The view from above #Realign99.

January 31, 2019 by Jeanne Clark

Image credit: Chun Kwan. Sunset on our beautiful city. Also pictured the SR 99 Alaskan Way Viaduct 2019.

Aerial images captured by one of our own.

This picture of the fading sunlight over Seattle’s cityscape seems appropriate for us as we sunset a part of Seattle’s history (#GoodbyeViaduct, we will miss you) and prepare for the present/future (hello, #99Tunnel) in the coming days. This is truly a new season of thriving changes for our beautiful city and we wanted to pay tribute by pictures to a structure that helped people and goods get to and through Seattle for the last 65 years-ish.

One of our colleagues, Chun Kwan, apparently moonlights as a stellar drone photographer 😉 JK, Chun, JK. He captured these photos to help document the history at play here, and in doing so, remind us (not that we need the reminder) of the beautiful place we call home.

Meet Chun Kwan.

Image credit: Chun Kwan. SR 99 Alaskan Way Viaduct 2019. Looking north.

By day, Chun is a supervisor in our Traffic Data and Records team, part of our Transportation Operations Division. The team collects and archives a variety of traffic data, including vehicle and bicycle counts. He’s been with SDOT just under a year and a half. His favorite part of working here? Being able to collaborate in a fun, supportive, and productive environment with teammates of diverse backgrounds in delivering the traffic data that powers decisions for the future of our City’s multimodal transportation network. 👏

Image credit: Chun Kwan. SR 99 Alaskan Way Viaduct 2019.

Chun has been into photography for the past 15+ years, starting with point and shoots, working his way up to large DSLRs, and using a drone to take the amazing photos highlighted in this post. His work life is inundated with data that he and others at here use to make good decisions. And while he often pre-plans his photo shoots using data and weather forecasts, he says that when it comes to photography, sometimes the best opportunities can present themselves spontaneously.

Image credit: Chun Kwan.

FYI, Chun’s been getting to and from work before and during the #SeattleSqueeze via transit (not drone).

#GoodbyeViaduct, hello waterfront and #99Tunnel!

Source: Waterfront Seattle via https://waterfrontseattle.org/overlook-walk

Now that you’ve seen all these awesome overhead shots, imagine what this view will look like (from above, and more importantly, from street level) once the viaduct comes down and the reimagined waterfront takes shape.

The struggle (of the Squeeze) is real. Making it through the construction and disruptions over the next several years will be challenging, but over the past few weeks, we’ve seen what regional teamwork can do – people made changes and those changes added up. Keep it up and let’s not forget the amazing changes yet to come.

Source: Waterfront Seattle via https://waterfrontseattle.org/overlook-walk

For additional tools, tips, and resources about the #SeattleSqueeze, visit our website!

#GoodbyeViaduct – Hello, SR #99Tunnel! Here’s what you need to know.

January 29, 2019 by Jeanne Clark

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.

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.

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

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!

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.

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!

Quick #SeattleSqueeze tip: Disperse!

January 28, 2019 by SDOT

#SeattleSqueeze Tip: Disperse!

Hello, week 3 of the #Realign99 closure and the #SeattleSqueeze! And thanks to you all for continuing to be nimble and patient as we move through this together.

We’re on the home stretch of the SR 99 closure before the new tunnel opens below downtown Seattle, and we need everyone to keep doing what you’re doing and if you can continue your new commute changes beyond the SR 99 closure throughout the Seattle Squeeze, please do!

…

Things are under pressure.

One thing we’ve been noticing (and if you’re out on the roads, you’re probably seeing this too) is greater backups where folks are trying to get from downtown city streets onto I-5 and from 1-5 to downtown. Those ramps are feeling the pressure.

…

Help relieve the pressure: disperse!

