Waterfront bicycle and pedestrian route changes
Crews clearing space for SR 99 tunnel construction rerouted six blocks of Alaskan Way, including the Elliot Bay Trail, to a newly improved road and shared-use path under the viaduct. The current route will remain in place through mid-June, at which time crews will shift a one-block section of the path between Yesler Way and Columbia Street from the west sidewalk to the east side of the street. The rest of the route, with the exception of occasional changes, will remain in place through early 2014.
Bike lane extensions on East Marginal Way South coming in June
You've asked for direct northbound and southbound East Marginal Way South bike lane connections to the dedicated multi-use path, and starting in early June, you'll have it.
The new northbound bike lane eliminates the need to cross traffic at South Massachusetts Street by extending the existing bike lane north to the South Atlantic Street multi-use path entrance. Southbound cyclists can pick up the dedicated on-street bike lane on the southwest corner of South Atlantic Street.
Of course, cyclists who prefer to ride on the rebuilt extra-wide, concrete sidewalk between South Atlantic and South Massachusetts Street are welcome to do so.
Cyclists and truckers sharing the road
We're aware that some truckers on northbound East Marginal Way South are illegally using the southbound lane to access the Port of Seattle when a train blocks the intersection at South Atlantic Street.
We're partnering with SDOT and the Port of Seattle to help keep all travelers safe on East Marginal Way South.
Here's what we're doing:
- Adding capacity - Two temporary left-turn lanes into the Port of Seattle at the intersection of South Atlantic Street and East Marginal Way South will add extra capacity for trucks to enter the port instead of illegally using the southbound lane to jump the line or to turn left into the port.
- Reminding truckers to watch for cyclists - Bright yellow signs at the Port of Seattle's Terminal 46 entrance and exit remind truckers to use extreme caution when sharing the road with cyclists.
- Asking cyclists to do their part - Reminding cyclists to wear bright clothing, use lights at night and ride on the multi-use path or striped bike lanes whenever possible.
Working toward a better bike and pedestrian experience south of downtown
We have planned key bicycle and pedestrian improvements as part of the project, which is scheduled for completion in late 2013.
During the spring and summer of 2011, crews built a new multi-use path along the west side of Alaskan Way S. between S. King Street and S. Atlantic Street. The path provides bicyclists and pedestrians a safe route that is separated from traffic.
Bicyclists who prefer to ride in the roadway will benefit from new bike lanes on E. Frontage Rood S., a new north-south road between S. Royal Brougham Way and S. Atlantic Street. Starting in early 2012, we'll add additional bike lanes on Alaskan Way S. south of S. Atlantic Street.
For pedestrians, we've built new sidewalks on Railroad Way S., First Avenue S., S. Royal Brougham Way, S. Atlantic Street, Colorado Avenue S.
Finally, as part of the Mountains to Sound Greenway Trail, a 12-foot-wide bicycle and pedestrian path will be added to the north side of S. Atlantic Street between Utah Avenue S. and Alaskan Way S. This new connection will link bicyclists and pedestrians to the trail network in downtown and beyond.
Keeping bicyclists and pedestrians safe during construction
Specific routes will vary over time during construction, but crews will maintain clearly marked paths, and outreach staff will continue to work with local bicycle and pedestrian organizations to communicate changes in access.