August 12: 5th Ave NE Closure for Link Light Rail Construction

August 12, 2019 by Molly Wright

Link light rail construction at Northgate in 2017.

If you’re traveling through North Seattle, prepare for a long-term closure of 5^th Ave NE between NE 130^th St and NE 145^th St! This closure is to provide space for crews to build the elevated guideway for the Lynnwood Link light rail extension.

Here’s what you can expect:

SCHEDULE

5th Ave NE will be closed starting August 12. The closure duration is three years and will reopen fall of 2022.

Crews will perform work between 7 AM and 6 PM Monday through Friday. Nights and weekend work will occur if necessary.

CLOSURE | DETOUR

5th Ave NE will be closed between NE 130th St and NE 145th St. In addition, the southbound lanes of 5^th Ave NE from NE 130^th St – NE 125^th St will be closed.

Local access between NE 130th Street and the south end of the Jackson Park Golf Course will be maintained, and the I-5 off-ramps will remain open. In addition, the existing pedestrian path along 5^th Ave NE will remain open.

PROJECT OUTCOME

Sound Transit crews are beginning construction for the Lynnwood Link light rail project. Lynnwood Link light rail will open in 2024 after the Northgate extension opens in 2021.

Want more information?

Visit Sound Transit’s website to learn more about the project. For the latest traffic information, follow us on Twitter at @SDOTTraffic.

What’s moving Seattle this week? Aug 7- Aug 11

August 7, 2019 by Salma Siddick

View of the Seattle Skyline including Mount Rainier

Photo Credit: Timothy Eberly @unsplash

There is so much happening this weekend. Street festivals keep coming, baseball is going strong and… it’s Seahawk pre-season already! Calling out to all the 12’s, plan accordingly, be safe and get your blue and green ready!

W E D. A U G 7

Seattle Mariners vs. San Diego Padres: T-Mobile Park. First Pitch: 3:40 PM. Estimated attendance: 30k.

T H U R. A U G 8

Seattle Seahawks vs. Denver Broncos: CenturyLink Field. Kickoff: 7 PM. Estimated attendance: 55k.

F R I. A U G 9

South Lake Union Block Party: SLU Discovery Center. 12 – 11PM. Estimated attendance: 3k.

Seattle Mariners vs. Tampa Bay Rays: T-Mobile Park. First Pitch: 7:10 PM. Estimated attendance: 39k.

S A T. A U G 10

Obliteride: 5K run/walk and 25-, 50-, and 100-mile rides to benefit Fred Hutch. All participants start in waves between 6 – 10:30 AM at the University of Washington’s E-1 lot and finish at Gas Works Park. 5K walk will follow the last wave at 10 AM. Riders and walkers finish at Gas Works Park. Estimated attendance: 3k.

South Lake Union Saturday Market: Weekly Market closes 9th Ave. N. between Denny Way and John St. Market hours are 11 AM – 4 PM. Estimated attendance: 2.5k.

Seattle Sounders vs. New England Revolution: CenturyLink Field. Kickoff: 1 PM. Estimated attendance: 35k.

Seattle Mariners vs. Tampa Bay Rays: T-Mobile Park. First Pitch: 7:10 PM. Estimated attendance: 46k.

S U N. A U G 11

Lake Union 10K: 11th Anniversary Lake Union 10K run or walk along the Cheshiahud Lake Union Loop Trail. The race starts and finishes in Lake Union Park, with the course running clockwise around the lake. Event hours: 7:30 – 11 AM. Estimated attendance: 1.8k.

Magnolia Village Car Show: On W. McGraw St. between 32^nd and 34^th Ave. W. Show hours: 8 AM – 3:30 PM. Estimated attendance: 800.

Dog Days of Summer 5K: is a benefit for and provides much-needed support to the Emerald City Pet Rescue. At Magnuson Park. Event hours: 9:30 – 11 AM. Estimated attendance: 400.

Othello International Festival: Annual community festival at Othello Park (4351 S. Othello Street). Festival hours: 12 – 6PM. Estimated attendance: 2k.

Seattle Mariners vs. Tampa Bay Rays: T-Mobile Park. First Pitch: 1:10 PM. Estimated attendance: 30k.

