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Monday, May 6: Arbor Heights Safe Routes to School sidewalk project continues

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Crews will return to 35th Ave SW as early as this coming Monday, May 6, to begin last part of repair work as part of the Arbor Heights Safe Routes to School sidewalk project. The work will include:

 

  • New curb bulbs at the following locations:
    • SW corner of 35th Ave SW and SW 100th St
    • SW corner of 35th Ave SW and SW 104th St
  • New curb and gutter on the west side of 35th Ave SW between SW 102nd St and SW 106th St
  • Painted line that separates the parking lane from the driving lane along the west side of 35th Ave SW between SW 100th St and SW 106th St
  • New grass in the planting strip area along east side of 35th Ave SW between SW 102nd St and SW 104th St

 

Here’s what you can expect:

 

S C H E D U L E

 

The work will begin on Monday, May 6 and last for approximately two weeks. Work will occur between the hours of 8 AM – 5 PM, Monday – Friday. 
 

C L O S U R E  |  D E T O U R

 

Temporary suspension of street parking on the west side of 35th Ave SW between SW 100th St and SW 106th St. (No-Park signs will be posted 3 days in advance to parking closure.) There will also be a temporary detour and/or lane shift on 35th Ave SW. 

N O I S E

 

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

 

T R A N S I T

 

King County Metro service will not be impacted by this work.

 

Want more information about this project?

If you have questions or concerns, please contact the Project Outreach Team at 206-615-0786 or by email at pedestrianimprovements2@seattle.gov. Thanks for your patience as we make these improvements.

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Get a FREE Good To Go! pass for the SR 99 Tunnel!

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Toll signs above the new SR 99 tunnel exit. Photo courtesy of WSDOT.

Toll signs above the new SR 99 tunnel exit. Photo courtesy of WSDOT.

Get ready: WSDOT will begin tolling drivers in the SR 99 tunnel late this summer.

 

The #SeattleSqueeze continues, as the tolling of the new SR 99 tunnel will again change traffic patterns to and through downtown. We’ll all need to plan ahead and prepare for impacts to our commutes, but good news: WSDOT is making it easy to pay the lowest toll rate if you’ll be driving in the SR 99 tunnel.

 

Why is the tunnel being tolled? The Legislature has directed WSDOT to collect tolls in the SR 99 tunnel in order to repay $200 million in construction bonds borrowed to build the tunnel and to fund the ongoing cost of operating and maintaining a safe facility. This funding is part of the $3.3 billion investment to replace the aging Alaskan Way Viaduct and rebuild SR 99 through Seattle.

 

Northbound lane stripes near the south end of the SR 99 tunnel. Photo courtesy of WSDOT.

Northbound lane stripes near the south end of the SR 99 tunnel. Photo courtesy of WSDOT.

 

Luckily, WSDOT is here to help. They’re giving away free Good To Go! sticker passes, which let you pay the lowest toll rate in the SR 99 tunnel.

 

Don’t delay in getting your free pass, but first, make sure you know what kind of Good To Go! pass is right for you. There are four different kinds of Good To Go! passes. The sticker pass will work for most tunnel drivers, but if you plan on carpooling in the I-405/SR 167 express toll lanes, you have a motorcycle, or you drive a vehicle with metal in the windshield, you will need a different pass. If you need help deciding which pass is best for you, visit the Good To Go! pass page.

 

Just complete a few quick and easy steps to get your pass.

 

Take a simple survey and get your free Good To Go! pass! Photo by rawpixel.com from Pexels. https://www.pexels.com/photo/photo-of-woman-holding-smartphone-1842623/

Take a simple survey and get your free Good To Go! pass! Photo by rawpixel.com from Pexels. https://www.pexels.com/photo/photo-of-woman-holding-smartphone-1842623/

 

Take a short survey and you’ll receive your free sticker pass within four weeks.

 

Once you receive your sticker pass in the mail, you must activate it by adding it to a Good To Go! account. Your sticker pass will not work until it’s been added to an account.

 

You may either add your pass to your existing Good To Go! Account or open a new account. Or, wait until this summer to open your new account in WSDOT’s new Good To Go! system, which will not require a $30 pre-paid balance!

 

A few other important notes about getting the free sticker pass:

 

  • To get the pass, you must currently use the SR 99 tunnel or plan to in the future.
  • Limit of one sticker pass per person. You will need to purchase any additional passes.
  • Free sticker passes will be offered while supplies last.

 

Got a burning question about getting a Good To Go! pass?

 

Stick your Good To Go! Pass on your windshield, and you’ll be, well, good to go. Photo courtesy of WSDOT.