No, not like this (because we can’t). The best way to relieve this pressure is:

To not be in your car if you don’t have to be.
Take an alternate mode like the bus, walk, bike, carpool, rideshare, water taxi, light rail – the possibilities abound! Check out our Tools to Plan Ahead page on our Seattle Traffic website, your resource for the latest information during the #SeattleSqueeze.
Time your trip differently if you can. If you are able to shift your trip and avoid coming to or through downtown Seattle during the peak commute hours (6 – 9 AM and 3-7 PM), that helps relieve pressure on our transportation system, freeing up space for those who can’t shift their hours.

…

If you need to drive.

But if you do need to drive during peak commute times, our best tips for you are:

Take a deep breath – mindfulness for the win! Harvard Business Review has some great tips for practicing mindfulness during your car commute.
DISPERSE! (more on this one below).

Instead of trying to get on or off of I-5 where everyone else is (ahem, Spring St southbound entrance), try another ramp. Head a bit north or south of where you might normally try to get onto the freeway to help spread out car traffic and relieve that pressure on our system.

…

Wondering where you should go instead?

Check out WSDOT’s map of I-5 on and off ramps. Here’s a closer look downtown:

And here’s the view a little further south.

…

Know before you go.

Even before you decide to hit the road, checking out current traffic conditions will help you plan ahead and avoid any major incidents.

Check city streets:

For a look at current traffic conditions on city streets, use our handy dandy Travelers’ Map. This awesome map shows traffic cameras across the city so that you can see what traffic looks like in real time!

Check the highways:

WSDOT’s Seattle Area Traffic and Cameras webpage provide info on incidents and other impacts to major highways through Seattle, as well as traffic camera information. (Psst: If you’re on mobile, you can also download the WSDOT app!)

WSDOT Map — WSDOT Seattle Area Traffic Map

Thanks again for stepping up during the Seattle Squeeze. Remember: plan ahead, try a different ramp if you’re entering I-5 downtown, and stay patient and flexible. We’re getting through this together!

You ask, we build! Help prioritize community projects.

January 28, 2019 by SDOT

Through our Neighborhood Street Fund (NSF) program, community members can now prioritize transportation-related projects in their neighborhood – you ask, we build! The program is funded through the voter-approved Levy to Move Seattle. Each NSF round involves four phases, the first of which took place this past fall.

So. Many. Ideas!

We received more than 300 project submissions from across the city (map below shows them all). From crossing improvements, to new signal requests, new sidewalks, traffic calming, ideas for new festival streets and more – thank you for taking the time to work with your neighbors and come up with these ideas!

Help prioritize

via GIPHY

Nothing like the sage advice of the Gilmore Girls. Now it’s time to prioritize all these great ideas! Mark your calendars: now through February 22, you can rank projects proposed in your district, either on the internets or in-person.

Share your feedback 👉👉 ONLINE

Or, come to a meeting

Prefer to do things in person? We’re hosting 14 meetings across the city during this time – check out our webpage or FB events for specific dates, times, and locations.

Each meeting will begin with a presentation of all the projects proposed in the hosting district. You’ll get a score card where you can rank your top projects and submit to SDOT staff. Top-ranked projects will proceed to the voting phase in spring 2019.

3 Tips for scoring:

Plan ahead: if you’ll be joining a community meeting, plan accordingly to arrive no later than the meeting start time.
Do your research: check out the in-depth project proposals. Get to know the projects proposed in your district before you head to a meeting or score online.
Share: invite friends, family, and neighbors to participate, even if they live in a different district.

What’s next?

After this prioritization phase, you’ll have a chance to vote this spring. Come summer, we’ll have a final list of projects, to be constructed starting in 2021.

The NSF process – you ask, prioritize, vote – and we build!

Questions?

If you have questions or need additional translated material, please connect with our NSF team at nsf@seattle.gov or (206) 733-9361.

Stay in your lane + out of the box.

January 24, 2019 by SDOT

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: 3^rd 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!

Your commutes are awesome. Keep it up!

January 23, 2019 by SDOT

No, YOU’RE the best!

