October Viaduct closure: First map to help you get around

| Alaskan Way Viaduct | Transportation | West Seattle news

Click the image (or here) to see the full PDF version of that map, which is the first one out from WSDOT to help people get around during the impending October 21-31 Alaskan Way Viaduct closure. WSDOT spokesperson Travis Phelps says that within the next week or so they will have smaller, more detailed maps targeted at specific parts of the area – such as West Seattle – but this one is meant as a reminder that the closure does have a few time/day exceptions – the striped northbound side of The Viaduct, for example, from Royal Brougham north, will be open during certain times. The entire southbound stretch will be continuously closed, as will the northbound stretch from the West Seattle Bridge to Royal Brougham. Phelps says another key feature of this map shows which way downtown streets flow – in case you’re not familiar with that part of the area. (Also another reminder that city/county/state reps will be at a West Seattle-specific open-house-style meeting the evening of October 10th at West Seattle High School – time to be announced Monday – to answer your questions.)

cj September 30, 2011 (2:59 pm)

I just checked the Metro web site and in order to help out with delays due to viaduct construction rout 54 is getting a frequency boost. woohoo!

RobertSeattle September 30, 2011 (3:21 pm)

It bugs me that they couldn’t have somehow prioritized the Spokane Street Viaduct expansion project such that the 1st avenue on and off ramps would be completed by October 21st. I doubt the project leaders live in West Seattle…

Mary Ellen September 30, 2011 (3:59 pm)

I dread this as a West Seattleite. My commute is from West Seattle to Queen Anne. Any cheap motels up that way?

AIDM September 30, 2011 (5:04 pm)

So basically they have made us a map of Seattle showing us that we can use the same streets that we always could have used? Will all the construction on 4th and 1st around the WS bridge be finished, so that these streets will be easy to use instead of the pain in the butt that they currently are? Have they streamlined 4th as they had previously promised they would? This temporary closure may actually be a blessing in disguise as it will give the Westside a chance to see whether SDOT has their sh*t together or not.

Steve M September 30, 2011 (5:39 pm)

I know that the weather might be not great by then but if its decent out or you have appropriate rain gear, unless you have mitigating circumstances other than fear please consider riding a bicycle to work. I’m 53 years old and ride almost every day from May-October. I get an enjoyable bit of exercise in before and after work, NEVER experience delays (I don’t ride fast and it takes me 35 minutes to downtown and 45-50 minutes home. Its predictable, inexpensive and once you’re familiar with the route, not at all scary. Also, you can put your bike on the bus if that hill home is too intimidating (but give it a try!).

I understand if people have family obligations or other reasons that prohibit them from even considering it, but as the commute from WS gets uglier over the next few years, please consider joining us on the bike trail! We’d love your company!

seattletimebandit September 30, 2011 (6:18 pm)

cj – I may be taking the 54 as I see they are now changing Route 22 to turn from 1st Ave to 4th Ave via Lander starting tomorrow (Oct. 1) until 2015. Which means until they get the Spokane Viaduct on-ramp completed, the 22 (and 21 local, 37 northbound, 56/57, and others) will now have TWO railroad crossings, AND the lower Swing Bridge. Yikes!

KM September 30, 2011 (7:31 pm)

I am among the lucky few that live and work in West Seattle. However a little over a year ago I commuted to Queen Anne and relied on the viaduct to get me safely and quickly to work and home. I can’t imagine having to deal with this commute catastrophe that lies ahead.

Steve M has a great idea! If I ever have to commute to Seattle I would seriously consider the bike option although I would certainly be fearful at first. Is there a group of dedicated cyclists that could meet up with those less-than-experienced riders to show them the routes and give them the confidence they need to get to and from work? If not, this could be a great idea, not only saving time for those that choose to ride but also help the commute for the die hard drivers. Just a thought – maybe it could be started over the blog forum!

Laurie September 30, 2011 (7:38 pm)

Steve M, thank you for the encouragement. I’ve been considering this, or at least riding my bike downtown to put it on a bus to Queen Anne. Mary Ellen, are you interested?!

JN September 30, 2011 (7:46 pm)

I agree with you, Steve. It really is much, much easier than it is made out to be (although having people think I was hardcore was pretty cool!). When I started to bike to work downtown two years ago when I was 19 I had to walk up a hill or two, but I was able to ride up them in a very short amount of time. It’s quick, takes less time than the bus, and parking is free! (Also, having a good jacket, socks, and gloves helps a TON in the winter!)

CMC September 30, 2011 (9:33 pm)

I think the cycling option would be great for those who can make it work. I’ve done it a few times when I can and love it! It might be nice to have a meet up for those who are considering it but aren’t sure where to start. Maybe the city can put something together and even show people how to get their bikes on and off the bus rack since that can be a little intimidating the first couple of times you do it. And those of us who have done it would be happy to share any tips we have.

