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.

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 will slow SODO traffic - 2 month project begins September 16

Motorists in the South of Downtown (SODO) Seattle neighborhood will encounter some delays and street closures beginning September 16 when Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) undertakes a two-month 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.

The SPU portion of the work is expected to be completed by mid-November 2008 and the SDOT project will follow.

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.