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A Vibrant Seattle Through Transportation Excellence.

Start Your New Year’s Resolution Early: Talk to Your Employer About Commute Options.

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The words “Seattle Squeeze” are buzzing around the region.

Beginning with WSDOT’s permanent closure of the Alaska Way Viaduct on January 11 and continuing over the next three years, Seattle is entering a new era of tough traffic. Private and public megaprojects will continue to reduce capacity on our City streets and contribute to gridlock. We’ll all have to adjust to a new normal in and around downtown Seattle.

 

For many people who work downtown, this period will be particularly challenging and quite honestly, frustrating.

We’re entering a new era of really tough traffic. To help our region get through one of its toughest periods, we’re working together with partnering transportation agencies and organizations to reduce congestion during this challenging period and limit the impact on commuters and businesses.

 

Start your New Year’s resolution early. #GetReady

We’re approaching the new year. If this doesn’t sound the alarm for you, it should, because come January 11, 2019, we’ll witness history in the making with the final closure of the WA State Department of Transportation’s (WSDOT) State Route (SR) 99 Alaskan Way Viaduct (you know, that elevated structure along the Seattle waterfront) as one of the first big steps to realigning SR 99 to the new SR 99 tunnel. While all this is underway, travel patterns will change with people moving over to I-5, local downtown surface streets, and Alaskan Way, and we all know what this means:

TRAF-FIC /’trafik/

Cars and buses in downtown Seattle.

Some of you have the power to decide how difficult this period will be: ☝️☝️ or 👇👇

Woman drinking coffee in front of her window while looking at her computer.

Collectively, our commute choices will determine whether Seattle’s transportation system keeps moving. Every trip reduced or shifted off-peak, particularly vehicle trips, will help reduce congestion during the weeks of the viaduct closure and associated construction impacts. While your transportation agencies and partners work hard to mitigate the impacts of the closure, a partnership with the private sector is key to maximizing those efforts.

 

Employers have a significant influence on mobility choices…

…based on the policies, education, and incentives included in the employee transportation programs.

 

Every business – big or small – can help reduce traffic congestion during this time by encouraging their employees to make good choices.

 

To assist, Commute Seattle, (a nonprofit Transportation Management Association funded by the Downtown Seattle Association, yours truly (SDOT), King County Metro, and Sound Transit), will be providing free, personalized tools for Seattle-area employers to plan ahead for the #SeattleSqueeze.

Phone, tablet, laptop, and desktop computer.

Seattle employers have options.

Seattle employers of all sizes have a range of options to help their employees stay informed and make good travel choices.

 

Implement a Flex-work policy.

Implementing a flex-work policy and encouraging employees to take advantage of remote work and flexible scheduling options can improve employee well-being and productivity while reducing vehicle trips to and through downtown.

 

Support sustainable choices.

For those who are able, biking and walking are easy, sustainable ways to reduce traffic impacts for part or all your commute trip, and employers can support these choices through flexible scheduling, bicycle storage, and shower facilities.

 

Invest in commuter benefits.

Investing in commuter benefits such as ORCA Business Passport makes transit an easier and more affordable option for employees, and helping staff members share their commute trips by establishing vanpool and carpool programs can be a great alternative for those who need to drive.

 

Need some success stories? We’ve got ‘em!

We’ve seen some pretty sweet success stories from employer efforts over the years, whether through our Commute Trip Reduction (CTR) program or other business support efforts. Several Seattle employers have illustrated how employees can be flexible if their worksite embraces travel choices and provides the right support.

 

The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation:

The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, located in Uptown, provides 100% subsidized transit, Monorail, and Vanpool/Van share commutes, as well as secure bike parking and HOV priority parking, resulting in over 65% of employees choosing commute modes other than driving alone.

 

Tableau:

Tableau, a software company in Fremont, has fostered a grassroots movement of employees who track their commutes and compete for most miles and days logged using alternatives to driving alone, encouraging employees to try new modes and building a sense of community around these options.

 

Let’s learn from our experience. 

