) can’t stop it.)

 

✔ Precise timing.

(if the mix of cement powder, sand, gravel, water, and chemical agents is in the drum too long, says Crew Chief Mike Morasch, it can warm up and start the temperature-sensitive chemical reaction too soon, harming the usability of the material. Concrete also won’t harden correctly if the ground is wet, so teams must be ready to attach tarps and shift to non-weather dependent tasks when mother nature drops rain.)

 

✔ Grooming the mud.

(Referred to as ‘finishing work,’ this happens during and after the pour to ensure a smooth final surface.)

 

 

 

Enhancing equipment.

This mixing truck now has the capacity to carry 11 yards of ‘mud’.

Our concrete crews bring a ton of experience, including ideas to save taxpayer dollars and improve safety. Get ready for some nerdy operations talk:😆

Before joining our team, Mike Morasch worked for years on the design and building of concrete mixing trucks. When he saw a truck unable to hold its drum capacity, he proposed a solution. Though the truck had an 11-yard mixing drum, it only had 2 axles, limiting it to an 8-yard load. Mike suggested adding two drop axles (lifting the truck to displace weight evenly) and bringing the number of brake shoes to 12. For big jobs, that extra capacity is useful, and the extra braking power is safer for everyone.

 

So, what makes a great curb-ramp-building-team?

Our AMAZING team who rock it every day to transform our City block-by-block. When you see them, don’t be shy – give them a shout (the good kind) or a 👊!

 

Contact us!

Have questions or want more information? Visit our online resource. You can also contact our ADA Coordinator, Michael Shaw, by email at michael.shaw@seattle.gov or by calling 206.615.1974.

 

Resources

Make an ADA request.

Seattle Accessible Route Planner – an online map and planning tool to aid pedestrians in navigating the city’s pedestrian right-of-way.

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What’s Moving Seattle This Week?

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You might want to paint the town red, as they say, with so much inspiring activity going on. From way-high bridge painting to four back-to-back Mariners vs. Red Sox games, we’ve got you covered (not in paint, that would be sticky). But stick with us to learn about…

 

The Irresponsible Tour

Image by kevinhartnation.com

THU 6.14

I promise we’re not judging here, though Kevin Hart does look beside himself (with worry? 5 shades of Hart?), on his tour poster. The Kevin Hart Irresponsible Tour comes to Seattle tonight, June 14, at KeyArena. The 7-10 PM show is expected to draw about 12,000 attendees, likely making for very limited parking availability in the immediate area.

 

Painting High

Image by WSDOT | aerial photo of Aurora Bridge

THU 6.14 & SUN 6.17 → FRI 6.22

To paint a bridge 167 feet above ground/water, one needs to be OK with heights. Here’s to the crew painting the SR99 Aurora Bridge (George Washington Memorial Bridge) and doing it overnight (9 PM-5 AM) to minimize impacts of closing 2 SB SR99 lanes nightly, between Raye St and Fremont Way N.  While building a bit of a bridge under the bridge, to support crews sand blasting and painting George Washington’s underside (no soft underbelly here), the team even relocated some red-tailed hawks (true story).

 

FRI 6.15

Crane Update: The tower crane at 1215 E Union St is scheduled to be removed by Friday, June 15. This private project to construct a new Seattle Academy of Arts & Sciences building should be complete next month.

 

4 Days. Same Socks.

Image by www.mlb.com/mariners

THU 6.14 → SUN 6.17

Four days straight with the same socks could get stale, unless you leave ’em washed up each day. Either way, the Seattle Mariners play the Boston Red Sox at Safeco Field four days in a row, tonight through Sunday. A Mariners clean sweep might be a great Seattle Father’s Day gift…on the heels of our Mariners rising above the Angels in 3 back-to-back games. But if you’re heading to Safeco Field, know that pretty epic crowds are expected:

  • 25,000 @ June 14 game, 7:10-10 PM
  • 35,000 @ June 15 game, 7:10-10 PM
  • 35,000 @ June 16 game, 5:15-9 PM
  • 40,000 @ June 17 game, 1:10-4 PM

Enjoy, just plan for traffic delays and limited parking (mass transit, anyone?!).