Seattle Streetcar Reports 18-percent Ridership Increase!

July 26, 2019 by Salma Siddick

Seattle Streetcar, in Capitol Hill Neighborhood

Seattle Streetcar, Capitol Hill Neighborhood

The Seattle Streetcar Program remains committed to continued safety and reliability plus additional data collection.

Providing easy access to Metro transit routes, Link light rail, and the Sounder is paying off for the Seattle Streetcar program and its 1.7 million annual riders. In 2018, our Seattle Streetcar program saw an 18-percent ridership increase, which includes a 31-percent increase on the First Hill line.

Streetcar performance + citywide public transit enhancements = MORE transportation options for South Lake Union

While South Lake Union (SLU) ridership has remained consistent over the past three years with a slight four-percent decrease in 2018, we are pleased with overall ridership levels in the area. The Seattle Streetcar program sees the small decline as a direct reflection of the City’s successful efforts to increase city-wide transit service and multi-modal options and the availability of these opportunities to SLU riders.

Moving forward . . . Seattle Streetcar program seeks appropriations to advance Center City Connector

And speaking of more transit options, we are requesting a $9-million appropriation to perform essential engineering and design work for the Center City Connector project.

After Mayor Jenny Durkan issued a robust, independent review of the project in 2018 and revised the capital and operating cost estimates, which placed the project on better financial footing, we are now prepared to move forward with necessary projects activities including everything from platform and maintenance facility modifications, to roadway structure analysis, and essential design work.

All aboard! Next stop: accountability+ strong streetcar management = brand-new transit line

Today, we thrive under strong new leadership and a solid streetcar team committed to sound fiscal program management. We are fully committed to building a system that works financially and programmatically. Program staff is also looking at ways to expand its data collection to better understand ridership trends and demographics and strengthen operations.

Streetcar Center City Connector Line

In case you didn’t know, the Center City Connector is designed to add a critical link in the Seattle Streetcar network, proving millions of residents and visitors with easy access to dozens of popular local destinations between the First Hill and South Lake Union lines. It also links transit riders to regional bus routes, ferries at Colman Dock, and the continued expansion of the regional Link Light Rail network.

Center City Connector Stations

In addition, the project will build on the City’s investments in providing affordable transit opportunities through ORCA Lift, ORCA Opportunity and ORCA Youth to thousands of downtown households who need affordable transit options most.

Thank you Seattleites, Streetcar Supporters, Seattle City Council, and the Sustainability and Transportation Committee

Tuesday, July 30, SDOT Director Sam Zimbabwe, Seattle Streetcar Manager Chris Eilerman and Center City Connector Project Manager Eric Tweit will meet with the Sustainability and Transportation Committee to give a streetcar operation report on the existing streetcar lines, plus request the $9 million appropriation to move forward with essential work to advance the Center City Connector project.

Our leadership and the streetcar team are incredibly grateful for the time, energy and patience Seattle, the Streetcar Coalition and the Council has afforded the Department over the last year as it worked through an organizational re-alignment and adjustments to position the C3 project for success. With new leadership and dedicated program and project teams, we are confident it can responsibly deliver the Center City Connector project. Seattle residents, businesses, and visitors deserve the best. And we are committed to giving its best in service to all.

Learn more about the Seattle Streetcar Program.

4th Avenue Transit Improvements

July 24, 2019 by Niki Seligman

Improved road markings.

Our crews made improvements on 4^th Avenue between Union Street and Pike Street last week. This was part of an an effort in partnership with King County Metro to reduce delays for buses. In addition, the markings give drivers more advance warning about the upcoming bus lane north of Pike Street.

For more information contact Jonathan Dong.

Seattle Transit Advisory Board seeks new members – APPLY TODAY!

July 18, 2019 by Salma Siddick

You could be the next awesome thing that’s happened for Seattle’s transportation!

The Transit Advisory Board (TAB) is accepting applications for new members to help advise Seattle on the challenges & opportunities related to transit & public transportation.

This volunteer board plays an important role in ensuring a successful and well-coordinated transit system, citywide!