We’ve seen it in the past with major closures – commute times will increase throughout the region. Peak commute hours will start earlier and end later, and in some cases, morning commute times will more than double.

If they can, employers should urge employees to avoid trips during these busy hours, whether by shifting their schedule or compressing their work week. Staying flexible is the best way to reduce congestion on our roadways and will help employees stay productive and engaged.

With early planning and the correct tools, Seattle employers can reduce employee stress and lessen traffic congestion, keeping their business thriving. And remember, at the other end of the tunnel (literally and figuratively) there’s a better transportation system waiting for Seattle!

 

Contact Commute Seattle, today! #GetReadyNow

Commute Seattle is standing by to provide free assistance to your Seattle businesses, creating a personalized action plan tailored to your company’s individual needs. Contact us today at SR99@commuteseattle.com or visit our website at www.commuteseattle.com/SR99 to get started!

Commute Seattle is also offering a Flexwork Open House on Wednesday, November 28 from 11 AM – 12:30 PM to help Seattle employers learn more about flexwork solutions. Learn more and register here!

 

Other things you can do.

Man looking at phone while sitting down.

Stay informed. Visit our new website, www.seattle.gov/traffic, for all of the information and resources you need to get around during the #SeattleSqueeze. For detailed information about the Alaskan Way Viaduct closure, new SR 99 tunnel, and SR 99 tolling, visit WSDOT’s website.

 

Plan your trip. We’re providing real-time construction and traffic information with popular navigation technologies: Google Maps, Waze, and TomTom. But try transit, ride a bike, form a carpool, or walk.

 

Spread the word. Share this information with your customers, delivery and service providers, and neighbors.

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#SeattleSqueeze online resource: seattle.gov/traffic

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You’ve heard it: How you get around is changing. But you’ve also heard that a souped-up website for all things Period of Maximum Constraint (now #SeattleSqueeze) was coming. Well, guess what? It’s here; it’s finally here! To help you prepare for Seattle’s era of tough traffic over the next five years, we’ve worked together with city transportation partners and organizations to bring you the newest one-stop resource during what we’re hashtagging as the #SeattleSqueeze.

 

Go ahead and click it. 👇👇👇

So how exactly will this innovative site work? The information on the site will evolve over time because after WSDOT’s January 11, three-week closure of SR 99 downtown to #Realign99, many – many – many more projects will follow and this website will be your go-to for:

 

  • Current traffic times to neighborhoods across Seattle.
  • Projected travel times 45 mins from now.
  • Apps, maps, and more.
  • Popular questions answered.
  • Partner resources.
  • Signing up for alerts. You’ll have the option to subscribe to traffic alerts for YOUR commute. That’s right, get the latest travel times, tips, and suggestions for your commute with 2x a day traffic alerts to neighborhood corridors so you can plan ahead.

 

Take a self-guided tour! Visit seattle.gov/traffic and subscribe to alerts. #GetReady #SeattleSqueeze

 

 

Details about the seattle.gov/traffic website on our November 16, blog.

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More good news for the Year 3 Seattle Transportation Benefit District Performance Report.

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Thanks to service improvements funded by the Seattle Transportation Benefit District, transit availability and access is growing – and access to transit is at an all-time high in Seattle.

As we continue to do even more to expand access to affordable transit in Seattle, we are already seeing critical advances to improve coverage and access to the 10-minute network is showing great results!

 

2/3 of Seattle households are 10-minutes from 10-minute-service!

The performance report shows transit availability and access continues to improve, with 67 percent of Seattle households now within a 10-minute walk from 10-minute service — up from 25 percent when the effort began.

So exactly what is the Seattle Transportation Benefit District?

Here’s a little background…

In 2014, Seattle voters approved the Seattle Transportation Benefit District Proposition 1 (STBD) to fund the purchase of increased King County Metro Transit (Metro) service and additional transit programs for Seattle residents. Each year, SDOT issues a report on how these voter-approved investments are improving Seattle’s transportation system. This year’s 3rd annual STBD performance evaluation marks the halfway point of the Prop 1 funding measure, which includes a $60 vehicle license fee and 0.1 percent sales tax increase to generate about $50 million annually to improve transit availability and access.