Seattle, you really are the best – we’re working together as a region to get through this era of tough traffic and everyone pulling together to adjust their commute is inspiring! We’re well into week 2 of the #SeattleSqueeze, and in addition to saying thank you (seriously, thank you!), we’re here to tell you: \

Keep. It. Up!

Traffic was rough this morning, especially with that rain. But the weather forecast is looking good as we inch closer to the weekend and even into next week. Knocking on wood over here. We’re hoping those sunny-ish skies will entice even more people to bike.

picture of weather forecast for week of Jan 23

Weather Underground tells us the sun is returning soon.

Be flexible (if you can)

Not everyone can do yoga like Gonzo. And not everyone can change their schedule or commute patterns, which is why it’s critical that anyone who does have that flexibility, keeps doing one (or more!) of the following as we continue:

Shift your schedule – come in earlier or later
Work from home – sweatpants for the win
Don’t drive alone – walk, bus, bike, carpool, water taxi, ferry (all the things)

We need to continue making these tweaks, otherwise, traffic will get worse for everyone. And nobody wants that.

Need some inspiration?

We’re loving the #mycommuteISawesome and #mycommuteWASawesome posts we’re seeing 😊 Here are a few recent highlights:

Shout out to our friends in the City’s Office of Sustainability and Environment. It’s like they know that 60% of greenhouse gas emissions in Seattle are from road transportation and they’re shifting trips for multiple reasons during the Squeeze #themoreyouknow 🌠🌠.

Our friends at OSE getting their teleworking on.

Thanks, @bonnevivante, for doing your part! You had us at ‘timely buses’ (and Tina Fey, of course).

On time buses + plenty of seats –> high fives.

@pkonthebike rode in the rain a few nights ago and enjoyed the art interruptions along the Rainier Valley neighborhood greenway.

Picture of tweet about bike ride home along neighborhood greenway with art

Enjoying public art on a bike ride home.

Check out @WAstateofmine’s hot tip. Patience pays off with a front row seat.

Picture of tweet about waiting for the next bus

Wait for the next bus and you shall reap many rewards.

Regardless of if you did or are doing (yeah, the hashtags are different tenses), let’s all keep doing! Remember, sunny days are literally ahead and there’s light at the end of the almost open tunnel.

THANK YOU, SEATTLE! Here’s a #SeattleSqueeze playlist just for you!

January 22, 2019 by Jeanne Clark

One week of changing your commute: COMPLETE!

We’re almost half way through the #Realign99 closure before the new SR 99 tunnel opens in February, and we want to extend a tubular tunnel THANK YOU, Seattle, for doing your part to keep things moving.

Over this last week, you’ve switched work schedules or days, rearranged your daily routine, started commuting via carpool or bus or bike, and you certainly all practiced patience.

…

Just like an 80’s mixtape.

Seattle, this playlist is supported by your’s truly: SDOT and the Office of Film and Music and celebrates our music industry and the people who live, work, shop and play in Seattle!

As a thank you for your efforts over the last week, we present to you, DJ Sharlese Metcalf’s #SeattleSqueeze Spotify playlist!

Curated by KEXP’s DJ Sharlese Metcalf, the diverse playlist highlights local artists, past and present, and showcases the Northwest’s range of musical talent. Metcalf currently serves as a member of the Seattle Music Commission, advising the City of Seattle on policy and issues important to Seattle’s music industry.

…

Keep on Squeez’n Seattle!

As we say hello to the new SR 99 tunnel, take the opportunity to get to know some local artists and queue up this playlist for your commute! Thanks again, Seattle, and keep squeezing. Listen to the #SeattleSqueeze playlist on Spotify here!

For all things #SeattleSqueeze, visit our website!

###

Here are the #SeattleSqueeze numbers you’ve been waiting for.

January 18, 2019 by Jeanne Clark

WSDOT Photo: View from the new SR 99 off-ramp near the stadiums.

