This reminder just in from Metro Transit – changes are about to kick in on Metro and Sound Transit routes related to two projects, the Spokane Street Viaduct Widening work, and the 1st Avenue So. repairs/rebuilding. Read on for the full news release (and, added after it @ 12:35 pm, an East Marginal Way advisory from the city):

The city of Seattle is beginning road improvement projects in the SODO area that will result in some reroutes, relocated bus stops, and delays for King County Metro Transit and Sound Transit express bus service for several months.

South Spokane Street & SODO Busway
Construction associated with the Spokane Street Viaduct/Fourth Avenue
Ramp Project will impact approximately 17 Metro and Sound Transit bus
routes at South Spokane Street and the SODO Busway. Bus reroutes are
expected to begin on Monday, March 2 and continue through mid May.

Buses traveling northbound on the busway should not be affected by the
construction. The southbound service that will be rerouted 24/7
includes: Metro routes 32, 39, 101, 106, 150, 152, 170, 177, 190, 191,
194, and 196; and Sound Transit Express routes 590, 592, 593, 594 and
595.

All of the affected routes will miss stops on the busway, Spokane
Street, or Fourth Avenue South. But, all will serve two new temporary
stops southbound on Sixth Avenue South located just south of South
Lander Street and just north of Spokane Street. Bus riders who transfer
in the SODO area will also be impacted by these service revisions.

First Avenue South
On Feb. 23, the Seattle Department of Transportation started restricting traffic while rebuilding a portion of First Avenue South between South Stacy and South Horton streets. During this project, Metro buses will remain on their regular routing on First Avenue South, but travel is expected to be delayed. Also, there will be times when some bus stops on First Avenue South will be temporarily closed or moved. Metro will post Rider Alerts at these stops, but changes could occur with little advance notice. The
city anticipates work on this project will continue through September.

For more detailed information about the Spokane Street and busway reroutes, visit Metro Online.

ADDED 12:35 PM: This just in from SDOT:

Drivers are advised that E Marginal Way South, mentioned in yesterday’s traffic advisory as one of the alternate routes to avoid construction on First Avenue South, may not be the best choice on Monday and Tuesday, Mar 2 and 3.

There is a potential for traffic backups Monday and Tuesday near entrances to some of Port of Seattle secured areas, including Terminal 46 located along the waterfront to the south of downtown. This is due to enforcement of a new federal identification card requirement for people entering the secured areas. Monday will be the first workweek day that the enforcement will be in effect. There could be backups caused if some truck drivers arrive at the terminals without the required credentials.