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It’s not over yet – more freezing temperature on the way! Please clear storm drains.

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Hey everybody, meet Daryl. He shoveled his walkway and sidewalks for his family and his neighbors and then went on to shovel his other neighbor’s sidewalk.

We can’t say it enough.

Did you think we were going to say please shovel your walkways and sidewalks? Well, you’re wwrrrooong….right!😙 Well, first we wanted to give Seattle a giant-sized snowball-snowcone worth of a humungous thank you for helping the snow response effort by shoveling and clearing the snow and ice off your walkways and sidewalks (and storm drains). But there were some of you who literally kept on shoveling to help a neighbor. You all are just wonderful people, Seattle!

 

– A little “quote” from Forrest Gump (If he lived in Seattle during the great February 2019 snowstorm.)

 

I just kept on shoveling.

That day, for no particular reason, I decided to go for a little run sidewalk snow shoveling. So I ran shoveled to the end of the road. And when I got there, I thought maybe I’d run shovel to the end of town. And when I got there, I thought maybe I’d just run shovel across Greenbow King County. And I figured, since I run shoveled this far, maybe I’d just run shovel across the great state of Alabama Washington. And that’s what I did. I ran shoveled clear across Alabama Washington. For no particular reason I just kept on going. 

 

 

 

People helping people.

As Vince Vaughn once said, “Everyone wants to be a part of a miracle – people helping people. It’s powerful stuff.” We heard of neighbors walking dogs or feeding pets for those who couldn’t get outside. We heard of neighbors shoveling their neighbors’ sidewalks. And we heard of neighbors working together to exchange equipment from snow shovels to sleds.  

Your hard work is making it safe for your neighbors to get around in the snow.

 

It’s not over yet – more winter weather is on the way.  

While temperatures have risen and the snow has started to melt (hooray!), there’s more winter weather on its way, which means more work is ahead of us.

The National Weather Service has issued a flood warning through this evening, as excessive runoff from the combined rain and melting snow will cause some flooding of small creeks, streams, urban areas, streets, and underpasses as well as other drainage areas and low lying spots.

 

Temperatures may drop below freezing tonight. This could create icy conditions for Thursday morning’s commute, which is going to make all travel extremely challenging and hazardous. 

 

Check out the National Weather Service’s full prediction.  

 

We need your help.  

The great meltdown of 2019 has started! All that snow is turning into a lot of liquid on our streets and sidewalks. The water that collects on our streets flow into storm drains like the one above to help keep neighborhoods from flooding. We’re doing our best to clear storm drains but we need your help to locate and clear your neighborhood storm drains so they’re unblocked so that water can get its flow on and be freed into the drains and prevent ice from forming on the roadway. 

Seattle Public Utilities’ drainage crews work hard to maintain all of the City’s drainage infrastructure, including storm drains on streets. But with tens of thousands of drains spread all across the City, we need your help too.  

 

Please help prevent urban flooding by clearing nearby storm drains. Your help is critical. 

 

This is how you do it.

If you can safely do so, use a shovel, rake, or broom to move snow, slush, and other debris off of the top of the storm drain. Keep any accumulation about one foot away from the curb, as this helps prevent ponds or puddles of water from forming and allows water to flow into the drain.  

Read more information on tips to reduce flooding, including more info on the City of Seattle’s drainage system, on Seattle Public Utilities’ webpage here! 

 

Besides keeping our storm drains clear, here’re a few other reasons why shoveling is important.  

 

  • Safety! Shoveling prevents ice and keeps people from falling. 
  • Accessibility for people with disabilities. People who need wheelchairs and mobility devices to get around may have a much harder time traveling across slippery sidewalks and using ramps. Let’s make sure everyone can get where they need to go. 
  • It’s the law. Sidewalks and driveways are the responsibility of the adjacent property owner to maintain and clear.  

 

It’s time to get creative.  

Use what you’ve got.

