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A Vibrant Seattle Through Transportation Excellence.

See what’s moving in Seattle this week: April 23 – 28, 2019

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Photo of Downtown Seattle from the air

Here’s a look at Seattle’s upcoming large-scale events and construction happening around the City this week, April 24-28, 2019. These events may impact how you get around town, so be sure to see our trip planning tools at the end of this post and plan ahead! Also, don’t forget to look at our Citywide Events Calendar for more things to do. Have fun!

 

T H U R S.  A P R  2 5

 

Mariners vs. Texas Rangers @ T-Mobile Park: First Pitch: 7:10 PM. Estimated attendance: 20k.

The 1975 concert @ WaMu Theater: Concert at 7 – 11:30PM, doors at 6 PM. Estimated attendance: 7k.

 

F R I .  A P R  2 6

 

Cornish School of the Arts BFA Exhibition, Opening Reception: Event will close Terry Ave. btwn Virginia St. and Lenora St, 6 – 9PM. Estimated attendance: 1k.

Slushii concert at WaMu Theater: Concert 7 – 10 PM, doors at 6 PM. Estimated attendance: 7k.

Mariners vs. Texas Rangers at T-Mobile Park: First Pitch: 7:10 PM. Estimated attendance: 20k..

 

S A T.  A P R  2 7

 

Mariners vs. Texas Rangers at T-Mobile Park: First Pitch: 6:10 PM. Estimated attendance: 20k.

RUFUS DU SOL concert at WaMu Theater: Concert: 8 – 11:30 PM. Doors: 7 PM. Estimated attendance: 7k.

 

S U N.  A P R  2 8

 

Top Pot Doughnut Dash Annual run around Green Lake: 8:30 – 11:00 AM.  Estimated attendance: 3k.

Mobile Food Rodeo: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM, located in Fremont on N. Canal St. between Phinney Ave. N. and 1st Ave. NW.  Estimated attendance: 5k.

Sounders vs. Los Angeles FC at CenturyLink Field: Kickoff: 12:30 PM. Estimated attendance: 35k.

Mariners vs. Texas Rangers at T-Mobile Park: First Pitch: 1:10PM. Estimated attendance: 20k.

Juice WRLD concert at WaMu Theater: Concert 8 – 11 PM. Doors at 7PM. Estimated attendance: 7,000.

 

Trip planning tools:

 

For an expanded list of upcoming constructions and events, visit our website!  

Traveler’s Map

Our map has real-time traffic and travel times, including construction, events, and incidents.

 

Project & Construction Coordination Map

See up-to-date information on current and future construction projects in the right of way, as well as other events that may impact traffic.

 

WSDOT mobile app

The WSDOT mobile app has Seattle traffic and travel information for the state of WA.

For other trip planning and transit, bike and car share, carpooling, parking, and ride-hailing tools, visit our Seattle Traffic website!

 

 

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Let’s talk about bike investments in your neighborhood

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Image of bicyclists riding through Rainier Valley

Bicycling through Rainier Valley

Over the next 2 weeks transportation planners and the Department of Neighborhoods are hosting café-style conversations about a proposed 6-year plan to build a connected bike network. The plan anticipates constructing 49 miles of bicycle facilities and designing an additional 13 miles using a combination of Levy to Move Seattle and other project funding. The plan identifies projects and programs which, combined with existing facilities, will make significant progress towards implementing 2014 Bike Master Plan recommendations. It works to achieve an all ages and abilities bike network through a combination of protected bike lanes, trails, neighborhood greenways, and funding for bike parking, encouragement programs, and safety education.

 

Can’t make a meeting? Take our online survey.

 

What’s new this year? 

 

While the proposed Implementation Plan’s budget hasn’t changed, the number of projects it delivers has. The plan reprioritizes projects based on available funding – keeping in mind that we’re also working to secure additional funds allowing us to construct more projects.  Last fall, we completed a comprehensive reassessment of the Levy to Move Seattle under the leadership of Mayor Durkan based on more realistic assumptions than we used in 2015. The Bike Master Plan is funded in large part by the Levy so we’ve been working with the Seattle Bicycle Advisory Board and used the 2014 Bike Master Plan prioritization criteria, grant and partnership opportunities to identify projects. 

