Streetwise Guide to SODO Detours & Traffic Delays

SR519 Phase II Plans Underway

The ultimate design configuration for this project includes a trail connection from the northwestern end of this newly built sidewalk on S. Atlantic St., along the east side of Alaskan Way north to Royal Brougham, where it connects with an existing multipurpose trail.

SR519 Next Phase-Here it Comes!

Starting at 9 a.m., Friday, Feb. 6, crews closed the southbound lane of Occidental Avenue S. at Edgar Martinez Way and the northbound right-turn only lane of First Avenue S. approaching Edgar Martinez Way. The Occidental Avenue S. closure means vehicles will not be able to turn south onto the street from Edgar Martinez Way. Drivers will still be able to turn right from northbound First Avenue S. to eastbound Edgar Martinez Way despite the turn lane closure.

Crews will also close the sidewalk between Occidental Avenue S. and First Avenue S. Pedestrians will be detoured to a fenced pathway through the "Outback" parking lot. All closures will be in place around the clock until mid-March.

The right eastbound lane of S. Atlantic Street just west of First Avenue S remains closed for widening on S. Atlantic Street.

Crews are widening the intersection of First Avenue S and S. Atlantic Street/Edgar Martinez Way to add turn and travel lanes. The widening is part of the SR 519 Intermodal Access project, which also includes a new westbound off-ramp connecting I-90 and I-5 to the existing S. Atlantic Street overpass and a vehicle and pedestrian bridge over the railroad tracks on S. Royal Brougham Way. Work on the bridge and off-ramp is scheduled to begin this April.

For more information go to www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/SR519.

To access the Monthly Newsletter, go to www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/SR519/newsletter.htm.

SDOT has launch a new SODO web portal page.  This page was designed to help inform the SODO community of critical transportation project information. To access the page,

click here.

Water main replacement continues to slow SODO traffic

Motorists in the South of Downtown (SODO) Seattle neighborhood have encountered some delays and street closures as Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) undertakes a water main replacement project on South Spokane Street (lower roadway) between 1st Avenue South and 5th Avenue South .

The work is planned in support of the Spokane Street ramp and widening projects planned by the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) to prepare for removal of the Alaskan Way Viaduct in 2012.

Construction work will occur Monday through Friday, from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Some work on 4th Avenue South will occur on evenings and weekends.

Construction impacts will include:

1. On eastbound South Spokane Street (the lower roadway, not the upper Spokane Viaduct) the following closures will take place:

• 1st Avenue South to 2nd Avenue South -- Local access only.
• 2nd Avenue South to 5th Avenue South -- Total closure (except some City Light access).

2. Traffic detours rerouting approximately 700 vehicles per day that will affect neighboring street system.

• Eastbound South Spokane St traffic will be detoured north at E Marginal Way South via South Hanford St, 1st Avenue South, South Lander St, and 6th Avenue South.

The closures of eastbound South Spokane St between 1st Avenue South and 4th Avenue South will continue with construction of the SDOT 4th Avenue Off-Ramp project following completion of the water main work, and the SDOT closure will likely last into 2010.

For more detailed information about the SDOT Spokane Street Ramp and Widening projects, check the project Web site: www.seattle.gov/spokane . This website details closures, rerouting and project descriptions. Call the project information line: (206) 684-4747

Downtown Transit Tunnel Reopens

Buses are using both the bus tunnel and downtown surface street, including 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th Avenues. During peak hours, 3rd Ave. carries the bulk of the buses. Many downtown bus stops have been upgraded with new shelters, benches and better lighting to accommodate transit passengers. Bus riders should visit their agency's website for the most current details:

• King County Metro Transit, http://transit.metrokc.gov or call (206) 553-3000.
• Sound Transit, www.soundtransit.org/riding/fac/stexpress/ or call (888) 889-6368.
• Community Transit, www.commtrans.org or call (425) 353-RIDE or (800) 562-1375. Community Transit has added five minutes to the running time of buses through downtown Seattle to account for traffic issues.
• RideShare Information, www.rideshareonline.com. Provides you an easy way to find others who are interested in sharing their commute in a carpool or vanpool in the Puget Sound area.

Monday Feb 9th marked the start of night and weekend closures on I-5 through Seattle and Shoreline to fix the rutty, cracked and uneven pavement. It's It's a big job that will last several months, and drivers can expect more than 100 nights and up to 14 weekends of lane closures in both directions of I-5, including the express lanes. On weeknights crews will grind the aging pavement to provide a smoother ride with improved traction. On weekends the focus shifts to removing and replacing failing concrete panels.

First weeknight closures (7 p.m. – 5 a.m.)
• Monday, Feb. 9 to Friday morning, Feb. 13: Northbound I-5 reduced to one lane at the Swift/Albro interchange in South Seattle.
• Wednesday, Feb. 11, to Friday morning, Feb. 13: Southbound I-5 reduced to one lane between Stewart Street and I-90.

First weekend closures (8 p.m. Friday – 5 a.m. Monday)
• Friday, Feb. 13 to Monday Feb. 16: Southbound I-5 reduced to two lanes between Stewart St. and Dearborn and just one lane between Dearborn St. and I-90. Express lanes will operate southbound all weekend.

Check the 2009 Construction Season Web page for the latest closure information. http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/Northwest/King/Construction