Don’t have a snow shovel? Lots of household items can substitute! One super smart SDOTTER used a baking pan to shovel the sidewalks in front of his house.

 

Put the kids to work.

Have kids? Get the kids outside while there’s no school and have them help play!  Weee!! Shoveling is so much fun!

 

Spread the word.

Have a neighborhood Facebook group, NextDoor community, or email listserv? That’s the perfect place to spread the word about the need to shovel, exchange equipment, or best yet…organize a snow shoveling block party! You can also organize a neighborhood outing to shovel walkways, check on vulnerable neighbors, and make sure pets are safe and warm. 

 

Getting through all this snow and ice takes a village city.

This means we all need to help each other. Lend a hand to your neighbors and to our crews and take the time to clear your sidewalks and storm drain.  Thanks for all your help, Seattle!

We’re all in this together.

 

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Say what, now? Learn how to talk #WinterWeatherResponse nerd speak.

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Hi, I’m a skid steer.

 

Sometimes we talk nerd.

From time to time, we SDOTTERS have been known to speak in some really ridiculous technical nerd transportation speak that resembles what most would think might be an alien language👽 but really – English. During our #WinterWeatherResponse, our operations team go full throttle with strange words that may or may not mean anything to some who just wants to know what the heck is up with your wonderfully plowed PBLs (protected bike lanes)!😁

 

Psst, we’ve plowed our city’s fabulous bike lanes! See where we’ve been here.

 

We don’t mean to, Seattle! So to #justdobetter (haha!) and in an effort to speak more clearly, and also help you up your snow response lingo game, we’ve curated an assortment of familiar and not-so-familiar words to de-code SDOT operations update.  

 

We know you’re secretly a nerd at heart. So – here – you – go.

 

Salts 101:

Anti-icing

Anti-icing is an application of enhanced (we’re so fancy) salt brine (Magnesium Chloride, defined below) to specified city streets when a winter weather event is forecasted. Anti-icing is the pre-treatment snow crews use to prevent ice from bonding to the pavement and allows for easier removal.

 

Brine

Brine is a mix of rock salt and Magnesium Chloride, dissolved in water and sprayed on the road as anti-icing or pre-wetting measures.

 

De-icing

De-icing is an application of salt on top of snow and/or ice after it has accumulated. De-icing accelerates the melting of snow and ice that has already accumulated on city streets.  

 

Magnesium Chloride

Magnesium Chloride is the newest de-icing salt. It continues to melt snow and ice until the temperature reaches -13 F. The salt releases 40 percent less chloride into the environment that either rock salt or Calcium Chloride.  

 

Snow Routes 101: 

Gold Routes

We established service level goals within our 2018-2019 Snow and Ice Plan. Gold Routes provide regional connections. Our main goal with Gold Routes is to achieve wet and bare pavement for all travel lanes within 12 hours of a significant lull in the storm.  

 

Fun fact: Approximately 476 lane miles of Gold Level streets are located within the city.  

 

Emerald Routes

Emerald routes provide citywide connections. Our Emerald Route goal is to plow and maintain snow and ice-free pavement for one lane in each direction within 12 hours of a significant lull in the storm.  

 

Fun fact:  Approximately 650 lane miles of Emerald Level streets are located within the city.

 

Check out the winter weather response map to see all the Emerald and Gold routes and get the inside scoop on Seattle’s snow and ice street network.

 

Snow Equipment 101: 

Hi, I’m a grader.

Grader

A grader is a vehicle that plows, like the one pictured above.

 

Skid Steer

A skid steer is a smaller plowing vehicle for tight areas like protected bike lanes (PBLs). Big shout out to our partners at the Seattle Department of Parks and Recreations who are helping our amazing transportation crews clear PBLs! 

 

Plows

A plow is a general term for all plowing vehicle equipment.  

 

Snowblower

A snow blower is a machine that clears fallen snow by blowing it to the side. 

 

Hand Crews

Hand crews are people who shovel snow by hand (thank you hand crews!)  