Table of 2014 Bike Master Plan Prioritization Criteria

Once the Implementation Plan is finalized, there are many steps that need to be taken before a project is built. For example, we may need to revise the plan if something unforeseen comes up during engineering, if there are coordination challenges with other public and private projects, or as we learn about other issues through community engagement. This year, we’re being more upfront about potential risks or issues and engaging the community before finalizing the plan. 

 

Be a part of the conversation 

 

A variety of travel options are needed as Seattle grows to benefit livability, affordability, public health, economic competitiveness, and natural environment. Bring your thoughts about how bicycling can be a part of the solution by sharing your transportation values and how the 6-year plan does or can reflect them. Let us know where you travel to, how you like to get there, and if you encounter barriers. And finally, how we can continue to engage you and others as projects are designed and built. Meetings start at 6PM and are being held in Central Seattle (4/23), W Seattle (4/24), SE Seattle (4/29) and N Seattle (4/30). 

 

Let’s keep growing bicycling in Seattle! 

 

Chart of bicycle ridership Q1 2017-2019 on Selected Routes

Weather note: Seattle experienced a historic snow storm February 2019

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TONIGHT: April 23 and 24 paving on 25th Ave NE from Montlake Blvd NE to NE 65th St

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Photo of crews paving on 25th Ave NE

Crews paving on 25th Ave NE

25th Ave NE connects the Ravenna and Roosevelt neighborhoods to many local retail establishments and services. It’s also a transit route with service connecting northeast Seattle to the U District, Link light rail, and downtown Seattle. We’re in construction to repave 25th Ave NE to improve safety, accessibility, and comfort for all users. Starting at 8PM tonight, April 23, we will begin paving the west side of 25th Ave NE. On the first night of paving, crews plan to pave the west side of 25th Ave NE from NE Montlake Blvd to NE 55th St. On the second night, crews plan to pave from NE 55th St to NE 65th St.

PavingMap

Here’s what you can expect:

 

S C H E D U L E

Crews will pave the west side of 25th Ave NE from Montlake Blvd NE to NE 65th St tonight, April 23 and tomorrow night, April 24 (weather permitting). On the first night of paving, crews plan to pave the west side of 25th Ave NE from NE Montlake Blvd to NE 55th St. On the second night, crews plan to pave from NE 55th St to NE 65th St. Crews plan to work from 8 PM each night to 7 AM the following morning.

 

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

25th Ave NE will be closed to northbound traffic during this work. People driving north with will be detoured from Montlake Blvd NE to 35th Ave NE.  One lane of southbound traffic will be maintained during paving. During the day (before 8 PM), a single lane of traffic will be maintained in each direction. Please follow marked pedestrian detours.

 

From 8 PM to 7 AM each night of paving, residents and businesses will not have access to their driveways. Driveway access is restricted to allow crews space to pave and to let the pavement cure following paving. Please use driveways and side streets west of 25th Ave NE and walk to homes and businesses if you need to leave before 7 AM on the mornings of April 23 and April 24. Crews will open driveways as soon as the pavement has finished curing.

 

N O I S E

Expect loud noise and tar-like odors as the roadway is being paved.

 

T R A N S I T

For changes in Metro routes during paving, please refer to King County Metro Alerts.

 

 

P R O J E C T  O U T C O M E

We are repaving approximately 1.25 miles of 25th Ave NE between Montlake Boulevard NE and NE 65th St. Repaving will make the street more comfortable to drive on and extend its useful life. The project will also:

 

  • Upgrade curb ramps
  • Make minor drainage system upgrades
  • Replace traffic sensors
  • Make bus stop improvements

 

For more information on this project, please visit our project page. If you have questions or concerns, please contact the construction outreach team at 25thAvePaving@seattle.gov, or 206.733.9050.  We appreciate your patience during this work.