 

Here’s where your tax dollars go.

The largest portion of STBD expenditures goes to transit service on routes traveling to, through, and from Seattle.

 

STBD recent scope change means even more transit opportunity.

In 2018, Seattle City Council approved a change to the STBD scope, providing more flexibility and tools, including the ORCA Opportunity proposal from Mayor Jenny A. Durkan.

 

Added capacity and additional weekly trips across Seattle!

 

 

Get more information from the report!

The Seattle Transportation Benefit District Year 3 Performance Report outlines Seattle’s commitment to transit service, summarizes the transit investments to date, program performance, and describes the Transportation Equity-related programs of Youth ORCA, ORCA LIFT, and the Vehicle License Fee Rebate.

Additional information about Year 3 Performance is available at http://www.seattle.gov/transit.

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If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like driving a 60-foot-long articulated Metro bus, you’re not alone.

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King County Metro’s 3,000 drivers make it look easy. They’re master curb huggers and their turning radius down sometimes busy and narrow streets in Seattle and across King County is on point! To get a better sense of the widths and turning radius of buses, our team at the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) got together with Metro’s safety and training sections to go for a spin.

 

A new perspective from the driver’s seat.

Bus driving takes some serious skills. We have a new perspective on driving a bus compared to a car! This gave our team a better sense of the experience from the driver’s seat, what it takes to navigate a bus, and how much room it takes to do it well and safely. With this first-hand knowledge, our team now feels like they can better plan future bus lanes across the city, from helping create new bus stops, bus-only lanes, to planning street improvements for route changes to serve customers better.

Seattle has 27.5 miles of dedicated bus lanes and transit priority signals at 60 intersections. As we expand this network, it helps move people better as the city and region grow.

 

To all the Metro drivers: Thank you!

Next time you see your Metro driver, be sure to thank them!

Stay connected – follow us!

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Rally & March Impact Afternoon Commute in Downtown Seattle | Thursday, November 8

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Heads up if you’re travelling downtown during rush hour this afternoon, Thursday, November 8, especially around 5 PM. A coalition of groups will be holding a rally and march regarding the dismissal of former Attorney General Jeff Sessions, in coordination with a series of rallies at the 5 PM hour across the country.

  • 5 PM – 8 PM event includes march from Cal Anderson Park to Henry M Jackson Federal Courthouse.
  • General route is westbound on Pine St to southbound on 2nd Ave.
  • Estimated attendance is ~5,000; this is an estimate and may vary.
  • Protest is expected to be peaceful; organizers are working with the Seattle Police Department.

Information for travelers.

March route for protest – 1.6 miles

Expected Impacts to Downtown Core:

We expect impacts to the downtown core during the afternoon rush hour, as the march progresses. These impacts begin at approximately 5:30 PM today.

  • E Pine St cross-streets, Broadway to 2nd Ave | Rolling closures as march progresses, starting from north to south along Pine, then onto 2nd.  Length of closures dependent on event attendance numbers.
  • 2nd Ave at University or Seneca | Closed for an extended period after the group arrives at the Federal Building, until the rally disperses sometime after 7:30 PM.
  • Downtown Seattle Transit Tunnel | Metro and Sound Transit bus routes 41, 74, 101, 102, 150, 255 and ST Express 550 will not be operating in the tunnel from 5:30 PM to 6:15 PM, utilizing their surface street routing instead, available online. This is subject to change depending on conditions. Capitol Hill and Second Avenue bus routes also are subject to reroutes due to street closures. Sign up for transit alerts and follow @kcmetrobus for updates.

 

Other Impacts:

The Sounders MLS Cup Playoffs at CenturyLink Field game is tonight! Kick-off at 7:30 PM. Estimated attendance: 40,000. If you’re planning on attending the game, please plan ahead and expect impacts to your travel time.

 

Stay informed.