One week down, Seattle.

We made it through our first week of the #SeattleSqueeze and the #Realign99 closure.

We’re making history and we think it’s important that you know this – that you, we, us, we’re all part of this epic Seattle transportation story. And whilst you’re sitting on the brand new Seattle waterfront in all its seaside people-watching glory, you’ll start to tell stories about the days when Seattle had a viaduct along the waterfront and how we, as a region, worked together to get through one of the longest closures of a major highway.

…

We’re still going!

Remember: keep up your new commutes! We still have over two weeks until the new SR 99 tunnel opens, and it is going to take everyone’s help to change your transportation habits so that we keep people and goods moving safely and efficiently during the Seattle Squeeze.

…

We’ve rallied. We’ve changed how we travel.

Many of us who travel to and from downtown Seattle made small to large changes that have resulted in some seriously incredible travel numbers. While many are taking to walking, biking, taking transit/ferries, and sharing rides, others who were able to worked away from their offices. All of our collective actions resulted in these fascinating numbers that we’re about to share with you.

Helping you get through this era of tough traffic are many people taking action behind the scenes. These are your City leaders and departments and partnering agencies and organizations who vigorously planned, anticipated, and are working together to create a unified transportation system that gets you where you need to go safely and efficiently at all times. As you read this, there are countless men and women working around the clock – many even while you sleep – to make sure the transportation system is moving.

…

Now, here are the stats.

What you’ve been waiting for: here are the latest transportation stats from the first week of the #SeattleSqueeze.

…

Seattle Department of Transportation

. BIKING .

The following bike counts reflect Saturday, January 12 to Wednesday, January 16. We took a look at our numbers from this time last year in 2018 and compared them to our numbers for 2019, and we’ve seen ridership numbers increase across the board! Please note that we are comparing this year’s Monday to last year’s Monday, which fell on Martin Luther King Jr Day, a major national holiday.

2nd Avenue

Fremont Bridge

Spokane Street Bridge

Thanks to everyone who is choosing to commute by bike during the #Realign99 closure. Keep it up!

Read our blog post about biking during the SR 99 closure here!

. BIKE SHARE .

Bike share is a popular option during the SR 99 closure!

Jump has expanded to over 800 available bikes as of today! Since launching in November 2018, they’ve seen an increase in weekly ridership, with over 2,600 rides during their first week of service and over 3,000 rides in the first week of January. Jump has expanded to cover all of West Seattle and South Seattle, and it is waiving the $1 unlock fee between January 11 and February 15.

Lime is expanding as well – they had over 4,500 bikes available as of today! Lime continues to cover all of Seattle and, starting January 9, has been offering $1 off all rides beginning in West Seattle with the promo code PMCLIME.

. MYTRIPS .

Curious about what City employees are doing to squeeeeeeze? Our City leaders are leading the way by creating alternative work guidelines and a telecommuting pilot for employees during the #Realign99 closure.

Over 56 percent of City employees and about 80 percent of our team who are located downtown have logged into MyTrips, the City’s commute tracking software. 15 percent of all employees are recording trips to the MyTrips Commute Calendar in January, up from 11 percent in November – December 2018. We’re working hard, just like you, to shift our commutes to keep traffic moving downtown!

…

WA State Department of Transportation

Read WSDOT’s Blog on their Alaskan Way Viaduct project website for the latest updates on the #Realign99 closure.

Follow WSDOT on Facebook and Twitter for the latest construction news!

…

King County Metro

Read King County Metro’s Blog, Metro Matters, for the latest updates on ridership numbers on King County Metro buses, water taxi, and carpool/vanpool users.

You can also follow King Country Metro on Facebook and Twitter!

…

Sound Transit

Read Sound Transit’s Blog, The Platform, for the latest updates on ridership numbers on Sound Transit buses, Link Light Rail, and Sounder Trains.