 

Boom – there you have it! We dub thee a transportation nerd!

 

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SNOW & ICE IN SEATTLE — It takes a city!

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Yep! We’re in for more snow.

Snow in Seattle – it doesn’t happen often, but when it does (“Yaaay – snow days!” said all the kids in Seattle), it can impact our transportation system and the way we all get around. In Seattle, some winters bring heavy snowfall and other years see no snow accumulation at all.

 

What’s up with our weather?

A weather phenomenon called the Puget Sound Convergence Zone causes some parts of the city to get inches of snow, while other parts get rain or even sun.

Visit the National Weather Service for the latest forecasts. Also, a heads up – cold temperatures and more snow are in the forecast for the rest of this week.

We might see more snow showers persisting through Monday with a 10-percent chance of snow Thursday evening, increasing to 50 percent chance Friday day with new snow accumulation of less than 1/2 inch.

 

We’re committed to working hard for you!

When winter weather brings precipitation and freezing temperatures, our team go on high alert. We commit to using all the tools possible to make sure the people of Seattle and our interagency partners are fully informed and involved in our snow response. If you’re curious about the work our crews have accomplished during this year’s winter weather like how:

  • We’ve developed a snow and ice response plan that’s made for Seattle’s weather to keep major streets open and passable to the greatest extent possible.
  • We plow major streets, which are the most important for getting to major institutions such as hospitals and schools; police, fire trucks, and buses; and streets leading to Seattle’s major employers. Read up on it in our recent blog post.
  • We work together with King County Metro to keep bus routes as clear of snow and ice as possible. The goal is to enable people to get around the city by bus, making it easier to leave your cars at home. Learn more on King County Metro’s Winter Weather page.

 

It takes a village city!

It really does take a city to help clear the way of snow and ice. Although we wish we can be omnipresent at all times, we rely on businesses and residents across Seattle to keep their sidewalks clear of snow and ice to make sure people can travel on sidewalks safely. If you can, please help a neighbor who might not be able to clear their sidewalks. Clearing snow before it turns to ice is best, and having a bag of street salt on hand is a good winter-preparedness move.

 Title 15 of the Seattle Municipal Code calls on property owners and contractors to clear, clean, or repair the public right-of-way adjacent to their property.
Caring for sidewalks and other rights-of-way (ROW) next to private property is the responsibility of the property owner or contractor working at the adjacent job site. More information on property owners’ responsibilities can be found on our website.

 

Access for people walking and biking is a priority for us.

What about sidewalks on bridges, bike lanes, or other areas where there’s not an adjacent property owner?

Access for people walking and biking is a priority for us during our winter weather response efforts. Our crews will monitor and identify bike lanes and sidewalks on gold and emerald routes to ensure they are clear as providing access for emergency responders and freight and transit are our primary access. Other priorities include sidewalks and paths across bridges and bike lanes leading to and through downtown.

 

Let us know!

While our crews are out plowing, salting, and patrolling the city (around the clock) to identify trouble spots and treat them, if you’re noticing sidewalks on bridges, bike lanes, or other streets that need a bit of attention, please let us know through the Find It, Fix It app, by emailing 684-ROAD@seattle.gov, or by calling 206.684.ROAD.

We’ll let our crews know as they continue to patrol the city, and they’ll work to identify priority locations to get them addressed in a timely manner. We appreciate your patience as our crews perform this work across the city – it’s a big job!

Read more about SDOT’s Winter Weather Response here. 

 

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Our snow and ice crews continue on as more snow and ice returns tonight.

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It’s cold, Seattle.

The forecast shows snow continuing throughout the night, especially after midnight. Expect about 1-2″ of snow accumulation with more at higher elevations in the city.

Many routes have a mix of conditions. Some lanes are bare and wet while some portions of all routes have compact snow and slush. As the temperature continues to drop and the pavement becomes colder, ice will form.

 

You need to prepare. 