We are working closely with our partners at the Seattle Police Department and our other City departments to make sure safety and mobility are maintained during the event. For live updates and other helpful information, please visit:

SDOTtraffic TWITTER

SDOT TWITTER

SEATTLE POLICE TWITTER

 

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Plan your trip, get bus and train info, and buy transit tickets on the GO! 

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Image by King County Metro Transit GO program.

Do you know there’s an app for that…Transit, that is? 

We’re kicking this off with a couple of #SeattleDidYouKnow (s):

 

#SeattleDidYouKnow

Back in September, we added over 300 bus trips each week on popular bus routes across Seattle, including 32 trips during the weekday’s busiest times to help alleviate crowded bus routes?

 

#SeattleDidYouKnow

The days of not having exact change, cash, or an ORCA card to hop on a bus are long gone? King County Metro has made getting on and off a bus super easy with their KC Metro Transit GO Ticket mobile app. Use your smartphone to buy your bus, rail, or water taxi ticket. Get your tickets electronically in an instant! Like cash, you can use your Transit GO Ticket to transfer to/from any Metro bus for up to 2 hours – from the time you activate your ticket.

 

Using the Transit GO Ticket app is so easy.

 

Ready to board? Do this.

 

  1. Download the app.
  2. Enter a credit or debit card for payment.
  3. Boom – you’re good to Transit GO!

 

Pro tip? You can also buy tickets through Metro’s “Marketplace” site on your PC or desktop, and select, “Save to phone” or to the cloud.  When you’re ready, activate the ticket on your mobile device.

 

Part of a greater story.

We’re proactively adding bus trips on routes that’ll be impacted when the SR 99 Alaskan Way Viaduct closes on January 11, 2019. As the roadways become more congested, added transit service will be necessary to move people efficiently through the limited roadway space.

To help relieve some of the downtown travel pressure, we’ve invested in projects and programs to ease the traffic constraints in the next five years. Learn more about the Period of Maximum Constraint here.

 

 

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How you get around Seattle is changing. #GetReady #Realign99

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Alaskan Way Viaduct + Waterfront + Ferries + Coleman Dock + Elliot Bay + Downtown Seattle

If you’ve not noticed our traffic patterns changing already, you’re going to notice very soon. Starting January 11, 2019, the Puget Sound region will experience the longest closure of a major highway it has ever experienced.

(In addition, there are more than 65 construction cranes dotting our skyline and work is expected to intensify over the coming months.)

The time has come as Seattle prepares to bid its final farewell to the seismically vulnerable and aged SR 99 Alaskan Way Viaduct (the elevated portion of the highway next to the waterfront). On January 11, 2019, the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) will permanently close the Alaskan Way Viaduct in preparation for opening the new SR 99 tunnel in early February that will offer a direct route for drivers to get through downtown Seattle from the stadiums to the Space Needle.

Alaskan Way Viaduct through downtown Seattle. Circa 1972. Item 169335, Forward Thrust Photographs (Record Series 5804-04), Seattle Municipal Archives.

This means that once the viaduct closes in January, the days of traffic entering the viaduct from downtown’s Columbia Street and exiting the viaduct from Seneca Street will end. Instead, traffic will enter and exit the new tunnel in South Lake Union and SODO. During the three-week closure, both the elevated highway and Battery Street Tunnel (see our Extras section below for a drive through Battery Street Tunnel) will be closed so that WSDOT can realign the highway into the new SR 99 tunnel. See the diagram below, courtesy of WSDOT.

Image courtesy of WSDOT.

“While we’re excited about the opening of the SR 99 tunnel, it’s important to remember that this is ultimately a safety project, not a congestion-relief project.” – WSDOT

 

Adjusting to a major closure, new openings, tolls, and another route option.

When the new tunnel opens (it will initially be toll-free), drivers will have to readjust their travel from the closure to the newly opened tunnel route through and under downtown. Then, as soon as the summer of 2019, the tunnel will be tolled. WSDOT predicts that traffic patterns will shift again after the tunnel is tolled – they expect a drop in tunnel traffic as seen from patterns on the tolled SR 520 Bridge and other toll roads in the U.S. Some drivers may use other routes (I-5, Alaskan Way, or local downtown streets) until they realize the value (toll will be within the range of $1-2.25) of time saved by using the much quicker tunnel route. Traffic will make is final adjustments when the new future Alaskan Way surface street improvements are completed in 2021 when drivers will have another option through downtown.