You can also follow Sound Transit on Facebook and Twitter!

…

Community Transit

Read Community Transit’s News Releases for the latest updates on ridership numbers on Snohomish County transit.

You can also follow Community Transit on Twitter or on their Community Transit Blog!

…

Want more info?

For information, tools, current traffic, and resources for all things #SeattleSqueeze, visit our website!

###

Choo-Choo, coming through! Keeping trains & traffic moving during the #Realign99 closure.

January 17, 2019 by Jeanne Clark

During the #Realign99 closure, making sure we keep people and goods moving safely is our number one priority. During the longest highway closure that the Puget Sound region has ever seen, we’re balancing many different forms of transportation, including people walking, biking, driving, or taking transit…

… And freight!

One of the forms of transportation that doesn’t get quite as much attention day-to-day is freight movement. Moving goods like food, automotive parts, fuel, building materials, and other supplies is important to our everyday lives (even if we usually don’t think much about it!).

BNSF Railway (one of the largest freight railroad networks in North America!) is required to provide service for the transportation of goods. This is regulated by federal safety and transportation laws. However, they are aware of how their trains can impact local traffic, and we have been working with them to plan ahead and prepare.

How trains moving during the #SeattleSqueeze?

In Seattle’s SoDo neighborhood at the BNSF Stacy Yard, BNSF moves stacked container trains that largely carry clothing, electronics, and other goods that we use on a daily basis. They are a 24/7 business, which means their trains travel at all hours of the day. Their goal is to safely and efficiently move freight and passenger trains across the transportation network, including in Seattle, as quickly as possible. In order to accommodate the #SeattleSqueeze, BNSF will be doing more overnight work, which we hope will help reduce the effect of trains on city traffic.

Fun fact: one stacked train (a train with two cars stacked on top of each other) can remove as many as 280 trucks from the street! That’s a LOT, and while it requires us all to be patient at railroad crossings while trains move through our city, remember that they’re carrying lots and lots of important materials that we use every day. Train traffic is a normal part of our transportation system, and they will continue to do their best to minimize impacts at intersections where railway lines cross roads.

Want more info?

We want to make sure that we provide as much notice as possible when unusual events occur that have a significant interruption to traffic. Regularly, we’ll be talking to BNSF to see if there are any unexpected issues that come up. Look for this information on our social media channels and on our website, www.seattle.gov/traffic.

Sometimes, this happens. We’ll do our best to give you as much warning as possible, but please prepare for delays as our railway partners work to move goods safely through our city.

Additionally, sometimes incidents can happen at any time with no warning at all! If this happens, we’ll work to get the word out as quickly as possible and help to reroute traffic in a timely manner. We want you to reach your next destination without too much delay! Again, please be patient if this occurs, and continue to monitor our Twitter accounts at @SeattleDOT and @SDOTTraffic for the latest traffic updates.

Better yet: we’ve curated a list of tweets from all of our regional transportation partners! Subscribe here to our Regional Traffic Updates list.

Please follow @BNSFRailway for updates.

For information on all things #SeattleSqueeze, visit our website!

###

WEEKEND EVENTS: #SeattleSqueeze Edition

January 17, 2019 by Jeanne Clark

Keyon Wilford Jr., 4, from Seattle, marched (with two signs) along with his grandmother. (Photo courtesy Neal McNamara/Patch) | https://www.seattlemlkcoalition.org/

It’s Friday eve and we wanted to give you an early heads up, as the second weekend of the #SeattleSqueeze nears. A couple large-scale events to be aware of – Womxn’s March and the 37^th Annual MLK Day Rally and March, plus some smaller ones that may impact commutes, including the YG Stay Dangerous Tour at WaMu Theater – despite that awesome title, we always advise people to stay safe. As we head into the holiday weekend, remember to plan ahead and please pack your patience as you get around town.