 

SAT 6.16 → SUN 6.17

SDOT work: Crews are continuing to pave 6th Ave, working from 8 PM June 16 through 6 AM June 17 (Father’s Day!). To do the work, 6th Ave must be closed during those overnight hours, between University and Stewart Streets. Take 4th Ave to help avoid delays.

 

Criterium Delirium

Image by Taco Time NW Cycling Team

SAT 6.16

Have you ever had a day where you were racing around in circles, over and over again? Do you want one? You can make it official by joining the Taco Time Volunteer Park Criterium (or Crit, as the cool kids say). The course, or Crit Lap (OK, I feel cool saying that), is just over one kilometer. If you’ve got true crit grit, maybe you’ll take home some of the $5,300 in prizes given to the top 5 in each of many races around the park. The Criterium  starts at 10 AM and wraps at 6:30 PM (no tortilla required), with an estimated attendance of 800.

 

Juncture of Community & Fun

Image by Morgan Community Association

SAT 6.16

This Saturday, June 16, is the long-awaited and much beloved Annual Morgan Junction Festival, where else but at West Seattle’s Morgan Junction Park. Between 10 AM and 4 PM enjoy live music; watch a mural painting; join the Bark of Morgan;  get effervescent with Bubbleman; and otherwise join the estimated 700 attendees in this celebration of community!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fremont Solstice & Fair

Image by Fremont Fair

SAT 6.16 → 6.17

This weekend Fremont centers on fun, with its annual Fremont Fair and Fremont Solstice celebrations!

The Fremont Solstice Parade is Saturday at 1 PM, from NW 39th St. and Leary Way NW to Gas Works Park. Approximately 20,000 people are expected to participate! Then, at Gas Works Park, the solstice celebration continues until 10:15 PM, with an estimated 2,000 in attendance.

The 2-Day Fremont Fair is expected to draw about 30,000 people–each day: 10 AM to 8 PM Saturday; and 11 AM to 6 PM Sunday. With so many people drawn to the center of the universe, traffic might create a new planet. To prepare, try these travel suggestions.

 

MON 6.18

SPU work: Seattle Public Utilities begins work Monday, June 18, to install a new public sewer mainline in SODO. Project construction is scheduled through August 20, with all overnight shifts. Roadways closed 7:30 PM-5 AM include: S Horton St, between 1st and 3rd Avenues S; and Occidental Ave S, from S Hanford St to just south of S Horton St.

 

For more information on upcoming construction, visit our Construction Look Ahead page. For an online map of these events, go to www.seattle.gov/travelers.

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What’s moving Seattle this week?

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There’s LOTS happening in Seattle this week! So we’ll jump right in. Seattle keeps rock ‘n rolling…

…retro style!

Image by Key Arena | http://bit.ly/2HwTHOa

WED 6.6 – THU 6.7

On the heels of a June 5 Steely Dan & The Doobie Brothers concert at KeyArena, comes Sweet Baby James –aka James Taylor and His All-Star Band- tonight at KeyArena from 7:30 to 11 PM. Starting in the 1970s, James Taylor still draws crowds–an estimated 10,000 people this evening, converging on lower Queen Anne. If you don’t have a ticket, you might want to avoid the area.

 

WSDOT work: Several I-5 lanes and ramps are getting repair work done, closing tonight and Thursday overnight from 9 PM through 5 AM –making room for the weekday morning commute. Scroll down for full details.

Also June 6 – 7, 6th Avenue is closed between Stewart St and Seneca St, 7:15 PM – 6 AM.