 

“Much like a weather forecast, these traffic projections aren’t an absolute certainty but they do give us a glimpse into how traffic patterns may change over time. These projections are our best attempts to predict what people may choose to do based on a model of an extremely complex and constantly changing system.” – WSDOT

 

It’s time to #GetReady.

Traffic will get worse before it gets better. Region-wide traffic disruptions will be unavoidable. We’re working closely with local and regional transit partners, like King County Metro, Sound Transit, the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) and the Downtown Seattle Association on ways to help you get around downtown as safely and efficiently as possible during this transition. The City has prioritized five downtown mobility strategies to help:

 

  • Transportation system monitoring and managing real-time traffic operations.
  • Reducing drive-alone trips downtown.
  • Investing in transit to meet demand and expand access.
  • Managing construction projects in the public right-of-way.
  • Coordinating regional communications. COMING SOON: seattleconnection.org

 

With these five strategies, here’s how we’re responding to the permanent viaduct closure:

The City of Seattle cannot make mobility changes alone and are commissioning the traveling public to help reduce daily downtown Seattle trips by 1,200 in 2018 and 3,000 in 2019. There is no better time than now to #GetReady.

 

Stay informed. Follow the SDOT’s and WSDOT’s Twitter channels, blogs, and available online tools.

 

 

 

Plan your trip. We’re providing real-time construction and traffic information with popular navigation technologies: Google Maps, Waze, and TomTom. But try transit, ride a bike, form a carpool, or walk.

 

Figure out a flexible work plan. Help employees plan for a flexible work plan. Contact Commute Seattle who is offering free consultation for businesses. Commute Seattle fosters mobility partnerships and services. Through education, advocacy, training, and consulting, Commute Seattle is helping create a transit-supportive business culture to ensure that commuters enjoy commuter benefits and amenities.

 

Spread the word. Share this information with your customers, delivery and service providers, and neighbors.

 

Website coming soon!

Keep a lookout in November 2018 – we’re launching a new website for all your #PeriodofMaximumConstraint information and resources. For detailed information about the Alaskan Way Viaduct closure, new SR 99 tunnel, and SR 99 tolling, visit the WSDOT source.

 

Extras

Take a drive through the Battery Street Tunnel with us. After January 11, 2019, closure, you will no longer be able to drive through it.

Video: In the Battery Street Tunnel

 

 

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What’s Moving Seattle | This Week

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This week got off to a slow rainy start, then nearly blew us away!  Things get rolling by Thursday, with Jay-Z and Beyonce’; basketball; R-Day; and a tail of the Regatta!

 

Wednesday, October 3

Late morning text test – Tomorrow you may receive a text related to a national test of the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System, the Wireless Emergency Alert System, and the Emergency Alert System. It’s only a test…

 

Thursday, October 4

Image courtesy of CenturyLink Field | http://www.centurylinkfield.com

Jay-Z and Beyoncé concert at CenturyLink Field –  7:30 PM – 11 PM;  Estimated attendance: 50,000.

 

Friday, October 5

Image courtesy of KeyArena | www.keyarena.com

NBA Champion Golden State Warriors vs. Sacramento Kings at KeyArena – Pre-season game 7:30 PM – 10 PM.  Estimated attendance: 12,000.

 

Saturday, October 6

Image courtesy of Georgetown Merchants Association | georgetownmerchants.org

R-Day: This outdoor community celebration of music, art, and beer will close Airport Way S, 13th Ave S to Corson Ave S, for 24 hours (12:01 AM to 11:59 PM).  Event hours are 4 PM – 11 PM.  Estimated attendance: 3,000.

