TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Wednesday notes, including road work

(Four WS-relevant views; more cams on the WSB Traffic page)
Another no-incident morning commute so far in this area.

SCHOOLS & SCHOOL ZONES: As a result of developments yesterday, Seattle Public Schools will open tomorrow (Thursday, September 17th). So that’s when to expect school buses, families dropping off kids, people walking and biking, etc. And as noted here last night, West Seattle will have a fourth speed-enforcement camera, on Delridge Way by Louisa Boren K-8 STEM/interim Arbor Heights Elementary.

RECHANNELIZATION REMINDER: Work continued last night on Roxbury (which is being rechannelized between 35th and 17th) and 35th (between Roxbury and Willow). Other changes are planned on both in addition to the restriping.

48TH & 49TH SW: The Seattle Public Utilities sewer-repair projects are under way or getting under way – the work on 48th at Edmunds is expected to last all week; work on 49th SW in Seaview could start as soon as today.

ADDED 8:10 AM – NEW WATER TAXI, CLOSER LOOK: As we’ve mentioned, the new West Seattle Water Taxi, M/V Doc Maynard, has arrived in Seattle and is on test runs, prior to its dedication Friday, though it won’t be on the WS run for another month or so (it’ll be filling in on the Vashon run while its twin M/V Sally Fox goes in for maintenance). Thanks to those who’ve sent more photos – starting with this one from Mike. We hadn’t seen the skyline detail before:

Here’s a full-length look, also at Seacrest, from Lise Thivierge:

The Friday dedication is on the downtown waterfront but you can ride the current Water Taxi to and from the event as space permits, per King County’s announcement (starting with the Seacrest departure at 10:45 am).

Wed September 16, 2015 (8:36 am)

The light timing at southbound 35th at Fauntleroy is different now. Not staying green as long. Now 2 short cycles of green with no arrow then green with arrow.

brizone September 16, 2015 (8:46 am)

The 35th Ave rechannelization was extended to Holly, not Willow.

JRR September 16, 2015 (9:05 am)

I live a bit off of Roxbury (close enough to hear it) and I just have to say, it’s been amazing to have it reduced in lanes, even just a few days in. Walking to the bus stop doesn’t feel like a risk to life. So thrilled about these projects.

Smitty September 16, 2015 (12:07 pm)

Speaking of light timing, why is there a line of cars westbound WSB all the way down to the Admiral exit every evening now? This is a relatively new phenomenon and I can’t imagine that it is caused by increased traffic.

Mike September 16, 2015 (12:55 pm)

Ha, I didn’t even notice that skyline on the side either. It’s a nice detail.
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That new boat is gigantic. I hope more people want to take it, it should be a great solution for cyclists too as it’ll provide a complete bypass of the scary and dangerous road along the Port of Seattle. A daily cruise to start your morning is very calming. Can’t say I miss fighting traffic or taking a bus.

bkn September 16, 2015 (5:59 pm)

35th channelization is horrible! 2 different locations Southbound from 35th & Avalon to 35th & Holden. I had to sit thru 2 cycles of lights. Now my street of 37th has double the amount of traffic as people are taking side streets instead of the arterial. I will from now on be doing the same. The traffic engineers need to come out and check their handy work as the side streets are going to become unsafe. I will request a traffic circle at our intersection, to reduce speeds.

AJ September 16, 2015 (6:45 pm)

bkn, you confirmed my main concern with this project. I live on 32nd Ave, and I am very worried about increased traffic on side streets. We have enough problems with drivers not knowing (or caring) how to handle uncontrolled intersections and blowing through yield signs without checking for oncoming traffic. Even traffic circles don’t do much to slow down cars that are cruising too fast downhill from 35th. I would not be surprised if there is an uptick in collisions on side streets along the 35th Ave corridor.

Amanda C. September 18, 2015 (9:48 am)

Agreed with the above. The side streets are now congested! I also took transit yesterday, and because it is reduced to one lane, I can say my commute time increased by 15 minutes each way. The long line of cars would not let the bus merge back in on multiple occasions. At least with two lanes, cars would shift left to allow the bus in. I really wish they considered a bus-only lane. I think all of this happened much too quickly without full consideration of the consequences to both transit and side-street traffic.

Sorry, comment time is over.