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Changes under way: new rules for large trucks in Pioneer Square

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Photo of Seattle areaway

Photo of a Seattle areaway (photo credit: -JvL- https://flic.kr/p/omPiZ6)

 

In early May, we will be adding new safety restrictions for large vehicles travelling through Pioneer Square. Vehicles weighing more than 10,000 pounds will no longer be allowed to park or drive in the lane closest to the sidewalks on First Ave in Pioneer Square due to concerns about the underground road support structures.

 

A quick history lesson

 

As you probably know if you’ve taken a tour underneath Seattle’s historical Pioneer Square district, many of the sidewalks in this part of town are built on top of empty spaces called areaways dating back to when the streets were rebuilt after the Great Seattle Fire of 1889 burned down 25 city blocks.

Diagram of areaway

Diagram of areaway

Residents decided to rebuild in the same location. New buildings were built over those that had been damaged by the fire, one to two stories above the original elevation.

As a result, many of the sidewalks in the area, especially along First Avenue, are built on top of empty spaces that date back to when the street was rebuilt. Over time, many of these areaways were turned into basements and cellars for buildings in Pioneer Square while others are still empty space.

Today, the weight of Pioneer Square roads and sidewalks are still being held up by support walls right under the outer edge of the sidewalk.

 

Underground support walls hold up the weight of cars and people above

 

Many of these street support walls were built from brick, rubble, and mortar over 100 years ago. These underground walls were not designed to support the weight of today’s large trucks and buses or to meet modern earthquake safety standards.

We have been monitoring the condition of underground areaways and street support walls for many years. Recently, when the SR 99 Viaduct closed and several bus routes moved onto First Ave, we conducted a new comprehensive analysis in order to identify safe locations for new bus stops. This led us to find new structural vulnerabilities which we had not identified before.

We found that the street support walls were all safe to support the weight of normal cars, but in some cases could not continue to hold the weight of large trucks and buses parking and driving next to the curb.

 

New rules for large vehicles on First Ave to keep everyone safe

 

In order to ensure the safety and integrity of the road, we need to add new safety restrictions for large vehicles travelling through Pioneer Square. Vehicles weighing more than 10,000 pounds will no longer be allowed to park or drive in the lane closest to the sidewalks on First Ave between Marion St and Railroad Way S.

Photo of delivery truck parked in a load zone

There will be new restrictions for vehicles over 10,000 lbs using load zones

This means that commercial load zones will be relocated and large trucks will need to park on another street. It also means large vehicles will not be able use the right turn lane at some intersections.

There is no change to for the rules about normal sized cars. The new rules will take effect as soon as we install new weight-limit signs. This could be as soon as Monday, May 6.

Map of Pioneer Square areaway assessment and repair, curb lane restrictions

Pioneer Square roads are still completely safe

Don’t worry! You can (and should) still visit the neighborhood. It’s one of the oldest and most vibrant neighborhoods in Seattle.

Our engineers routinely monitor underground areaways and street support walls and are confident that the streets and sidewalks are safe to use, as long as large vehicles over 10,000 pounds remain in the inside lanes.

We’re also completely confident that the Pioneer Square sidewalks are safe for everyday activities (such as walking, sidewalk dining, and moving furniture). We’ve also checked to make sure that the tours underneath the sidewalks are completely safe too.

 

What’s the repair plan?

Map of proposed load zone relocations

The first step is to conduct a thorough inspection of every underground areaway and road support wall in Pioneer Square.

 

We’ll be working with local businesses over the coming months to assess the condition of underground support walls throughout Pioneer Square and to install monitoring equipment.

 

We have also identified safe areas to relocate commercial load zones which are not near these kinds of underground areaways and support walls.  This will likely result in additional weight restrictions and changes to commercial vehicle load zone locations throughout Pioneer Square this summer.

