Overview
WSDOT, King County and the City of Seattle have developed strategies to keep people and goods moving during construction of the Moving Forward projects, the largest of which is in the south end of the viaduct from South Holgate to South King Street. These plans include:
- Dynamic message and travel time signs on I-5 to help maximize safety and traffic flow.
- Funding for SR 519 Phase 2 to improve freight connections from I-5 and I-90 to the Port of Seattle.
- Funding for the Spokane Street Viaduct Widening Project, which includes a new Fourth Avenue loop ramp for West Seattle commuters.
- Added buses and bus service in the West Seattle, Ballard/Uptown and Aurora Avenue corridors during the construction period, as well as a bus travel time monitoring system.
- Upgraded traffic signals and dynamic message signs for the Denny Way, Elliott Avenue West/15th Avenue West, south of downtown, and West Seattle corridors to support transit and traffic flow.
- Information about travel alternatives and incentives to encourage use of transit, carpool and vanpool programs.
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We are working closely with local transit agencies to provide increased bus service. |
The project table (pdf 70 kb) lists all of the transit enhancements and other improvements, while the project map (pdf 489 kb) depicts where these improvements will occur.
What will construction be like?
The transit enhancements and other improvements will be completed between 2008 and 2011. Most of the improvements will be in place before roadway closures begin for south end construction.
Why are we pursuing this project?
Replacing the south end of the viaduct will be a significant construction project starting in 2009. Other Moving Forward projects, including work in the Battery Street Tunnel and on electrical line relocation, will also affect Seattle drivers. Transit enhancements and other improvements to our street system will play a major role in keeping people and goods moving during construction. These improvements will remain useful to travelers during eventual replacement of the viaduct’s central section, helping to ensure that the pieces are in place to keep downtown Seattle healthy during the construction period.
Many of these projects build upon work already underway by King County and the City of Seattle to fully fund critical projects and advance elements of Metro RapidRide services.
The End Result
These projects are designed to increase transit options, shift traffic away from construction areas, and provide drivers with the information they need to choose less congested routes.
Updated February 2008