We will continue to work as expeditiously and hard for you to be safe and have accessible roads for our buses, first responders, and large employers. Please prepare for a potential icy commute. If possible, please avoid driving. Tomorrow will be another great day to flex those commute schedules if possible. Travel will be challenging for everyone – stay safe, stay alert, and plan ahead. Wear the appropriate cold weather clothing including hats, gloves, and boots.

 

If you need to drive:

Check out WSDOT’s traffic cameras to see current conditions on our major highways. Slow down, be patient, and leave lots of room for the car in front of you. Even if pavement appears to be bare, it can still be icy due to freezing conditions. Stick to major roads and check our Winter Weather Response map to see which roads have been plowed before you go.

Clear your windows, fill your gas tank, and check your tires to ensure your car is good to go BEFORE you leave. Bring the necessary gear, such as an ice scraper, a flashlight, tire chains, and water and snacks. Please obey “Street Closed” signs – they’re placed there for your safety and allow us and the Seattle Police Department to keep an eye on the situation.

Lastly, be kind to one another. Look out for pedestrians and children playing in the snow. Give plow trucks and other road crews lots of room to work.

You’re responsible for outfitting your cars for winter weather, including chains or other traction devices. Remember, while snow is forecasted to taper off, temperatures will stay cold and streets have the potential to be slick.

 

If you’re riding transit:

King County Metro: Sign up for King County Metro alerts. Know your bus’s schedule by checking King County Metro’s Snow, Ice, & Flood Alerts page. More info and resources are available on their Metro Winter webpage.

Sound Transit: Sign up for Sound Transit’s Rider Alerts. Plan ahead by checking your bus and train schedule. More info is available on their Riding Transit in Winter webpage.

 

Follow us on Twitter for real-time traffic updates.

Follow SDOT, WSDOT, and King County Metro on Twitter for additional information throughout the day:

 

Here’s our action plan:

  • We’ll continue running 12-hour snow and ice response shifts.
  • We’ll apply salt as needed to minimize ice formation with an emphasis on steeper routes and higher elevations.
  • We have begun planning for the next storm front expected Thursday/Friday.

 

It’s been about 36 hours since our crews hit the road.

Our crews started with pretreating the roadways before the snow fell with salt brine to prevent ice from forming. And as the snow fell overnight and throughout the morning, our crews continue to drive their routes, treating the roadway with salt where needed. At any time, you can check our interactive Winter Weather Map to see where we’ve plowed in the last 1-3 hours. You can also click on cameras to see road conditions.

We’ve had three dozen plow crews treating city streets. Our crews will continue to operate at full capacity over the next 48 hours.

 

The night snow and ice crews are already out.

Day Shift has taken over from night shift and now night shift has taken over for our day shift. New drivers are on the road to continue treating and plowing all routes through the night with a newly replenished supply of 500+ tons of salt for our 35+ plows. Drivers from Seattle Public Utilities and Seattle Parks and Recreation have partnered with us to help in this great effort.

For each 12-hour shift, there is 50-60 staff who have so far treated our surface streets with approximately 400 tons of salt. In addition, we have 15-30 hand crews clearing curb ramps for pedestrians.

Please help in this effort as good neighbors and remove the snow and ice from sidewalks in front of your property and if you can, help a neighbor who might not be able to clear their sidewalks.

 

Levels of snow & ice service.

In the last 36 hours, our crews have plowed routes at least three times.

Gold snow routes:

These are streets of regional importance for hospitals, buses, large trucks, and major employers. SDOT’s objective is to provide bare and wet pavement over all travel lanes within 12 hours of a significant lull in the storm.

Emerald snow routes:

These are streets of citywide importance for hospitals, buses, and general traffic.  SDOT’s objective is to provide bare and wet pavement for one lane in each direction within 12 hours of a significant lull in the storm.

As the snow continues throughout the night, we’d like to thank our city-wide crews.