TAB members are passionate about transit & serious about ensuring projects & programs are equitable & inclusive of all people.

Because they represent all travelers of public transportation, each member must advise with a keen appreciation for safety and appreciate the value of a multi-modal transportation network that keeps people, goods and services moving efficiently.

Metro buses on 3rd Ave, Seattle. Image by Jeanne Clark

The board was created by the Seattle City Council in 2015 and advises the Mayor and City Council on planning, project development, and policies.

Board members make recommendations to all city departments including the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT), serve a two-year term with opportunities for re-appointment, and usually meeting monthly on the fourth Wednesday, 6 – 8 PM at Seattle City Hall.

TAB members represent:

Different geographical locations citywide
A variety of transit rider groups including persons with disabilities, senior and school-age community members, commuters, and low-income riders
Travelers of different public transportation modes (e.g. bus, light rail, streetcar, and ferry)
Residents with an interest in improving transit conditions within the City and region, and have experience with urban transit issues
Transit-related organizations and clubs
Schools, business, and neighborhood organizations that depend on our public transportation system

We’re committed to diversity on City boards & commissions.

That means people of color, immigrants or refugees, youth, seniors, persons with disabilities, and sexual and gender minorities are needed and valuable participants, who shouldn’t hesitate to apply today!

Do you picture yourself committing to strategic leadership in public transit?

Then you should apply!

This good looking Electric Trolley Metro Bus on 3rd Ave. Image by Jeanne Clark

Email a statement of interest or cover letter and resume no later than midnight Monday, August 5, 2019, to Caylyn.Rolph-Tate@seattle.gov | with a subject line of “TAB Recruitment.” Or mail it to:

Caylyn Rolph-Tate
ATTN: TAB Recruitment
Office of the Mayor
P.O Box 94749
Seattle, Washington 98124-4749

Seattle Department of Transportation’s mission is to deliver a transportation system that provides safe and affordable access to places and opportunities.

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This Independence Day, free yourself from traffic by planning ahead.

July 1, 2019 by Molly Wright

This Thursday is the 4^th of July, which means busy streets, busy sidewalks, and busy bodies. We want you to enjoy the holiday, so we’ve put together this guide to help you plan ahead and avoid traffic. No one wants to watch the fireworks through a line of bumper to bumper traffic – we’re here to help!

What moves you this upcoming 4th of July weekend? Below are some Independence Day events in Seattle!

Looking over I-5 from the Seattle Municipal Tower.

West Seattle 4th of July Children’s Parade

Children in wagon at 4th of July Children's Parade.

Photo courtesy of FIT4MOM West Seattle.

The Annual West Seattle 4th of July Children’s Parade will take place on Thursday. Estimated attendance: 1,000.

The parade will start at 10 AM on the corner of 44^th & Sunset Ave SW and proceed to Hamilton Viewpoint Park.

Take King County Metro bus route 128 to this parade!

Seafair Summer Fourth

Photo courtesy of Seafair.

The Seattle Cancer Care Alliance Seafair 4th of July Celebration includes a 20-minute fireworks show over Lake Union. Estimated attendance: 40,000.

The celebration is at both Gas Works Park and Lake Union Park, from noon to 11 PM, with fireworks starting at 10:15 PM.

Take King County Metro bus routes 32, 40, or 62 to Seafair!

Seattle Mariners vs. St. Louis Cardinals

Photo courtesy of T-Mobile.

Our Seattle Mariners play the St. Louis Cardinals on July 4. Estimate attendance: 20,000.

The game is at T-Mobile Park and begins at 1:10 PM.

Take Link light rail or check summer and holiday routes for King County Metro buses!

Art Marble 21 4th of July Block Party

Photo courtesy of Art Marble 21.

The Art Marble 21 4th of July Block Party will have drinks, games, food, and entertainment. Estimated attendance: 300.

The block party is at Westlake Ave N from 2 PM to 10 PM.

Take King County Metro bus routes 40, 62, RapidRide C Line, or the South Lake Union Streetcar!

Concerts at the Locks

Photo courtesy of MyBallard.

Hear the Seattle Civic Band perform as part of an ongoing summer concert series at the Ballard Locks.