Stick your Good To Go! Pass on your windshield, and you’ll be, well, good to go. Photo courtesy of WSDOT.

 

WSDOT has the answer to your tolling questions on their SR 99 Tolling webpage. Learn who is exempt from the toll, other ways you can pay the toll, and more!

 

Questions about getting your free Good To Go! sticker pass? Email SR99TunnelTolls@wsdot.wa.gov, or call 206-440-4444.

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Join Commute Seattle’s 2019 Bikes and Bakeries Challenge!

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Bike. Eat treats. Win. It’s that easy!

 

May is #BikeMonth, and we’ve got just the sweet treat for you to get riding! Join Commute Seattle’s Bikes and Bakeries Challenge, where you can win amazing bike-related prizes just for riding your bike and supporting bakeries across the city!

 

Participating is as easy as 1-2-3:

 

  1. Ride a bike to one of the participating bakeries.
  2. Scan the QR code at checkout and let Commute Seattle know which bakery you visited. Forgot to scan the code? Click here to submit your entry.
  3. Visit four bakeries during the month of May and be entered to win amazing bike-related prizes from local bike shops! Each additional bakery gives you another chance to win.

 

Check out the participating bakeries!

15 bakeries are participating in the Bikes and Bakeries challenge! Use this interactive map to see them all.

Don’t forget: you can #ShoptheSqueeze and win a $100 pre-loaded ORCA card or Visa gift card!

 

Bonus: if you visit a bakery in a Downtown-area neighborhood, you can also enter to win a $100 ORCA card or Visa gift card through the #ShopTheSqueeze contest! Shop the Squeeze encourages folks to explore Seattle’s small business scene via bike, bus, walking, or however you choose to get around without driving solo.

 

Entering #ShopTheSqueeze is easy:

 

1. Visit a small business in Belltown, Chinatown-International District, the Downtown Retail Core, Little Saigon, or Pioneer Square via alternative transportation

2. Post a photo from your visit to your Instagram, Twitter, or the OED Facebook page and tag or include the name of the business

3. Finish your post by using #ShoptheSqueeze and tell us how you got there in your caption!

 

That’s right—you can enter two contests for the price of one! Check out seattle.gov/shopthesqueeze for contest details.

 

And, once it’s all over, let’s CELEBRATE! 🎉

child biking

 

On Friday, May 31st from 4:30-6:30 PM, join Commute Seattle for a Bike Month Celebration at Optimism Brewing Company! They will select winners for our prize drawings and celebrate employers who support bike commuting throughout May and beyond!

 

Register for the event here!

 

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Winter 2019: Making progress on the Levy to Move Seattle!

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“Aurora Bright Dawn” public art installation funded by SDOT’s Neighborhood Matching Fund (photo by Vicki Scuri)

2019 has been busy!

The first quarter of 2019 was busy with snow, more snow, and even more snow, plus adapting our commute modes and adopting alternative work schedules to cope with the Seattle Squeeze, but it was also a big and busy quarter for Levy delivery.

 

Street improvements on 30th Ave NE

Today is April 30 and our deadline to publish the Q1 Levy report. Crews and contractors worked hard over the winter months (which can be a little slower due to inclement weather) to advance Move Seattle portfolio projects. Here are some of the high points:

  • 25 lane miles of paving is currently underway
  • 4.61 miles of protected bike lanes and 5.08 miles of greenways are in construction
  • 11.5 blocks of new sidewalks were built
  • New public art on Aurora Ave N was installed as part of community-led Neighborhood Street Fund project

$29M is the highest Q1 spending over the past four years – 2019 is off to a good start! Want to learn more?

Read the full report or attend the Levy Oversight Committee meeting next Tuesday, May 7.

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See what’s moving in Seattle this week: April 30 – May 5, 2019

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Looking at Downtown Seattle from Seacrest Park, West Seattle

Looking across Elliott Bay to Downtown Seattle from Seacrest Park, West Seattle

 

Here’s a look at Seattle’s upcoming large-scale events and construction happening around the City this week, April 29 – May 5, 2019. These events may impact how you get around town, so be sure to see our trip planning tools at the end of this post and plan ahead! Also, don’t forget to look at our Citywide Events Calendar for more things to do. Have fun!

 

 

T U E S.  A P R  30

 

Mariners vs. Chicago Cubs at T-Mobile Park: 7:10PM. Estimated attendance: 35k.    

 

 

W E D.  M A Y  1

 

Annual May 1st Immigrant and Workers Rights March and Rally: begins at 1 PM, route goes from St. Mary’s Church (611 20th Ave. S) to U.S. District Court (7th & Stewart). Rally at the U.S. District Court from approximately 3 to 7 PM. Estimated attendance: 650.