 

We’re committed to doing everything possible to keep you informed. In partnership with the Alliance for Pioneer Square and other City departments like the Office of Economic Development, we will work closely with the neighborhood to provide ongoing information about the safety assessment and repair work.

 

We will be talking to the community about these potential locations and will respond to feedback with clear, concise and thoughtful answers on whether their suggestions are viable. Our goal is to provide adjacent businesses and residents with accurate and timely information as we move forward to implement safety.

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April 23 – May 7: Chief Sealth Trail at 31st Ave S and S Graham St will be closed

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As part of ongoing neighborhood crossing improvements in Beacon Hill, there will be 2 temporary road closures at the intersection of S Graham St and 30th Ave S and a temporary closure of the Chief Sealth Trail at 31st Ave S and at S Graham St. Earlier this March, we began crossing improvements at this intersection to enhance safety and access for people walking, biking, and driving.

 

Here’s what you can expect

S C H E D U L E

Closures will begin Tuesday, April 23, 2019

  • S Graham St will be closed at 30th Ave S on the west side for up to 2 weeks.
  • 30th Ave S will be closed on the south side of S Graham St for up to 1 month.

These temporary closures will be in place 24/7.

 

Through traffic will be restricted on S Graham St at 30th Ave S and on 30th Ave S on the south side of S Graham St. Local access will be maintained throughout both temporary closures.

 

Once we reopen the west side of S Graham St, expect a single lane with a person flagging to direct traffic during work hours, and both lanes of S Graham St will be open during non-work hours. We will maintain access to Chief Sealth Trail via a detour on 31st Ave NE shown on the map below.

 

During the temporary closures, access to the Chief Sealth Trail will be maintained via a detour on 31st Ave S.

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

 

We will minimize construction impacts as much as possible. During this work, please expect:

  • For those driving on S Graham St, detours for through traffic to S Orcas St and Martin Luther King Jr Way S for up to 2 weeks
  • Local access will be maintained
  • Detour for those using Chief Sealth Trail
  • Noise, vibrations, and dust during work hours
  • “No Park” signs placed in work area 72 hours in advance of work starting

 

Want more information about this project?

 

Visit the project webpage. You can contact the project team at (206) 900-8725 or NeighborhoodImprovements2018@seattle.gov.

 

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Get your hands dirty (cuz it’s Earth Day)!

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Photo of a person holding a tiny globe

Photo by Porapak Apichodilok from Pexels

 

Happy Earth Day, fellow humans!

GIF of person planting a tree

Planting a tree sapling for earth day

Part of what makes Seattle the Emerald City is our trees and foliage. Imagine what Seattle would look and feel like without the green space and tree canopy. Here at SDOT, we play a big role in contributing to the urban landscape in the way we design and operate city streets, sidewalks, and other bits of right of way to include greenery and open space.

Queue our Urban Forestry team. They plant and care for trees (40,000 and counting!), manage landscaping in the right of way, and provide guidance to make sure folks who plan for new developments are planting the right tree in the right place.

All this talk about trees making you want to get out and plant or hug one? Well, we are fully supportive. Here are a few ways you can help improve Seattle’s natural environment.

 

🌎 WATER A TREE

 

Give some love (well, water) to one of our many street trees, particularly during the hot summer months. Follow these tips:

 

  • An easy way to water a young tree is to fill a tree bag two or three times a week with 15-20 gallons of water.
  • Old trees need additional water to keep thriving. If it’s hot, one or two deep waterings during the hot spell will help a lot.
  • Remove the stakes and chain after the first year. Leaving those on too long and too tight can strangle the tree and kill it.
  • Mulch it! Not only will this look good, it will also help keep roots cool and moist longer.

Check out our Street Tree Manual for more information!

 

🌎 TURN YOUR TRAFFIC CIRCLE INTO A GARDEN

 

This is a great opportunity to connect with neighbors and help beautify your community at the same time. Be sure to read our website for guidance before you start any work.

 

Photo of a traffic circle that has been planted with flower.