 

Global Running & Expo Rocking

Image by www.runrocknroll.com/seattle

WED 6.6 – SAT 6.9

Today is Global Running Day (take advantage of the Global Running Day Sale!), kicking off into the St. Jude Rock ‘N Roll Marathon Expo June 8 and 9. The Expo is a 2-day health and fitness event at CenturyLink Field Event Center prior to the race. Organizers expect about 12,000 people Friday, from noon to 7 PM, and 8,000 from 9 AM to 5 PM on Saturday, June 9.

 

Lard Butt

Image by promotionevents.com/lbsea/

SAT 6.9

Not a runner? More of a bacon and butter eater? No worries! There is a 1k this Saturday specifically designed for the less rigorously trained among us, called the Lard Butt 1K. Run and walk on trails in Magnuson Park from 9:30-11 AM (or until you cross the finish line). You’re likely to be joined by approximately 1,600 participants.

 

Scratch that itch to shop!

Image by sodoflea.com/

SAT 6.9

If you’re looking for great deals and unique items, hop on down to the SODO FleaMarket, the monthly flea market along Utah Ave S, between S Stacy St and S Holgate St. Flea Market hours are 10 AM to 4 PM. For drivers, note Utah Ave S will be closed for the event, from 6 AM for set-up, through 6 PM for breakdown.  Estimated attendance is 1,000.

 

 

Image by Georgetown Merchants Association | www.georgetowncarnival.com

Public Revelry

SAT 6.9

If fleas don’t grab ya’, check out the music, events, and vendors at the Georgetown Carnival Saturday, June 9. Estimated attendance is 5,000, enjoying the entertainment and art on Airport Way S, between 13th Ave S and Corson Ave S. Event hours are noon to 10 PM. The revelry requires the temporary closure of Airport Ave S to through-traffic from 6 AM until 11:30 PM.

 

 

Image by Seattle Pride | www.seattlepride.org/events

Pride Festival

SAT 6.9

Show your colors for Saturday’s Volunteer Park Pride Festival–Seattle Pride’s celebration of queer arts, music, performance, and culture held in Volunteer Park. Festival hours are 12–7 PM.  Estimated attendance is 5,000.

 

Graduating Huskies

Image by University of Washington | www.washington.edu/graduation/

SAT 6.9

Over 5,500 University of Washington 2018 graduates will take the field at Husky Stadium Saturday, in the 143rd UW Annual Commencement Exercises. Stadium doors open at 12:30 PM; Procession begins at 1:30 PM; Ceremony concludes at 4:30 PM. Plan ahead for the congestion, with an estimated attendance of 40,000.

 

Sounding Home

Image by Seattle Sounders FC | www.soundersfc.com/matchday

SAT 6.9

Our own Seattle Sounders play at home this Saturday, against the D.C. United, at CenturyLink Field. Kickoff is at 7  PM, with heavy traffic expected in the area just before that time as approximately 35,000 fans visit CenturyLink for MatchDay!

 

WSDOT work: SB and NB closures are planned on SR99 between S Lander St and Holgate St, June 9; and 6th Ave is closed between University St and Spring St, as well as between Madison St and Marion St for paving work, 7 PM – 6 AM.

 

Marathon or Mara?

Image by www.runrocknroll.com/seattle

SUN 6.10

St. Jude Rock ‘n Roll Marathon & Half Marathon: The 10th annual marathon and half marathon starts and finishes at the Seattle Center. An all-new course will begin in Queen Anne.  Both courses go around Lake Union, with almost 6 miles of beautiful waterfront views. Heading South, both courses continue through Eastlake, with the half then finishing back at Seattle Center.

Image by Google Maps | www.runrocknroll.com/seattle/the-races/course/

Full marathoners will continue south on the SR99 Viaduct, then north for an out-and-back across the Aurora Bridge and through Woodland Park.  That course then heads back to Seattle Center for the finish.

Races begin at 6:30 AM; all roadways will be reopened by 2:45 PM.  Estimated attendance is 20,000 – so you may want to run the other way unless you’re a registered participant!

 

WSDOT work: Paving continues along 6th Ave, wrapping up work between University St and Spring St and between Madison St and Marion St from 7  PM to 6 AM, as well as paving between Seneca St and Pine St from 8 PM through 6 AM, June 11.  