 

Mariners vs. Chicago Cubs at T-Mobile Park: First Pitch at 3:40 PM. Estimated attendance: 35k

 

F R I .  M A Y  3

 

 

Seattle Symphony Friday Matinees at Benaroya Hall: Student buses will stage on streets around the venue. 9:00 AM – 2:30 PM. Estimated attendance: 300.

 

An Evening with the Clintons at WaMu Theater: 7:30 AM – 10 PM (doors at 6:30 PM). Estimated attendance: 7k.

 

 

S A T.  M A Y  4

 

 

March of Dimes March for Babies annual fundraising walk, Seattle Center Campus and 4th Ave to Downtown: 9 AM – 11 AM. Estimated attendance: 2.5k.

 

Fiesta 5K Ole Run/Walk at Volunteer Park and surrounding streets on Capitol Hill: 9 AM – 11 AM. Estimated attendance: 4k.

 

Opening Day of Boating Season Parade: The Montlake Bridge will be closed from approximately 10AM to 4PM. Crew races on the Montlake Cut at 10:30 AM and the Seattle Yacht Club’s annual boat parade at 12 PM. Estimated attendance: 5k.

 

Cannabis Freedom March and Rally at Westlake Park: 10 AM – 7 PM, including a short march on streets around the park at 1 PM. Estimated attendance: 300.

 

SLU Saturday Market Opening Day on 9th Ave. N. between Denny Way and John St.: 11 AM – 4 PM. Estimated attendance: 2.5k.

 

Margarita Mayhem 5K Fun run at Magnuson Park: 4:30 – 6 PM. Estimated attendance: 540.

 

Seattle Opera presents Carmen at McCaw Hall: 7:30 PM. Estimated attendance: 3k.

 

S U N.  M A Y  5

 

Seattle Opera presents Carmen at McCaw Hall: 2 PM. Estimated attendance: 3k.

 

Seattle Bike-N-Brews Bicycle Ride, a 27-mile urban ride along the Duwamish and Green River Trails from Georgetown to Tukwila and back: 9 AM – 3 PM. Estimated attendance: 725.

 

5 De Mayo annual Cinco de Mayo event will close 2nd Ave. NE between E. Green Lake Way N. and Woodlawn Ave. NE.: 10:30 AM – 11:00 PM. Estimated attendance: 3k.

 

WWII Immortal Regiment Memorial Walk from Occidental Park in Pioneer Square to the Garden of Remembrance at 2nd & University via 4th Ave; returning to Pioneer Square via 2nd Ave: 1 – 2:30 PM. Estimated attendance: 500.

 

Trip planning tools:

 

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

Traveler’s Map

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

 

Project & Construction Coordination Map

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

 

WSDOT mobile app

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

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

 

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Wednesday, May 1: Prepare for May Day Travel Impacts

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The 20th Annual May Day March for Worker and Immigrant Rights is expected to impact traffic through the city on May 1. Please plan ahead for delays due to crowds along demonstration routes and potential traffic disruptions.

2019_MayDay_Route

Here’s what you can expect:

 

SCHEDULE

The event will begin at Judkins Park at the intersection of 20th Pl S and S Dearborn St at 1 PM on Wednesday, May 1. The march is expected to reach the U.S. District Courthouse around 3 PM, and the rally will continue until 7 PM.

 

CLOSURES | DETOUR

The march route begins on S Jackson St and is scheduled to end at the U.S. District Courthouse at 700 Stewart St. The route will go along 20th Ave S, E Yesler Way, 12 Ave, Madison St, Broadway, E Pine, 6th Ave, and 7th Ave, ending at Stewart St.  About 650 people are expected to participate.

 

TRANSIT

King County Metro Routes 2, 11, 12, and 14 may be impacted by this event. Please refer to King County Metro Alerts for service alerts and information about impacts along your route.

 

OTHER IMPACTS

The Mariners play the Chicago Cubs at T-Mobile Park on Wednesday, May 1.  First pitch is at 3:40PM.  Estimated attendance: 35,000. Prepare for increased travel times around the stadiums.

 

Please plan ahead and prepare for impacts to travel on Wednesday afternoon and evening. Thank you for your patience!

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UPDATE: Mercer St has been reopened after tragic crane collapse

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This blog has been updated to reflect that SDOT crews have reopened Mercer St earlier than anticipated. 

The tragic collapse of a crane on Saturday, April 27, has significantly impacted the lives of many. Our thoughts & prayers go out to those affected by this tragedy.

