Transit Improvements Coming to South Lake Union March 2016
/We are thrilled with the new enhancements in public transportation options that are soon coming to the SLU neighborhood! Below is a recent press release from the Seattle Department of Transportation:
December 11, 2015
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Norm Mah, Senior Public Relations Specialist, 206-684-8114
Major Transit Improvements Coming to South Lake Union March 2016
SEATTLE—Known as one of the fastest growing neighborhoods in Seattle, South Lake Union (SLU) is transforming into a diverse community full of residents and businesses ranging from biotechnology firms to thriving shops and restaurants. Along with growth comes the need to efficiently move thousands of people around the neighborhood every day.
Starting in March 2016, the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) along with our partners at King County Metro will make significant improvements to transit service in South Lake Union. These improvements will make getting to, around and from the neighborhood much easier:
• New RapidRide C Line service operating every 7 to 12 minutes from W Seattle via Downtown
• More service on Route 40 operating every 9 to 15 minutes from Ballard/Fremont to Downtown
• More peak time service for Route 70 from the U District to Downtown
• More service and a shorter route for Route 8 from the Seattle Center to Capitol Hill, Rainier Valley
• Dedicated transit lanes on Westlake Ave N
• Transit stop upgrades including real-time transit arrival information signs, shelters and wider sidewalks
“Thanks to Seattle voter approved measures, we continue to expand and integrate bus service to better connect our neighborhoods,” said Scott Kubly, director of SDOT. “Whether you are coming from Fremont or West Seattle, taking the bus to South Lake Union all day long will be a great option.”
To ensure the reliability of the new service, SDOT is changing the way Westlake Ave N operates so buses can get through heavy traffic more efficiently. Changes include:
• North end – A southbound transit only lane on Westlake Ave N between Ninth Ave N and Valley St by restricting southbound on-street parking between 7a.m. and 7p.m.
• Mid-section – Transit only lanes on both sides of Westlake Ave N between Valley and Lenora streets
• South end – A northbound transit only lane between Lenora and Stewart streets
“The neighborhood has been calling for more travel options and we welcome this change,” said Mike McQuaid, president of the SLU Community Council. “Adding bus service and fixing our streets to keep it moving means hundreds of people can easily work shop and play in South Lake Union.”
Construction starts with sidewalk improvements this weekend at Fairview near Valley and continues through March 2016, mostly concentrated at bus stop locations. Impacts may include short-term sidewalk and lane closures; temporary relocation of transit stops; temporary impacts to streetcar operations; and tree trimming and landscaping relocation. For more information on the project and a map, please visit: www.seattle.gov/transportation/transitSLU.htm.