 

Construction

WED 6.6 – MON 6.11

Construction closure/repairs details:

  • NB I-5, Cherry to Lakeview – 3 right lanes closed, 9 PM – 5 AM.
  • Olive on-ramp to NB I-5 – closed, 9 PM – 5 AM.
  • NB I-5 exit to Olive – closed, 9 PM – 5 PM.
  • NB I-5 exit to Lakeview – closed, 9 PM – 5 AM.
  • NB I-5 from Cherry to Lakeview will be reduced to two lanes from 9 PM overnight until 5 AM, June 6 & 7 and June 7 & 8. People using northbound I-5 should plan for major delays during these overnight lane reductions.


For more information on upcoming construction, visit our Construction Look Ahead page. For an online map of these events, go to www.seattle.gov/travelers.




 


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A Near-Term Action Plan for city & regional commuters.
 

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The One Center City Near-Term Action Plan identifies key projects and programs that will help keep people and the economy moving even as major construction projects and growth-related congestion reduce street capacity over the next 3-5 years.


Without action, these pressures will slow all vehicles moving to and through the Center City, resulting in longer travel times for bus riders, drivers and delivery vehicles, plus crowded bus stops and sidewalks.


 


Working together.


Working together, the City of Seattle, King County Metro, Sound Transit, and the Downtown Seattle Association (DSA), have dedicated $30 million to fund near-term improvements that will ease pressure on downtown streets and contribute to great downtown places for people. To learn more about the near-term projects visit onecentercity.org.


This program of partnership investments is critical to people throughout our region. An enormous volume of transit riders come to the center of Seattle from all parts of King, Snohomish, Pierce, and Kitsap counties every day – and much of the transit travel experience relies upon Seattle’s downtown grid working reliably for transit and other people-carrying modes.


 


Making progress.


Improved signal at 4th Ave & Cherry St.


Implementation of two key projects have already begun for 2nd and 4th Ave signal and transit improvements. Changes to traffic signals may not be obvious and may seem small, but they provide significant benefits to mobility, transit speed and reliability, and safety. Signal changes on 4th Ave are nearly complete!


These signal changes, when paired with similar signal improvements on 2nd Ave that will be complete by mid-2018, and other planned transit improvements on 4th Ave allow buses to move more quickly and improve safety by reducing conflicts between pedestrians, turning vehicles, and buses.


 


Keep downtown moving.


The Near-Term Action Plan projects are just a part of what we’ll do in on-going collaboration with our agency partners to ease pressure on downtown streets. With a key focus on reducing the number of drive-alone vehicles in downtown during the most congested times, we’ll:


    

  • Invest in transit.
    • 

  • Launch tools to incentivize telecommuting.
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  • Partner with navigation applications to provide insights on best times to leave downtown.
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  • Support innovative options for first and last mile transit trips such as bike share, micro transit, and carpooling apps.
    • 



 


Want more info?





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SDOT paving and safety improvements on 35th Ave NE for all who travel on this vital corridor
 

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While Seattle is considered one of the safest cities in the country, we can always do better, especially as SDOT moves forward on much-needed pavement projects.


 


35th Ave NE is an arterial serving Northeast Seattle and approximately 12,500 drivers on an average day, connecting the Ravenna-Bryant and Wedgwood neighborhoods. It’s also a transit route with service connecting northeast Seattle to the U District, Link light rail, and downtown Seattle, and designated for a protected bike lane in the Seattle Bicycle Master Plan.


 


Traffic data shows the need for safety improvements along the corridor. Vehicle speeds of 31 MPH (85th percentile for speed), and 113 collisions occurred in 5 years.


 


Similar safety improvements on NE 75th St, implemented in 2013, show a 45-percent reduction in crashes and zero collisions involving pedestrians. In addition, the number of drivers exceeding the speed limit by 10-MPH or more declined by 80 percent.