The concert is at Hiram M. Chittenden Locks in Ballard and starts at 2 PM.

Ride King County Metro bus routes 40 or 44 to the concert!

Check to see if your bus is being rerouted.

The following routes will be affected by 4^th of July events: 40, 75, 128, 166, 180, 226, 234, 235, 238, 255,271, F-Line, 522, 550. Check King County Metro for alerts and updates.

Feeling a bit deterred by those event attendance estimates?

Get away from the crowds and enjoy a little breathing room. Check out our list of 12 Parks with Transit Options to Enjoy the Great Outdoors! And plan ahead for crowded hikes this weekend by taking Trailhead Direct, which allows you to take transit to popular hiking destinations along the I-90 corridor.

Remember to not drive impaired this holiday weekend.

Have a plan in place for getting home, such as having a designated driver, using Uber or Lyft, and walking. Help us keep Seattle streets safe for all, as part of our Vision Zero goal to end all traffic deaths and serious injuries on city streets by 2030.

Celebrate the End of #RideTransit Month at Seattle Storm’s Transit Night!

June 28, 2019 by Molly Wright

We’re wrapping up #RideTransit Month for June 2019, and what better way to celebrate than with a Seattle Storm basketball game?!

We’re stoked. The team is too.

Join the Transportation Choices Coalition (TCC) as they partner with the Seattle Storm for the first ever Transit Night!

Join other TCC supporters to cheer on Sue Bird, Jewell Lloyd, and the rest of the WNBA Champions as they face off against the Chicago Sky. Celebrate the end of Ride Transit Month and do it in style by wearing a Ride Transit T-Shirt.

We’ll see you at 7 PM at the Alaska Airlines Arena.

Doppler, the Seattle Storm’s mascot, is excited to see you there too.

The arena is across from the University of Washington light rail station, making it easy to take transit to and from the game. Check out Sound Transit’s video on taking Link light rail to the game. Ticket prices start at $35 – buy your ticket here!

We’re reaching the end of June and Ride Transit Month!

City of Seattle staff learn about all of their transit options at an event for Ride Transit Month.

Across Washington state, people are celebrating transit in the month of June. Riders, agencies, non-profits and large employers alike are getting in on the fun! Take a pledge, attend an event, share your story about why transit is important to you. Support your local transit and win prizes! Thanks to everyone who participated!

Prepare for Travel Impacts Downtown on 1st Ave S and 3rd Ave

June 26, 2019 by Molly Wright

The #SeattleSqueeze continues this week, as demolition of the Alaskan Way Viaduct and construction of new ORCA transit card readers impact travel to and through downtown. Read on and plan ahead for your next trip downtown!

July 1 – August 4: NB Bus Stop Closure at 3^rd Ave and James St

The bus stop at 3^rd Ave and James St will be closed as part of construction to add new ORCA transit card readers at every transit stop on 3^rd Ave between Yesler Way and Denny Way. Metro routes 3, 5, 17, 18, 19, 24, 26, 27, 28, 33, 37, 40, 41, 62, 116, 118, 119, 124, 131, 132, 304 & 355 will instead use a temporary stop located one block north on northbound 3rd Ave just south of Cherry St. Find more information and sign up for service alerts on Metro’s website.

June 27: Lane reductions on 1st Ave S and Alaskan Way

The viaduct demolition contractor Kiewit is working on the viaduct’s remaining southern section around South Dearborn Street. Crews will need safe work space to remove the viaduct, which means lane reductions and sidewalk closures for people walking, biking and driving in the area. The map and the list below contain the planned roadway changes over the next several weeks.

Tomorrow: First Avenue reduces to one lane in each direction near CenturyLink field, south of South Dearborn Street. This narrowing will not extend past South Royal Brougham Way.
July: Streets between Yesler Way and South Dearborn Street will close at Alaskan Way while crews remove the viaduct running overhead.
Week of July 8: Railroad Way South closes both directions for four days.
Week of July 12: Yesler Way closes beneath the viaduct.
August: South Dearborn Street closes while crews remove the viaduct overhead.

You can follow progress by subscribing to Friday construction email updates, browsing the interactive tracker, and checking out photos of the work on Flickr.