Landscaped traffic circle

 

🌎PLANT A TREE

Our Trees for Neighborhoods program helps you  plant trees in your neighborhoods.

 

🌎 PLANT A GARDEN IN YOUR PLANTING STRIP (the space between the sidewalk and the curb)

Check out our planting in the right of way program for more information and guidance on how to start a garden in a planting strip

 

 

Photo of a vegetable garden in a planting strip.

Planting strip vegetable garden

Check out these other Earth Day resources and events around the City:

Thanks for doing your part to keep our Emerald City in the Evergreen State so green.

#EarthDay

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APRIL 19 – 20: Traffic Changes at 7th Ave N and Denny Way

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The three cars at left are taking a lane that will become part of the work zone needed to demolish part of the Battery Street Tunnel's entrance and raise up the old lanes in the middle (view looking north). Photo: WSDOT

The three cars at left are taking a lane that will become part of the work zone needed to demolish part of the Battery Street Tunnel’s entrance and raise up the old lanes in the middle (view looking north). Photo: WSDOT

Crews are expanding their work zone at the north end of the Battery St Tunnel.

 

Get ready: changes are coming to the intersection of Denny Way and 7th Ave N (previously Aurora Ave N) as crews begin work to fill the north end of the Battery Street Tunnel.

 

The ground beneath the closed SR 99 lanes coming in and out of the Battery Street Tunnel is being raised up (view looking south). Photo: WSDOT

The ground beneath the closed SR 99 lanes coming in and out of the Battery Street Tunnel is being raised up (view looking south). Photo: WSDOT

 

Starting April 19, here’s what you can expect.

 

S C H E D U L E

Beginning Friday night, 4/19 at 8 PM, lanes will be reduced and sidewalks will be closed around the intersection of 7th Ave N and Denny Way until 5 AM Saturday morning. Police officers will direct traffic while crews modify traffic signals and establish the new work zone with barrels.

 

Then, beginning on Saturday morning, 4/20, 7th Ave N southbound will be reduced to one lane between John Street and Denny Way, and there will be no left turns from 7th. This will be a long-term lane configuration while construction continues in this area.

 

 

Crews will return Tuesday night, 4/23, to replace construction barrels with roadway barrier. Southbound 7th Ave N will be closed overnight between John St and Denny Way for this work.

 

 

L A N E   R E S T R I C T I O N S

 

One travel lane will remain open in each direction. Drivers heading south on 7th Ave N approaching Denny Way will no longer be able to turn left onto Denny Way or 7th Ave. People driving will have to continue straight on Wall St or turn right on Denny Way. Drivers taking the southbound SR 99 off-ramp to downtown will still be able to take a left on Harrison Street.

 

 

T R A N S I T

 

The southbound bus stop on Seventh Avenue North just north of Denny Way will remain open.

 

 

P R O J E C T   O U T C O M E

 

Crews are expanding their work zone as they begin work to fill in the north end of the Battery Street Tunnel. This is part of the North Surface Streets project to reconnect Harrison St, Thomas St, and John St, which were previously cut off by SR 99’s old path.

 

 

For updates on road closures in this area, subscribe to WSDOT’s weekly construction email.

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Saturday, April 20 – Sunday, April 21: Road work at NE 80 St & Banner Way NE

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The intersection of NE 80 St & Banner Way NE is heavily used by vehicles to access the I-5 northbound on-ramp. Our goal is to improve access for commercial vehicles accessing I-5.

This weekend, we will begin the project by relocating a traffic signal pole and removing a portion of the asphalt island in order to determine if there are concrete panels underneath the asphalt. Once this work is complete, we will schedule the remaining work for this project.

 

 

DETOUR ROUTE for Sunday, April 21 only: eastbound traffic on NE 80th Street will not be able to turn left on to Banner Way NE. Traffic will be re-routed south on Banner Way NE and north on 5th Ave E in order to enter Banner Way NE from a westbound approach.

