Big change for ‘car-free’ Alki day this year: Shorter closure zone

| Transportation | West Seattle news

Though it’s been months since this year’s “car-free” Seattle Summer Streets day on Alki was confirmed for May 22nd, right after the West Seattle 5K (signed up yet?), a major change from years past has not been widely announced – till now. Checking the Alki Summer Streets page on the city website, we noticed the map above, showing that only 56th SW to 63rd SW would be closed all day, with the much-longer stretch to the east/south only closed till 11 am, during the 5K. We e-mailed SDOT last night to be sure we were reading the map correctly, and the confirmation just arrived from Dawn Schellenberg:

You are correct; we have changed the length of the Summer Streets portion of the 5K Run/Walk and Summer Streets Party. The decision was made after meeting with the Alki Community Council and talking with some of the businesses along Alki. Folks preferred a shorter route that could be fully closed over a longer one that required a travel lane remain open. Here are the details.

From 9 to 11 AM:
Alki Avenue SW will be fully closed from 63rd Avenue SW to the Don Armeni Boat Launch Ramp for the 5K run/walk. All parking will be restricted from 63rd to 56th and along the waterside from 56th to the boat ramp.

From 9 AM to 5 PM:
Alki Avenue SW will be fully closed from 63rd Avenue SW to 56th Avenue SW for the 5K run/walk and then the Summer Streets Party. Parking will be restricted on both sides of the street during this time.

Please note – There will be no eastbound travel lane open during the 5K or Summer Streets.

This means after 11 AM local access to condos will be allowed from 56th Avenue SW to Don Armeni Boat Launch Ramp. As in the past, SPD will detour those who do not live in the vicinity from Alki on to California Ave SW until 5 PM.

This is a change from past years, so thanks for helping us get the word out.

clifton May 16, 2011 (1:49 pm)

So …. does this ….
From 9 to 11 AM:
Alki Avenue SW will be fully closed from 63rd Avenue SW to the Don Armeni Boat Launch Ramp for the 5K run/walk. All parking will be restricted from 63rd to 56th and along the waterside from 56th to the boat ramp.
… mean I can’t drive out of my driveway on Alki and go to the gym or store and return at all between 9 & 11AM even if Alki is the only access road to my address?

Bill May 16, 2011 (3:04 pm)

Good question, I am in the same situation.

JAT May 16, 2011 (3:43 pm)

Yes. That’s what it means. You have plenty of notice, so plan ahead or dust off your bike. It’s only for two hours.

Does it feel like a huge impingement on your personal freedom and property rights?

Bill May 16, 2011 (4:23 pm)

Slow down on the bs there JAT. I am new to the area, and am just wondering, so I can in fact, plan ahead. Events and lots of people enjoying the waterfront is a big part of why I bought my condo here.

Jeremiah May 16, 2011 (5:23 pm)

Welcome, Bill. But this isn’t bs. The shortened closure area is attributed in part to the area NIMBYs whining about the huge inconvenience a few hours cause them. Kinda defeats the purpose of it all IMO.

sa May 16, 2011 (5:41 pm)

I love how FAQs always leave out the real frequently asked questions such as those here.

How about addressing “If I live right on an affected street, will I be prohibited from moving my vehicle during this time?”

Reading the SDOT site, this is not entirely clear.

herb May 16, 2011 (5:45 pm)

“Q. How will people who live on the affected streets get to and from their homes?
A. Events should not prevent access to homes, although transit routes may be altered during this time. We appreciate your patience.”

So this is to mean that you can indeed drive to and from your home.

That said, I intend on enjoying this being car free.

I wish they would hold this on the last day of high school instead.

WMO May 16, 2011 (6:30 pm)

SA, That is exactly why I asked the question. Big events, city govt folks, really do not have the time or knowledge to drill down to the very few of us. The blog is great for this, because it brings in the people who live here, and have lived through it before to pass on the knowledge. I for one, am very appreciative of what information I get from the WSB.

Susan May 16, 2011 (9:34 pm)

Parking help for the Alki 5K– please. I’ve got a broken ankle and can’t walk far, but my kids and I want to cheer their dad on when he races and be party of the community event. I have a handicapped permit, but if the streets are closed that won’t help. Any tips? Thank you for your ideas. (going to cross post on the Alki run article too).

Dan May 17, 2011 (12:11 am)

I live on one of the affected streets. I have never had a problem gaining access during these closures… I just tell the cops guarding the streets access points that I live on the street, and they let me drive through to my home… Once I had to show my ID…. No big deal. It is my understanding (from what the cops have told me…)that they cannot legally prevent you from getting to your property. We just have to be aware of whats going on, and try to avoid it, if we are able to help out…

Brontosaurus May 17, 2011 (12:31 am)

Why do they have the car-free day in May? Would be great in July when the weather is warmer and we could really enjoy it. Maybe there should be two or three car-free days (please don’t hate me for suggesting that!)

Allie May 18, 2011 (8:03 am)

Hi,

Allie from SDOT here. We can clarify a few things:

1. “…mean I can’t drive out of my driveway on Alki and go to the gym or store and return at all between 9 & 11AM even if Alki is the only access road to my address?”

For safety purposes the street must be closed entirely to motor traffic for approximately two hours during the West Seattle 5K Run/Walk portion (as has happened in past years). The city requires this for other runs and bicycle rides throughout the Seattle as well. Door hangers were delivered two weeks prior to the event to help residents plan around the closures.

2. “Why do they have the car-free day in May? Would be great in July when the weather is warmer and we could really enjoy it. Maybe there should be two or three car-free days (please don’t hate me for suggesting that!)”

In August 2009, West Seattle High School PTSA partnered with the City to hold the first combination West Seattle 5K /Summer Streets event and it was a great success. This fundraiser race is held prior to Memorial Day weekend, which marks the beginning of the summer season for many businesses and restaurants in the area and before school is out.

HTH!

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