This morning, we mentioned that King County expected to resume work today on 26th/Barton-area changes related to Metro Route 120, including bus-bulb installation. This afternoon, KCDOT spokesperson Jeff Switzer sends word that the work is postponed another two weeks:

King County Metro Transit is adjusting the schedule for the next round of construction in West Seattle. The contractor for the project is tentatively scheduled to start bus zone and sidewalk improvements Dec. 10 and focus work on the south side of Southwest Barton Street.

The project builds improvements that will help pedestrians and bus riders for Route 120 – one of Metro’s top 10 busiest routes. Three to four weeks of construction are expected on the south side of the intersection of Southwest Barton Street and 26th Avenue Southwest just south of Westwood Village. Work on pedestrian improvements on the north side of the intersection is scheduled to begin after Jan. 1.

The updated construction timeline works around the contractor’s revised schedule and traffic during the holiday season. Once work begins, a flagger and a uniformed police officer will ensure traffic flows reliably around the work zone.

Crews plan to build a “bus bulb” – sidewalk extensions that allow buses to serve passengers without pulling out of traffic – on the southeast corner of the intersection. On the southwest corner, they’ll build similar sidewalk extensions to improve pedestrian access. Other planned work includes traffic signal modifications and improved pedestrian ramps on the other corners.

The bus stop on 26th Avenue Southwest will be temporarily relocated and pedestrians will be directed to temporary detours as the construction area changes in coming weeks. Pedestrians and bus riders who need more specific information about construction can leave a message at 206-684-1162 or email community.relations@kingcounty.gov.

The work is part of the larger $2.8 million Route 120 Transit Improvement Project funded by a State Regional Mobility Grant and King County matching funds. It is led by King County Metro Transit and coordinated with the city of Seattle and the city of Burien.