As Vulcan and GLY contractor crews worked overnight to clear the debris and assess the safety of the buildings struck by the collapsed crane, SDOT crews were working to repair damage to the road. Mercer St has now been made safe to reopen for Monday morning’s commute.

Road closure updates:

  • All city streets (Mercer St, Valley St, Boren Ave N, and Terry Ave N) have been reopened.
  • WSDOT has reopened the Mercer St off-ramp from southbound I-5.
  • The South Lake Union Streetcar will run on normal schedule on Monday morning

SDOT crews repairing Mercer St

SDOT crews worked all night long to repair damage to Mercer St

Follow our SDOT Traffic Twitter for real-time updates.

 

 

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April 29 – May 3, 2019: Paving on Wilson Ave S

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We’re making progress on the Wilson Ave S Transportation Improvement Project! The 2.5 miles of Wilson Ave S between S Dawson St and S Morgan St will be repaved to improve the safety, accessibility, and comfort for all users. Plus – we’re also installing a new protected bike lane.

 

From April 29 to May 3, 2019 we will be paving Wilson Ave S from S Dawson St to S Morgan St. This work is weather dependent and subject to change.

 

 

 

Here’s what you can expect:

 

S C H E D U  L E

On Monday, April 29 crews will begin paving Wilson Ave S. This work will take 5 days to complete. Work hours will be from 7 AM to 7 PM.

 

C L O S U R E  |  D E T O U R

While we are paving the street, we will maintain one lane of southbound traffic on Wilson Ave S at all times. Northbound traffic will be detoured to Seward Park Ave S.

 

People driving will only be able to access Wilson Ave S from S Dawson St, S Morgan St, and Seward Park Ave S. No other side streets will have access to Wilson Ave S.

 

Pedestrian restrictions will be in place. Please follow posted detours.

 

N O I S E

Expect loud noise, tar-like odors, and large equipment while crews are working.

 

P R O J E C T  O U T C O M E

We’re repaving approximately 2.5 miles of Wilson Ave S between S Dawson and S Morgan streets. Repaving will make the street more comfortable to drive on and extend its useful life. The project will also:

  • Install or upgrade curb ramps to be compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
  • Replace traffic detection loops that control the signals
  • Repair and replace some sections of sidewalk in the project area
  • Bring storm drainage into code compliance where triggered

 

Want more information?

For more information on this project, please visit our project page. If you have questions or concerns, please contact the construction outreach team at WilsonAve@seattle.gov, or 206.256.5232.  Again, thank you for your patience during this work.

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Saturday April 27, 7 AM – 3:30 PM: Maintenance work on Mercer St

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

 

Here’s what to expect

  • Saturday, 7 AM – 3:30 PM: Inside eastbound lane adjacent to the median will be closed between 9th Ave N and Terry Ave N
  • Westbound lanes will not be impacted

If you have questions contact our customer care center:

206-684-ROAD or 684-road@seattle.gov

 

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April 26-27, 2019: Overnight paving on 35th Ave NE between NE 75th St and NE 89th St

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We are repaving 35th Ave NE to improve safety, accessibility, and comfort for all users. Starting Friday evening, April 26, crews will pave 35th Ave NE between NE 75th and NE 90th streets.

 

Here’s what you can expect:

 

S C H E D U L E

 

Paving and road closures will begin at 6 PM on Friday, April 26 and last through as late as 5 PM on Saturday, April 27.  This work is weather dependent and subject to change.

 

C L O S U R E  / D E T O U R 

 

  • 35th Ave NE will be closed to traffic between NE 65th and NE 95th streets.
  • People driving on 35th Ave NE will be detoured to Sand Point Way NE.
  • Residents and businesses between NE 75th and NE 90th streets will not have access to their driveways on 35th Ave NE during nighttime paving. Please park on side streets before 6 PM on Friday, April 26.
  • Local access will be maintained for residents and businesses on 35th Ave NE from NE 65th to NE 75th streets and from NE 90th to NE 95th streets. A uniformed police officer will be stationed at NE 65th St and NE 95th St to facilitate access as needed.
  • All sidewalks will remain open. People walking will be able to cross 35th Ave NE at NE 75th St and NE 90th St during the work.
  • Please do not walk across 35th Ave NE during paving, except at NE 75th and NE 90th streets. Asphalt and tar are very hot and harmful to people and animals.

 

N O I S E 

 

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

 

T R A N S I T

 

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

 

Want more information?

 

For more information on the 35th Ave NE Project, please visit our web page. If you have questions or concerns, please contact the construction outreach team at 35thAvePaving@seattle.gov, or 206-512-3950.  We appreciate your patience during this work.

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