They’ve been working around the clock in the freezing temperatures since yesterday. As a collective whole, we’d like to send them loads of love, appreciation, and safety as they continue to clear the roadways for our city. Thank you – thank you to our knockout crews! We truly have the best.

 

 

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WE’RE READY: The coldest air of the season arrives this Sunday w/a chance for snow.

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SDOT snow plows

We might finally see some snow this weekend.

Does anyone else think that winter has been a month off this season? Starting this Sunday, February 3 until the middle of next week, we’re expected to have the coldest air of the season. Here’s what the National Weather Service is predicting:

 

SATURDAY: 🌦️ Lingering shower.

SUNDAY: 🌨️/🌧️ Scattered showers, some snow may mix in, north of Seattle. There’s a potential for snow showers in all areas Sunday night.

MONDAY: 🌨️ Chance of snow showers, mainly during the morning hours, Seattle south.

 

We’ve prepared our snow and ice equipment & the plans are set – we’re ready!

Salt – winter weather preparations

We’ve been monitoring conditions and following weather reports and do so around the clock/ 24-hours a day all year long with a direct line to the National Weather Service and live Doppler radar feeds.

Our crews will go on 12-hour shifts beginning Sunday, February 3, at noon. We’ll have about 33 trucks per shift pretreating the roadways. 

Loader pours salt into the back of an SDOT truck.

 

Our commitment:

SDOT snow and ice team

Our goal is to achieve bare and wet pavement on snow and ice routes within 12 hours after a significant lull in the storm.

We commit to using all the tools at our disposal to make sure the people of Seattle and our interagency partners are fully informed and involved in our snow response. We work together with Metro to keep bus routes as clear of snow and ice as possible. The goal is to enable people to get around the city by bus, making it easier to leave their cars at home.

We plow the busiest streets that connect Seattle’s neighborhoods and the greater Puget Sound region. These are routes to hospitals, schools, and major employers but also streets that are frequently used by first responders and buses.

 

Plan your trip + some safety tips.

During major winter storms, plan your trip by seeing where the snow plows have been and viewing traffic cameras. View the interactive Winter Weather Response Map

Know the routes on the Winter Weather snow and ice route map.

Follow us on Twitter at @SDOTtraffic for real-time traffic updates.

 

✔️ Drivers

If you need to drive, please take extra care when traveling, and if possible avoid commuting in the snow. Drivers have some special responsibilities. If driving is unavoidable, you’re responsible for outfitting your cars for winter weather, including chains or other traction devices.

 

✔️ Safety

Look out for each other. If you’re driving, be extra mindful of pedestrians and people biking. If you’re walking or biking, make sure you can see and be seen. We have safety lights if you need any! Let us know. Drivers, be sure to turn your headlights on.

 

✔️ Trains, buses, & ferries

If you are plan on using the bus, train, or ferry, know before you go:

  • See the latest information on Metro’s blog. They’ll keep their eye on the King County Metro Transit commute from 6-9 AM and again from 3-7 PM and will post about service disruptions.
  • Follow Metro’s RSS feed for real-time updates, bookmark their blog, or visit the Metro Online website for additional information and services.
  • If you take the train, find Sound Transit alerts and information here.
  • For Ferry info, please visit Washington State Ferries’ Travel Alert Bulletins, Kitsap Transit’s Fast Ferry, and/or WSDOT’s ferries site regarding your ferry commute.

You can also follow:

 

✔️ Outages

If you notice a downed power line, DO NOT touch or approach it. Please report downed wires or outages to Seattle City Light at 206.684.7400. Check out City Light’s outage map and tips for what to do when your power goes out. When traffic lights are out, treat the intersection as a 4-way stop. You can also stay connected, even when the power is out by downloading Puget Sound Energy’s (PSE) mobile app, to track and report power outages in your neighborhood and check status and estimated restoration times, all in the palm of your hand. Follow PSE on Twitter.

