ROAD-WORK UPDATE: Avalon project, after 2 days

That’s the traffic revision on Avalon at Genesee, as we saw it while driving through late this afternoon, on the second day since the year-plus Avalon/35th/Alaska repaving/rechannelization project started gearing up. We’ve also received an update from SDOT‘s project spokesperson Adonis Ducksworth:

After assessing the project corridor today, we will be staging our equipment at 30th Ave NE from SW Avalon Way to the nearest driveway. This location was chosen because it minimizes impacts of people traveling from SW Avalon Way to the Delridge neighborhood. Local Access and Driveway access on 30th Ave SW will be maintained via SW Yancy and SW Genesee streets. Crews will be storing equipment and materials for our work in Zone B at this location. We expect this closure to last up to 3 months.

Additionally, we have a no left turn in place for southbound SW Avalon Way at the SW Genesee St intersection. The no left turn is in place for safety of people driving due to the inability for a left-turn queue during construction as we begin work near the SW Genesee St intersection.

Zone B is the Genesee-to-Yancy section of Avalon where work will be done first; early next month, work will start on 35th between Avalon and Alaska. For more project details, including the rest of the phasing, see the preview we published last Friday.

Avalon Way is Doomed April 16, 2019 (7:57 pm)

Traffic coming up Avalon tonight was a real treat.

Busrider April 16, 2019 (9:35 pm)

Bumper to bumper from spokane to Genesee on Avalon was a real “treat” for sure on the crowded bus. But its a double feature with ride through 1st ave to 99 and avalon now.

rpo April 16, 2019 (11:47 pm)

It took 25 minutes to go from Luna Park to 35th at 5:30 today. Wasn’t expecting that. It can’t even be a half mile. Just simply wasn’t moving.

Tracey April 17, 2019 (6:31 am)

We can’t complain too much otherwise they will decide to make this a bus/bike only street to alleviate traffic congestion:)

Peter April 17, 2019 (9:35 am)

I am 100% in favor of making Avalon a pedestrian/transit/bike only corridor.
- Jort April 17, 2019 (5:12 pm)
  
  Me too, I think this would be a wonderful change to West Seattle. I can think of many other streets that could benefit from this.

west sea neighbor April 17, 2019 (8:05 am)

There are a bunch of rocks spilled over into the southbound (uphill) roadway/shoulder from one of the building projects, which makes cycling up that portion of the road hazardous. Who would I contact about getting that cleaned up?

Tsurly April 17, 2019 (8:30 am)

SDOT 24-hour street repair and maintenance (206) 386-1218

Jay April 17, 2019 (8:55 am)

Does the contractor have a plan to maintain bike access on this much used strech?I was supprised last night to come part way up and find a sign saying bike lane closed and a traffic lane so narrow that riding in it backs up traffic behind me or cars dangerously trying to get by me.Thanks

Paul April 17, 2019 (12:29 pm)

I was in the same boat. Avalon is the only access point to central and south West Seattle from downtown on a bicycle, at least that doesn’t involve climbing a gnarly hill.That 1/4 mile or so stretch of uphill with no room for cars to pass a cyclist is asking for an accident. I just kept pulling over to let cars by.
Que April 17, 2019 (2:44 pm)

It is 100% legal to take the lane. If you are menaced by people driving cars, call 911 to report them for using their vehicle as a weapon and that they are likely driving while intoxicated.
- ltfd April 18, 2019 (3:19 pm)
  
  You are obviously a very intelligent and wise human being.

Mj April 17, 2019 (10:12 am)

SDoT should restrict all left turns off of Avalon in the construction zone where no separate left turn channelization exists!

Joe Grande April 17, 2019 (6:37 pm)

They have. Already posted no left turns. However Seattle drivers don’t follow signs.
- Jort April 18, 2019 (11:45 am)
  
  “It’s OK if I do it.”

Swede. April 17, 2019 (4:55 pm)

No worries, it’s ‘only’ for three months people!

Joe Grande April 17, 2019 (6:35 pm)

No, we were told the project is 1 1/2 years, at least. All of SW Avalon Way and 35th SW to Alaska. With the history of SDOT managed projects this will most likely take 3 years and 5 times the cost.
- WSB April 17, 2019 (7:08 pm)
  
  14 months is the official SDOT line as of my meeting with them last week, as well as previous discussions.
- Swede. April 18, 2019 (1:34 pm)
  
  I was joking. Am very aware of that it will mess everything up for years.

A2 April 17, 2019 (5:13 pm)

Avalon is under construction for the next year. The center section will be out of a left turn lane for, at least the next three months. The Bicycle lane is closed now (like the turn lane) and that time line has not been noted, so you can assume for the next year also. The other way in and out of West Seattle is Delridge and Fauntleroy, which is also the full time truck route. To all of my WS ‘neighbors’ who do not live on Avalon and have to access your home from Avalon, please find something else to grouse about and make snarky internet comments about, no one here appreciates your input.

Sorry, comment time is over.