 


With this need for safety improvements, since the summer of 2016, we has shared street design concepts with the community. Through community feedback, we heard that people would like to take transit, walk, and bike and there was strong support to improve safety. By early summer 2018, 35th Ave NE will get a makeover between NE 89th St and NE 47th St that includes pedestrian, bike, and transit improvements, which will greatly enhance safety and balance multiple uses in the current limited roadway.


 


We’re moving forward on these safety improvements and maintenance upgrades to keep all drivers, transit riders, bicyclists, and pedestrians safe:


 


Repaved roadway: 


This will extend the life of the pavement, making the roadway safer and smoother for travel


 


Designated space for biking: 


A protected bike lane will help make biking a better option for people of all ages and abilities in northeast Seattle and contribute to establishing a citywide bike network. Bike lanes enhance the street for everyone, not just people who choose to ride bikes, by providing a safe and predictable space for biking.


 


Improved intersections:


We’re adding left-turn pockets for northbound and southbound traffic on 35th Ave NE at NE 75th St and NE 85th St.


 


More predictable parking and more options for library parking:


While parking will be consolidated to the east side of the street, peak-hour restrictions (between 4 – 6 PM) will be removed to make parking more predictable for residents and visitors. Two-hour parking limits will be added to the south side of NE 68thSt to create more options for library parking.


 


Improved speed and reliability for people riding transit:


We’re working with King County Metro to consolidate stops to improve speed and reliability, particularly on Route 65.


 


Upgraded crosswalks and sidewalks:


We’re adding a rapid flash beacon at the existing NE 80th crosswalk and upgrading the crosswalk beacons at NE 68th St. In select locations, we’re upgrading curb ramps to meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards and repairing sidewalks.


 


We’re confident these improvements along 35th Ave NE will greatly increase the safety of all who travel the corridor while delivering essential services that all Seattle residents and taxpayers deserve.


 


Check out our Current Paving Projects for more information about these and other current paving projects.


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Street Use Permitting Fee & Rate Changes | Starting April 1!
 

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The Molly Moon’s Parklet in Wallingford has become a popular hangout spot for ice cream eaters and their families and friends.


Bust out those sunglasses!😎 It’s the first day of spring!


The hope of bright sunshine for more than a day and longer days to hang and work outside for all the activities happening around Seattle is upon us! Much like flowers blooming, so is our city. Starting April 1, 2018, fees for Street Use permits are changing to better reflect the size and complexity of projects, and to help cover the actual costs of meeting the high service demands.


 


Why are fees changing?


Nobody likes to hear that fees are changing but to meet the demands of our growing city (density, development, infrastructure investments, etc.), we have to grow the City’s permitting program to protect the City’s assets, ensure safety, and make sure you can get around during construction.


The updated fee structure will allow us to cover costs not adequately covered by the previous rate and fee structure, thereby providing opportunities to advance policy, process, and system improvements that have previously been deferred. It will also allow us to operate with the staffing levels necessary to issue, review, and inspect permits.


 


What you can expect.






We’re kidding, we’re kidding!! 😆


We like to poke fun at ourselves sometimes,…but in all seriousness –  fee changes will be implemented based on the permit issuance date, not the permit application date. Make sure you’re fully prepared before applying for your permit. All permits will be subject to these fee changes effective April 1, regardless of when application materials were submitted. Please be aware of typical permit review and processing times.