Here’s what you can expect:

 

S C H E D U L E

Saturday, April 20 | From 9 AM to 4 PM, the northbound left lane will be closed to relocate an existing traffic signal pole.

Sunday, April 21 | From 7 AM to 5 PM, the northbound turn lane will be closed from NE 80th St to Banner Way NE.

 

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

There will be no closure or detour on Saturday, though drivers can expect slowdowns because of the reduced lane.

On Sunday, drivers turning northbound from NE 80th St to Banner Way NE will be rerouted in order to turn northbound to Banner Way NE heading westbound on NE 80th St.

 

 

N O I S E

Expect some loud noise, dust, and vibrations while crews are working.

 

 

P R O J E C T   O U T C O M E

We are re-configuring the asphalt island at the NE 80 St & Banner Way NE  intersection to improve access for freight vehicles turning northbound to Banner Way NE.

 

 

Do you have questions? Contact our Customer Care Center:

206-684-ROAD or 684-ROAD@seattle.gov

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Saturday and Sunday, April 20 and 21: Maintenance work on Mercer St

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Our crews will be performing landscape and road maintenance on Mercer Street this Saturday and Sunday.

 

 

Here’s what to expect

  • Saturday, 7 AM – 3:30 PM: Inside eastbound lane adjacent to the median will be closed between Westlake Ave N and Boren Ave N
  • Sunday, 8 AM – 8 PM: westbound Mercer from 9th to Dexter will reduced to one lane.

 

If you have questions contact our customer care center:

206-684-ROAD or 684-road@seattle.gov

 

 

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Trailhead Direct’s transit to trails is back!

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Photo of woman hiker.

 

Ok, hikers and outdoor lovers. The #GreatPNW struggle is real.

 

You decide it’s a great day for a hike, so you head out into the wild & find upon your arrival that the rest of Seattle has had the same – exact – idea.

 

Never mind that all the great minds thought like you. How ’bout that parking? Don’t let the day get ruined by the lack of available parking. You won’t need a car. We’re bringing back Trailhead Direct!

 

Trailhead Direct is a seasonal transit service to popular hiking destinations in King County. 

 

 

Trailhead Direct is a pilot project in collaboration with our Seattle Transportation Benefit District (STBD), King County Metro, and King County Parks and REI. Not only does this program provide transit service on weekends and most holidays to popular hiking trails in the area, but it also eases vehicle congestion and reduces safety hazards.

 

There’re 4 great changes happening this Saturday, April 20.

 

  1. The weather. We’ll get a cloud break. THERE. WILL. BE. SUN. Well, at least that’s what the weather forecasters predict.
  2. The start of Trailhead Direct!! The 2019 season begins on April 20.
  3. The launch of a new Trailhead Direct route to the Sky Country Trailhead at Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park. Check out the details here.
  4. The Trailhead Direct for Mailbox Peak returns with a new service location + stop.

 

So go ahead and pick your destination. Select your location for all the dirt 😉 from trailhead maps, transit pickup and drop off locations, and maps.

 

 

We’re proud to work as a funding partner with King County Metro to provide more mobility options to attractions in the Seattle region.

 

Funding Trailhead Direct builds on the City of Seattle’s investments in the Seattle transit network where we’ve been able to improve frequency/reliability on 64 other routes.

 

This program is an opportunity to provide better access for more people to the outdoors. While trail destinations vary in accessibility, Trailhead Direct transit are wheelchair accessible, so all are welcome!

 

“We are fortunate to live in one of the most beautiful places in the world, and Trailhead Direct makes it easier for all our residents and visitors to access our incredible outdoors using transit. …We are excited about this innovative public-private partnership that is creating new opportunities for all who call Seattle home to get outside and explore our mountains.” – Mayor Jenny Durkan

 

Photo of an ok sign made with a person's hand circling the sun at a distance.

 

Thanks to Seattle voters, we’re able to directly purchase transit service for Seattle, providing mobility options to explore the Seattle area.

 

For more information about Trailhead Direct, please visit the website.

 

 

 

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