 

 

Sunday, October 7

Image from 2012 HNA Crew video: Tail of the Lake Course Guide | vimeo.com/50027253

Tail of the Lake Regatta on Seattle’s Lake Union – Rowing event 7:30 AM – 12:30 PM.  Spectators may watch from Gas Works Park.  Event Estimated attendance: 1,200.

Seattle Seahawks vs. LA Rams at CenturyLink Field.  Kickoff: 1:25 PM.  Estimated attendance: 67,000.

Double Tenth Flag Raising and Parade: Event to celebrate the national day of Republic of China Taiwan.  Flag raising ceremony at Hing Hay Park followed by community parade.  Event hours: 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM.  Estimated attendance: 350.

Chris Cornell Statue Unveiling at MoPOP: A public unveiling of a commemorative statue outside MoPOP will celebrate Seattle singer/songwriter Chris Cornell. The event closes 5th Ave N between Mercer St and Broad St, 4 PM – 7 PM.  Event hours are 5 PM – 8 PM.  Estimated attendance: 1,000.

 

Construction updates…

Adding to our On the Move advisories…

  • October 6 – 7: Fairview Ave N SB closed for sewer work, Thomas St to Denny Way, 7 AM – 7 PM.
  • October 7: 9th Ave/Pike St Express Ramp, NB and SB, closed for Washington State Convention Center layover, 9 PM – 4 AM.

 

In the pipeline…

October 12 – 15: SR 99 SB closed, S end of Battery St tunnel to S Spokane St, Fri 9 PM – Mon 5 AM.

October 12 – 15: NB I-5 reduced to 2 lanes from MLK to Olive Way, Fri 8 PM – Mon 5 AM.

October 19 – 22: SR 99 fully closed, West Seattle Bridge to Battery St tunnel, Fri 9 PM – Mon 5 AM.

 

Start making your plan!

WSDOT image | Alaskan Way Viaduct Replacement Program

Early 2019 kicks off with a planned 3-week SR 99 closure. Learn more here and be prepared for the ‘during’ and the ‘after’!

 

Other info…

 

Contact us!

__________________________

Resources:

SDOT’s Traveler’s Map

Know before you go. Use the map controls to see real-time traffic, travel times, camera footage, if a bridge is up or down, and if a railroad crossing is open or closed – select by neighborhood if you choose.

 

Follow us!

Follow us for breaking news, real-time traffic, project updates, events, surveys, policy, advisories, blogs, & more.

 

Alert Seattle

Sign up for ALERT SEATTLE, WSDOT, and Metro Alerts. AlertSeattle is the official emergency notification system used by the City of Seattle to communicate with city residents during emergencies. Sign up now to receive free alerts from the City via text message, email, voice message or social media.

 

King County’s Get Ready website

There’s no way around it—getting around Seattle is going to be tricky during the SR 99 closure. Expect traffic delays and be prepared for full buses during peak travel times. Check out the travel options below that can help you get around in anticipation of the new SR 99 tunnel opening.

 

Commute Seattle’s Employer Resources

For over 10 years, Commute Seattle has helped Seattle businesses of all sizes unlock their potential and empower employees to utilize convenient, affordable, and sustainable transportation options.

 

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Join the Seattle Transit Advisory Board!

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Would you or someone you know like to influence issues such as commuter access to frequent transit; transit access for low-income residents; Seattle transit investments; and future RapidRide lines? You can, as a member of the Transit Advisory Board.

 

Would you like input on transit strategies during the so-called period of maximum constraint? Do you want to have a say in the future of Seattle’s mass transit, bringing your experiences or representing others? Join the Transit Advisory Board. One monthly meeting gets you up close and involved.

 

Influence public transportation!

The Transit Advisory Board (TAB) is accepting applications through Friday, October 12, for new members, an extension of the original deadline to help ensure the word gets out.

The volunteer board plays an important role in advising the City of Seattle on decisions regarding transit and other forms of public transportation. The TAB’s recommendations go to the Mayor and City Council and the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT), to name some partners in this space.

 

Board members serve a two-year term, with opportunities for re-appointment, and attend a meeting on the fourth Wednesday of every month, 6 – 8 PM at Seattle City Hall.