In a nutshell:


    

  • Smaller, simpler projects will see smaller increases in issuance, renewal, review, and inspection fees based on cost-of-living adjustments.
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  • Larger fee increases, typically for more complex projects, reflect cost-recovery adjustments.
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  • Large private-development projects will see the greatest increase in fees, with the next largest increases being seen by high-impact private utility projects.
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Permit issuance & renewal fee changes:




Construction permit changes:




Permit issuance and renewal fee changes for construction permits will be:


    

  • Right-of-Way Management (ROWM) Simple: $146 ➡ $150.
    • 

  • ROWM Complex: $305 ➡ $313.
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  • Street Improvement Permits/Utility Major Permits: $146 ➡ $4700.
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  • Permit modification and extension: $155 ➡ $159.
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 Public space permit changes:




    

  • For short-term public space permits that aren’t renewed, the permit issuance fee is increasing from $146 ➡ $175. These are generally issued for less than one year in duration and include special activities and event pole banners. Permits for play streets and block parties will remain free of fees!
    • 

  • Long-term public space permits are scheduled to renew yearly and are subject to an annual renewal fee. Fences, retaining walls, sidewalk cafés, and signs are examples. For these long-term public space permits, the issuance fee is increasing from $146 ➡ $224, while the annual renewal fee is increasing from $140 ➡ $170. Annual occupation fees will also increase based on a cost-of-living adjustment for many uses.
    • 



The Molly Moon’s Parklet in Wallingford.


Costs will be decreasing for permits for public amenities, such as street furniture and artwork. While the issuance fee for public amenities is increasing from $146 ➡ $224 for the first year of issuance, permit holders will be allowed to renew their permits for free every year thereafter, assuming the renewal is approved! Permittees are still responsible for ongoing maintenance and uses may be subject to inspections, illed at the current hourly rate (particularly if complaints related to the use).


 


Lastly, the general rate for permit review and site inspections is increasing from $209/hour ➡ $260/hour.


 




Contact us! 


If you have questions concerning these changes, please contact SDOTPermits@seattle.gov or call (206) 684-5253; or, for public space permits specifically, contact publicspace@seattle.gov or call (206) 684-5267.


Thank you for being part of keeping a vibrant Seattle!


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Sidewalk & Traffic-lane Closures
 

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Mercer Construction


Yup, there’s a lot of construction downtown.


– like a LOT, a lot – and we know it can be a challenge to get around whether you’re driving, biking or walking. That’s why we have rules – SDOT Director’s Rules, to be exact. These rules help us make sure that safety and mobility are at the top of the list when it comes to construction that might affect you getting around town.


One rule specifically has to do with people walking near construction zones. Its long, official name is the SDOT Director’s Rule (DR) 10-2015 for Pedestrian Mobility in and around Work Zones but really, it’s our way of making sure that people walking near busy construction zones stay safe and always have a path to get through or around the work area.


SDOT Director’s Rule


We use this Director’s Rule to coordinate with builders to try and avoid sidewalk/path closures when we can, but sometimes a closure is best for safety, or it can help make a project go faster. We start thinking about how closures may affect travelers around a project loooong before orange construction signs go up. For example, we started coordinating with contractors on the massive Rainier Square Project at 5th and Union downtown nearly two years ago. Some of things we had to consider:


 


What developers wanted to do:


    

  • Close the sidewalk on 4th Ave during the holiday season.
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  • Close the bus lane 24/7 on 4th Ave for 1.5 years.
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  • Close traffic lane 24/7 on 5th Ave for 1.5 years.
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What both sides decided on:


    

  • Sidewalk closed only between 7 AM to 6 PM, Mon – Fri, for only a week during the holiday season.
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  • Bus lane closure reduced from 1.5 years to 4 weeks.
    • 

  • Traffic lane closed between 9 AM and 3 PM.
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Thanks to coordination, pre-planning, and developer creativity, we were able to agree on a project plan.


Sure, both sides made compromises, but in the end, we all met our goals of safety, keeping people moving, and project efficiency. (Director’s) Rules do work!


Today, the Rainier Square Project is completing the demolition and starting to dig a big hole in the ground with signs letting people know how to get around it. But in the near future, it’ll be shiny and new, and look like this:


Rainier Square, Seattle


If you’re a transportation nerd and would like to know more about upcoming projects that might affect you getting around, check out SDOT’s new Project and Construction Coordination Map or visit our Project and Construction Coordination Office and Construction Use in the Right of Way pages.


 


Safe and happy traveling!


 


 


 


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