Learn About Permit Programs for Park and Rides!

June 26, 2019 by Molly Wright

Photo courtesy of Sound Transit.

Many park and ride lots across the region fill up well before 7 a.m. on a typical weekday, so it can be hard to find parking at the station. To provide access for riders who can’t make it to the station so early, Sound Transit, King County Metro, and Pierce Transit are offering reserved parking permits at some of the busiest park and ride lots in the region!

Free carpool permits and paid permits for people driving alone allow transit riders to park in reserved parking areas at transit hubs on weekdays throughout the morning rush hours. Check out all of your options below!

Carpool Permits

Photo courtesy of King County Metro.

Groups of two or more commuters who regularly drive together to participating park & rides to catch transit are eligible to apply for carpool permits that provide access to reserved parking areas throughout the morning rush hours at selected park-and-ride lots operated by Sound Transit, King County Metro and Pierce Transit.

Sound Transit:

Sound Transit is offering free carpool parking permits to groups of two or more commuters who regularly drive together to catch the bus or train. Permits give you access to priority parking areas on weekdays when arriving with two or more transit riders in a vehicle during morning rush hours (4-8 a.m. at Sounder Stations, and 4-9 a.m at Link Stations and Transit Centers).

Carpool parking permits are currently available for: Angle Lake Link Station, Auburn Sounder Station, Edmonds Sounder Station, Federal Way Transit Center, Issaquah Transit Center, Kent Sounder Station, Mukilteo Sounder Station, Northgate Station Garage, Puyallup Sounder Station, Sumner Sounder Station, Tukwila International Boulevard Link Station and Tukwila Sounder Station.

King County Metro:

Metro Transit has set aside priority spaces for travelers who carpool to park & ride lots. Groups of two or more travelers who regularly drive together to participating park & rides to catch transit, join a vanpool, or another carpool are eligible to apply for carpool parking permits. Permits are free and allow permit holders to park in reserved parking areas on weekdays from 4:30-8:30 a.m.

Carpool parking permits are currently available for the following Metro park & ride lots: Eastgate Park & Ride, Issaquah Highlands Park & Ride, Redmond Park & Ride, Northgate Transit Center (East Lot), South Renton Park & Ride, South Kirkland Park & Ride, Green Lake Park & Ride, Tukwila Park & Ride, Aurora Village Park & Ride, Kingsgate Park & Ride, Kenmore Park & Ride, Bear Creek Park & Ride and Bothell Park & Ride.

Apply now for permits at Sound Transit or King County Metro Park & Rides:

https://www.rpnw.com/locations/transit-riders

Apply now for permits at Pierce Transit’s Tacoma Dome Station Garage:

https://www.piercetransit.org/permit-parking/

Solo Driver Parking Permits

Solo driver or “Single Occupant Vehicle” (SOV) parking permits are currently available for Sound Transit’s Northgate Station Garage, the Angle Lake Link Light Rail Station, and for Sounder Station parking at Auburn, Puyallup, Edmonds and Mukilteo.

ORCA Lift qualified transit riders

Sound Transit is offering a 66% discount on solo driver parking permits for transit riders who are qualified for ORCA Lift reduced transit fares (This includes Regional Reduced Fare Permit [RRFP] holders who meet ORCA Lift income qualifications). In addition to discounted parking, ORCA Lift card holders can get reduced fares per transit trip, or reduced-price monthly transit passes loaded onto their card.

For more information on eligibility for the ORCA Lift program, income requirements, and how to apply for the ORCA Lift, or RRFP card, visit:

RRFP: https://www.soundtransit.org/ride-with-us/how-to-pay/fares/regional-reduced-fare-permit

ORCA Lift: https://www.soundtransit.org/ride-with-us/how-to-pay/orca-card/orca-lift-reduced-fare-program

Apply for a permit here! Here’s what you need to do:

Visit this link to apply for your permit and follow the steps below!

Select desired location from the list
Click ‘Apply Now For Monthly Parking’
Fill out the required information and click ‘Submit’
Once an application has been approved, you will receive an email with your account number and further instructions. You must enter additional carpool members’ information to complete the carpool permit application process, or payment information to complete the solo driver permit application process and receive your permit.