 

✔️ Fallen trees or branches

If you notice fallen trees or other debris blocking streets or sidewalks, contact our 24-hour dispatch crews at 206.386.1218.

 

✔️ Park facilities

Park programs and facilities may be affected. Please check the @SeattleParks Twitter channel, blog, and/or website.

 

✔️ Winter storm planning

For information on planning for the winter storm season, like what you should include in your emergency preparedness kit, check out Take Winter By Storm, our multi-agency preparedness site. For the latest emergency notifications, sign up for Alert Seattle to get alerts via text, tweet, and more. You can also follow the National Weather Service Seattle’s Twitter.

 

Learn about our Winter Weather Response.

Check out our Winter Weather Response webpage for a winter weather response map, winter weather brochure, and snow route map. Learn about our winter environment and what to expect if it snows.

 

We’re ready!

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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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Meet Sam, SDOT’s new director!

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Welcome, Sam!

 

Monday marked the first day on the job for SDOT’s new director, Sam Zimbabwe. Here’s a snip from his first email to the City team:

 

“Thank you for welcoming me so enthusiastically to Seattle! I can’t express what an honor it is to be a part of this internationally recognized transportation agency and have the opportunity to work with all of you. Seattle is one of the coolest cities in America and one of the best places to live, work, play, and travel. Thanks to SDOT’s commitment to a strong mission and to your remarkable achievements, all eyes look to Seattle as a transportation leader.”

– Sam Zimbabwe

 

The entire City transportation team is thrilled to welcome Sam and eagerly anticipates his leadership in advancing our mission of delivering a high-quality transportation system for Seattle. Since Mayor Jenny Durkan announced his selection in December, we’ve been excited to get to know him. Sam is learning quickly and has been enthusiastically meeting staff, learning about key projects and programs, and helping us plan future priorities.

 

He’s a multimodal leader for all.

 

Sam comes to SDOT from Washington, DC, where he served in senior management positions at the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) for the past 7 years, first as the Associate Director for Policy, Planning & Sustainability. He moved on to become DDOT’s first Chief Project Delivery Officer, responsible for transportation planning, capital project design and construction, traffic engineering and signals, and transit service delivery.

Prior to joining DDOT, Sam was the Director of the Center for Transit-Oriented Development, a national nonprofit partnership dedicated to leveraging transit investments to preserve and create equitable communities.

Sam also has a background in urban design and transportation planning and spent five years working for urban design and architecture firms in the San Francisco Bay Area. Sam holds a master’s degree in City Planning from the University of California, Berkeley and a bachelor’s degree in Urban and Regional Studies from Cornell University.

 

He’s a quick study.

 

Sam will absorb an enormous amount of information in the next several weeks as he learns about Seattle. He’ll be getting to know staff throughout the organization as he meets with City teams and departments over the next month to get an overview of SDOT’s work program. He’ll also be meeting with residents and businesses to understand their multimodal transportation challenges.

 

 

To Team SDOT: Your contributions to helping me get up to speed will be invaluable. I deeply appreciate all the time and energy staff have already contributed—and will continue to dedicate—to help me get the lay of the land so that I might lead the department in a manner that will make you and Seattle proud.  – Sam Zimbabwe

 

Sam is committed to fulfilling the SDOT mission.

 

 

Sam is committed to fulfilling the mission of delivering a high-quality transportation system. In his first year as a director, his goals for himself and SDOT can be captured in six broad areas:

 

Getting to know Seattle.

Sam plans to immerse himself in the city and get to know it well by hearing from residents, modal boards, community groups, and other stakeholders – and by learning about the past as much as about plans for the future.

 

Getting to know SDOT.

Sam plans to get to know the agency from top to bottom while he works to identify any additional changes necessary to ensure we can meet Levy and ongoing program commitments.

 

Maintaining downtown mobility.