TAB members can be representatives of any of the following:

  • 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

 

Here’s how you can apply!

Please submit a statement of interest (cover letter) and resume (or equivalent information) by Friday, October 12, 2018!

Email: TransitBoard@seattle.gov | subject line: “TAB Recruitment”

Mail:

Benjamin Smith
ATTN: TAB Recruitment
Seattle Department of Transportation
P.O Box 34966
Seattle, Washington 98124-4996

We’re committed to promoting diversity in the City’s boards and commissions. People of color, immigrants or refugees, youth, seniors, persons with disabilities, and sexual and gender minorities are encouraged to apply.

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Join the Convo! 3 Neighborhoods that will soon be better connected by Link light rail in 2021!

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Capitol Hill Station Opening Day, March 19, 2016

By now, most of you know that how you get around downtown Seattle is rapidly changing.

We’ve made investments around the city to help you get around and for many travelers, the time is now to adjust and adapt to the new normal.

The University District (U District) is no different. This urban center adjacent to the University of Washington is seeing investments that will change how people get to and from the neighborhood – including the opening of a new Link Light Rail station in 2021.

 

To assist residents and commuters, as well as a focus on small business support, U District, Let’s Go! connects people working, living, and visiting the U District with transportation resources and assistance so that they can navigate and leverage the increased economic capacity and growth brought by light rail.

 

“I’ve heard a lot over this past year,” says Miriam Castro, U District, Let’s Go! Program Manager. “I’ve heard people’s excitement for Link light rail and the opportunities it will bring; I’ve also heard uncertainty around how the neighborhood might change.”

 

The value of shared insights – because we’re in it together.

Image by rachelsgingerbeer.com

Earlier this year at the recent U District, Let’s Go!‘s (UDLG) Transit Talk, Rachel Marshall, co-founder of Rachel’s Ginger Beer (and two small businesses near the Capitol Hill Link light rail station), shared her insights on what she learned when her neighborhood was preparing for the light rail, one of which was the value of looking at what other neighborhoods are doing. Connecting, talking, and learning from each other is what is inspiring the next U District, Let’s Go! Transit Talk, We’re in it Together, on October 4, at 6:30 PM at the Urban Luxe Café.

 

We’re in it Together is the convening of three neighborhoods, U District, Roosevelt, and Northgate that will soon be better connected by Link light rail in 2021.

 

“I’ve seen several examples of how organizations have stayed ahead of changes and have heard a lot of great ideas too,” said Castro.

 

The Transit Talk is a way for these neighborhoods to showcase what they are working on, what concerns they have, and maybe get a few interested volunteers.

 

What’s happening in the next two years.

Representatives from neighborhood organizations and from public agencies like King County Metro Transit and Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) will talk about what lies ahead in the next two years and beyond. Another goal is to learn about upcoming transportation projects associated with the light rail station opening, discuss changes these neighborhoods can expect between now and 2021, and how community stakeholders can engage in getting ready for these three new light rail stations.

The event will be moderated by Miranda Redinger, a Senior Planner with the City of Shoreline who spent four years planning for two light rail stations that will be operational in 2024, and also a resident of Northgate. When asked about her role in the evening, she replied,

“I understand how the process can be frustrating for the public and public agencies alike, especially with regard to the effectiveness of public input. Timelines and budgets are outside of how households plan, and transportation and land-use planning can seem counter-intuitive to people, but there are ways that residents can leverage this regional investment to improve their neighborhoods.”

 

Redinger and Castro hope that the event will help attendees gain valuable information, inspire creativity, and bring meaningful dialogue on how communities can engage with each other and with public agencies.

 

“Our three neighborhoods are about to get closer, we should start talking now,” said Castro.

 

Join the convo! RSVP.

 

Let’s learn from our collective creativity! Save your seat and engage with the entire line up of speakers. RSVP.

 

U District, Let’s Go! is a collaboration with Transportation Choices Coalition, Seattle Department of Transportation and U District Partnership, supported by a WSDOT project using Congestion Mitigation & Air Quality (CMAQ) funds.

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