…

Westlake March & WaMu Theater Concert

Friday, January 18

Afternoon rally + march at Westlake Park (2-4 PM) – rally and march related to a previous officer shooting. Expect about 250 potential attendees. March route from Westlake Park to the Federal Courthouse via 4th –> Virginia –> 7th –> Stewart, and rally at the Federal Building.

YG Stay Dangerous Tour at WaMu Theater begins at 8 PM and should end by 11:30 PM. They’re estimating 7,000 concertgoers.

…

Womxn’s March on Seattle

Saturday, January 19

Image via KUOW’s Joshua McNichol’s, 2017 Womxn’s March

. Schedule .

9 AM Rally at Cal Anderson Park, followed by a march to Seattle Center

9:45 AM March to Seattle Center begins

11:30 AM Program and panels begin at Seattle Center

With the Squeeze in mind, event organizers have coordinated with city and county staff, as well as local businesses, to minimize the pain without lessening the impact of the march’s message. The rally will start earlier and be shorter than in the past.

Organizers are encouraging participants to arrive at Cal Anderson before 9 AM and to be prepared for a longer commute given the viaduct closure and the expected attendance (35,000 – 45,000 people). The event should wrap up by 1:30 PM. Organizers have created this Google map to show the 2.2-mile route from Capitol Hill through downtown to Seattle Center.

Image via Google Maps

. Street Closures .

Fully closed: Pine St from Broadway to 5^th Ave.

Rolling closure (as the march moves through) of 4^th Ave to Cedar, 5^th Ave, Harrison St, and Seattle Center.

Heads up, uniformed police officers will be at 4^th and Battery and 4^th and Stewart to accommodate any emergency responses.

. Getting There .

Take transit – light rail will drop you off at Cal Anderson!

Rideshare – use the designated drop-off zone on 12^th Ave between Olive and Howell.

Accessibility – an accessible drop-off location will be at the SW corner of Pine and Nagle Pl until 8:30 AM.

Check out all the event details at www.seattlewomxnmarchingforward.org.

…

Annual MLK Day Rally + March

Monday, January 21

Image credit: Seattle Times, from 2018 MLK Day March

The 37^th Annual MLK Day Rally and March event starts off with a series of workshops and speakers at Garfield High School focused on the goals of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr – defeating racism, poverty, and war. Yes. Yes. Yes.

. Activities .

9:30 – 10:50 AM Workshops at Garfield High School.

11 AM – 12:30 PM Rally in the gym.

12:30 PM March departs Garfield High School and heads to Westlake Park.

1:30 PM Rally at Westlake, followed by a community meal.

The march will go along 23^rd Ave, turning west at Union, north on 12^th Ave, then west on Pine, ending at Westlake Park.

If you’re planning to participate, plan ahead and consider carpooling, ridesharing, or taking transit – Metro routes 3, 4, and 48 will get you right to Garfield!

For more details, head to www.seattlemlkcoalition.org/.

…

City offices closed on Monday

Monday is a national holiday in observance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. While city offices will be closed, our Transportation Operations Center will be staffed and running to monitor the Squeeze. On-street parking will be free on Monday.

For all things #SeattleSqueeze, don’t forget to check out our website.

###

SDOT Blog Department of Transportation

Aerial images captured by one of our own.

Meet Chun Kwan.

#GoodbyeViaduct, hello waterfront and #99Tunnel!

2 weeks down, 1 to go until the new SR #99Tunnel opens!

However, it’s not “back to normal” when the #99tunnel opens.

What do you need to know?

Tunnel entrances & exits have changed.

Watch the ‘how to’ navigate the new tunnel videos.

Know about construction still underway.

What is the City doing?

Tracking traffic patterns.

24/7 Transportation Operations Center continues.

Dynamic messaging signs on key streets.

Don’t worry – we’re in this together!

This is just the beginning.

Keep it up, Seattle – we’re truly making lemonade from lemons!

#SeattleSqueeze Tip: Disperse!

Things are under pressure.