Sign up for updates and find more information.

Stay in touch with the latest news and information from Sound Transit and King County Metro!

Travel Alert: Changes to 1st Ave N for Seattle Center Arena Construction

June 25, 2019 by Molly Wright

Sidewalk and curb lane changes are being installed on 1^st Ave N and a few intersecting streets as part of the Seattle Center Arena Renovation project. These changes allow access for truck hauling and construction staging, maintaining transit service, and separating people riding bikes from large trucks.

Changes include:

Restricting parking and loading areas on 1^st Ave N;
Adding loading zones and designated disabled spaces on surrounding streets;
Installing a temporary protected bicycle lane on the west side of 1^st Ave N from Denny Way to Roy St;
Adding a new signal at 1^st Ave N and Thomas St; and
Relocating the northbound transit stop from John St to south of Denny Way.

Here’s what you can expect:

SCHEDULE

Most parking and loading restrictions have begun along the west side of 1^st Ave N. The full signal will be turned on the week of June 24, and the roadway re-striping and the installation of the temporary protected bicycle lane will be complete prior to the beginning of July by the Seattle Arena team.

You may notice more activity at the site as demolition finishes and excavation begins in July, which will mean more large trucks and the start of nighttime work.

CLOSURE | DETOUR

Most changes will be on 1^st Ave N between Denny Way and Roy St. See the map below for a full view of all of the changes on 1^st Ave N.

Flyer: Changes Coming to Parking and Loading on 1st Ave N and Surrounding Streets

BIKING

People biking northbound on 1^st Ave N will use the new temporary protected bicycle lane on the west side of 1^st Ave N.

Temporary Bike Lane on 1st Ave N With New Load Zones

New temporary protected bike lane on 1st Ave N

WALKING

Be aware of sidewalk closures and use the new signal at 1st Ave N and Thomas St to cross safely.

New Traffic Signal at Thomas St and 1st Ave N

Traffic signal at 1st Ave N and Thomas St

TRANSIT

Transit riders who normally use the temporary northbound John St stop will need to use stops either south of Denny Way or at Republican St.

DRIVING

If you’re driving through the area, please be aware of these changes and travel carefully. For those parking in the area, consider utilizing existing parking garages or lots in the area, or parking and loading on side streets. Two northbound vehicle travel lanes on 1^st Ave N will remain open during construction.

PROJECT OUTCOME

The Seattle Center Arena is being redeveloped into a world-class arena, ready for professional hockey, basketball, and music. This project includes a new entry atrium, below grade expansion for additional seating and circulation, a below grade loading dock, vehicular tunnel and parking for up to 400 vehicles to be provided below grade.

Want more information?

For more information and to sign up for construction updates from the Oak View Group, please visit newarenaatseattlecenter.com.

You can also learn more about the Seattle Center Arena Renovation project at www.seattle.gov/arena.

Thank you for your patience!

SDOT Blog Department of Transportation

Here’s what you can expect:

Want more information?

W E D. A U G 7

T H U R. A U G 8

F R I. A U G 9

S A T. A U G 10

S U N. A U G 11

You could be the next awesome thing that’s happened for Seattle’s transportation!

TAB members are passionate about transit & serious about ensuring projects & programs are equitable & inclusive of all people.

We’re committed to diversity on City boards & commissions.

Do you picture yourself committing to strategic leadership in public transit?

What moves you this upcoming 4th of July weekend? Below are some Independence Day events in Seattle!

Check to see if your bus is being rerouted.

Feeling a bit deterred by those event attendance estimates?

Remember to not drive impaired this holiday weekend.

We’re wrapping up #RideTransit Month for June 2019, and what better way to celebrate than with a Seattle Storm basketball game?!

We’ll see you at 7 PM at the Alaska Airlines Arena.

We’re reaching the end of June and Ride Transit Month!

Carpool Permits

Solo Driver Parking Permits

ORCA Lift qualified transit riders

Apply for a permit here! Here’s what you need to do:

Sign up for updates and find more information.

Here’s what you can expect:

Want more information?