The Seattle Squeeze is well underway with the permanent closure of the Alaskan Way Viaduct. Sam understands this is one of many changes we’ll face with respect to moving in and around downtown Seattle over the next few years. While we’ve now operationalized plans to mitigate traffic impacts, Sam will also work over the next year to make sure we’re doing all we can to provide safe, efficient, affordable options for today while continuing to create a mobility framework for the future.

 

Delivering on Levy and other capital project commitments.

We have more major capital investments underway than at any time in SDOT’s history, including the Move Seattle commitments and the Center City Connector Streetcar. Sam understands the challenges these projects have faced. Over the next year, we’ll need to follow through on our promise for more openness and transparency as we continue building the public’s trust in our ability to deliver projects, large and small.

 

Working with partner agencies to continue improving transit in Seattle.

The next year will see some critical decisions for how Seattle and the region invest in public transportation. Seattle’s success is tied to public transportation, and this region is building, operating, and riding transit in ways the rest of the country envies.

Sam knows that working collaboratively with partners will be essential as we determine the ST3 Locally Preferred Alternatives and the future of the Seattle Transportation Benefit District. We’ll also be working through the upcoming changes from the ST2 light rail buildout while continuing to shape how people interact with our public transportation system on a daily basis.

 

Improving our delivery of the basics.

SDOT is fundamentally a service delivery organization. While we’re building for the future, we must also deliver on the present day-to-day needs of Seattle residents and visitors to get around the city safely and efficiently. Over the next year, Sam plans to understand where we are performing well, where we need to improve, and what changes are necessary to strengthen our delivery of services and our capacity to maintain, improve, and safely operate today’s system.

 

Zimbabwe means a strong foundation of stone.

 

Did you know that Zimbabwe derives from the Shona name for an ancient town believed to mean “large houses of stone?” Great Zimbabwe was such an important part of its national identity that the country in southern Africa was named for the historic town. Obviously, Zimbabwe is also Sam’s last name; when he and his wife got married they combined the beginnings of each of their four family surnames to form the name “Zimbabwe” — and thereby established their new home and family on a “strong foundation of stone.” Sam looks to bring the same foundation to SDOT as we work together to build the city of the future.

 

Welcome to SDOT, Sam!

 

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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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#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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Stay in your lane + out of the box.

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Do you ever?

Do you ever see:

  • single occupancy vehicles in the carpool lane (😱), or
  • people driving in the bus-only lane, or
  • folks trying to sneak through the intersection when there’s clearly not enough room?

We likely all know the rules, but sometimes need a prompt to conduct ourselves better. Cue Seattle Police Department (SPD) – they’ve put together a couple of short videos reminding folks how to behave in traffic.

Pssst: to make sure people can move safely and efficiently during the squeeze, SPD uniformed officers are out and about across downtown, issuing tickets for blocking the box, and driving in the transit lane, among other things.  

 

Don’t try to squeeze in – that’s not the kind of squeezing we want right now. 

Don’t block the box. Keep intersections clear. When you pull into an intersection, make sure you can clear it before the signal changes to a red light. Wait your turn. Don’t be that person who holds up traffic and blocks the crosswalk – it’s not safe for anyone involved. Plus, there’s nothing like being honked at and getting the warranted evil eye from people trying to cross the street.

Our advice: be patient and wait until you can fully clear the intersection.

 

Are you a bus? We didn’t think so.

Stay in your lane – if you’re not driving a bus, then you (generally) shouldn’t be in the transit lane. In some instances, you can hop into a bus lane to turn off the street, but for the most part, bus lanes are for buses, so please don’t use them to get around gridlock.

If you really want to use the bus lane, we suggest taking the bus. We’ve got transit lanes in place to prioritize transit, one of the most space-efficient, affordable ways to get around.

Related reminder: 3rd Ave from Olive Way to just south of Yesler is for buses (and people biking) only from 6 AM – 7 PM, every day.

 

No need to get busted (har, har) – just follow the rules.

Thanks for doing your part to help keep Seattle moving safely during the #Squeeze! For more information and tools about the #SeattleSqueeze, check out our website!

 

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