Help relieve the pressure: disperse!

If you need to drive.

Wondering where you should go instead?

Know before you go.

Check city streets:

Check the highways:

So. Many. Ideas!

Help prioritize

Share your feedback 👉👉 ONLINE

Or, come to a meeting

What’s next?

Questions?

Do you ever?

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

Are you a bus? We didn’t think so.

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

No, YOU’RE the best!

Keep. It. Up!

Need some inspiration?

Just like an 80’s mixtape.

Keep on Squeez’n Seattle!

One week down, Seattle.

We made it through our first week of the #SeattleSqueeze and the #Realign99 closure.

We’re still going!

Remember: keep up your new commutes! We still have over two weeks until the new SR 99 tunnel opens, and it is going to take everyone’s help to change your transportation habits so that we keep people and goods moving safely and efficiently during the Seattle Squeeze.

We’ve rallied. We’ve changed how we travel.

Now, here are the stats.

What you’ve been waiting for: here are the latest transportation stats from the first week of the #SeattleSqueeze.

Seattle Department of Transportation

. BIKING .

2nd Avenue

Fremont Bridge

Spokane Street Bridge

Thanks to everyone who is choosing to commute by bike during the #Realign99 closure. Keep it up!

. BIKE SHARE .

Bike share is a popular option during the SR 99 closure!

Lime is expanding as well – they had over 4,500 bikes available as of today! Lime continues to cover all of Seattle and, starting January 9, has been offering $1 off all rides beginning in West Seattle with the promo code PMCLIME.

. MYTRIPS .

Curious about what City employees are doing to squeeeeeeze? Our City leaders are leading the way by creating alternative work guidelines and a telecommuting pilot for employees during the #Realign99 closure.

WA State Department of Transportation

Read WSDOT’s Blog on their Alaskan Way Viaduct project website for the latest updates on the #Realign99 closure.

Follow WSDOT on Facebook and Twitter for the latest construction news!

King County Metro

Read King County Metro’s Blog, Metro Matters, for the latest updates on ridership numbers on King County Metro buses, water taxi, and carpool/vanpool users.

You can also follow King Country Metro on Facebook and Twitter!

Sound Transit

Read Sound Transit’s Blog, The Platform, for the latest updates on ridership numbers on Sound Transit buses, Link Light Rail, and Sounder Trains.

You can also follow Sound Transit on Facebook and Twitter!

Community Transit

Read Community Transit’s News Releases for the latest updates on ridership numbers on Snohomish County transit.

You can also follow Community Transit on Twitter or on their Community Transit Blog!

Want more info?

For information, tools, current traffic, and resources for all things #SeattleSqueeze, visit our website!

… And freight!

One of the forms of transportation that doesn’t get quite as much attention day-to-day is freight movement. Moving goods like food, automotive parts, fuel, building materials, and other supplies is important to our everyday lives (even if we usually don’t think much about it!).

How trains moving during the #SeattleSqueeze?

Want more info?

Sometimes, this happens. We’ll do our best to give you as much warning as possible, but please prepare for delays as our railway partners work to move goods safely through our city.

Better yet: we’ve curated a list of tweets from all of our regional transportation partners! Subscribe here to our Regional Traffic Updates list.

Please follow @BNSFRailway for updates.

For information on all things #SeattleSqueeze, visit our website!

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

Fully closed: Pine St from Broadway to 5^th Ave.

Rolling closure (as the march moves through) of 4^th Ave to Cedar, 5^th Ave, Harrison St, and Seattle Center.

Heads up, uniformed police officers will be at 4^th and Battery and 4^th and Stewart to accommodate any emergency responses.

Rideshare – use the designated drop-off zone on 12^th Ave between Olive and Howell.

The 37^th Annual MLK Day Rally and March event starts off with a series of workshops and speakers at Garfield High School focused on the goals of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr – defeating racism, poverty, and war. Yes. Yes. Yes.