JN September 30, 2011 (10:04 pm)

Yeah, the bus racks are really intimidating for someone who has had no experience with them. I know I was very flustered the first time I used them, even after researching on Metro’s website. I think that a meetup/guide group would be a great idea, I know that I got lost the first time I tried to get downtown!

BadwolfZanda September 30, 2011 (11:13 pm)

Re: Spokane Street Viaduct ramp not being open in time for this closure. It’s my understanding that the Alaskan Way Viaduct work, by some unfathomable miracle, ended up 6 months ahead of schedule, so that the part of the project involving the closure was brought forward to save time and money – otherwise the demolition would have been happening next year, by which time the Spokane Street ramp WOULD have been open. Personally, I am not going to complain about any project that comes in ahead of schedule!

Sue September 30, 2011 (11:35 pm)

Unless it’s not there anymore, Alki Bike & Board used to have a bike rack out front like the ones on the bus, that you could use to practice.
I bet there are bicylists that would be willing to mentor someone who showed an interest in trying out the commute – I know my husband has done it once or twice with friends. My husband bikes in much of the time and really enjoys it. (I can’t due to mobility issues.)

Rick October 1, 2011 (7:10 am)

Sue, I just picked up my bike from AB&B last Saturday and it was still there. I was a bit intimated myself the first couple of times (using it on the bus) but after that-it’s a breeze.

AKJ October 1, 2011 (10:14 am)

If anyone is interested, I bike every day to/from work (all year). email me if you want to meet up for an informal ride. It’s good to ride with another person who knows the route and ins/outs of certain intersections and where to be more careful than usual…maybe other more experienced riders will also volunteer? ailepard at comcast dot net

Bob Anderton October 1, 2011 (1:57 pm)

I ride everyday except last week when I took my wife’s car in for service. It took at least twice as long to drive downtown as it does to ride.

I ride a big heavy upright Dutch bike… you don’t need spandex or carbon fiber to get to work.

I do strongly recommend fenders and lights– it’s getting to be that time again.

JN October 1, 2011 (6:50 pm)

Bob, you wouldn’t happen to ride along East Marginal Way around 5:10 p.m. or so, would you? Because I occasionally see someone cycling a really awesome-looking black Dutch bike, but I don’t know where to get one, since I am not such a fan of my fender-less road bike anymore.

Cakebake October 1, 2011 (7:23 pm)

So is anyone else terrified of what they are doing?
They are literally ruining seattle!
We are going to spend billions and all we get is LESS one lane and NO exits?
This plan is a shame. The have not had anything good come out of dot in years! The railway overpass at edger martinez drive was the last good idea i ever saw!
Now they want 60$ a year car tab increase to slow down all surrounding hoods so bkies can FEEL more welcome?!? These people are crazy!!!

JN October 1, 2011 (8:59 pm)

@Cakebake, please stay on topic. Bicycles have only been mentioned as a possible option for those whose commutes/chores allow them. Yoga/meditation has helped my stress and indignation with this cities’ planning issues and apathy regarding safe cycling infrastructure, it would probably help you as well with the upcoming traffic woes.

Mack October 1, 2011 (10:22 pm)

I rode the new 56 local route today (Saturday). The new route turns on Lander instead of Safeco Field.

Kal Jones October 3, 2011 (9:03 am)

Here’s the deal. We need to hold off on any more closures of the Viaduct until there are actual
working plans to effectively transport West Seattle citizens safely to their destinations.

I’m not saying stop the tunnel project, I am saying study and correct the egress to and from West Seattle.

My commute from Alki Ave SW is almost an hour to Boeing Field.

Why? Because Admiral to West Seattle Bridge is a one lane mess and because the bus lane is a $149 ticket if you even use it to exit. There only ONE lane to accept TWO on-ramps full of cars on the way the top of the bridge.

Go below the bridge? Oh well to get there you have to wait for 30 minutes on Admiral or go up and round and about from Delridge Way but you are still stuck.

Go to Delridge and take the hill down? ok, there are only school buses and all the regular traffic and then you get to the one lame back up the hill down. Another 30 minute wait.

Ok, so there’s Roxbury through White Center?
Oh yes that’s a ton of fun since the South Park Bridge is closed on 14th so drive through South Park and then West on 14th and then south along the access road along 599 down to Museum of Flight, almost Renton to get on E. Marginal Way.

Yeah!!! thanks DOT for making my 15 miute ride to work a one hour plus nightmare and that is before you close the Viaduct!

Sorry, comment time is over.