West Seattle, Washington
27 Tuesday
One year ago, SDOT announced “next steps” for the Alki Point Healthy Street, including an upgraded crossing at its south end, at 63rd SW and Beach Drive SW. Crossing work has been done, as shown in our recent photo above, but the poles have been in place, beaconless, for a while. So we asked SDOT for an update. The reply: “The RRFB equipment for the upgraded crossing at the south end of the Alki Point Healthy Street has been ordered and we are waiting for them to be delivered.” No timeline estimate so far.
Good news for Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth ferry-route travelers – the route is back to three-boat service as of Monday, according to Washington State Ferries, which says the boats that broke down, cutting Triangle Route service (and elsewhere), are now fixed.
Vessel problems on other Washington State Ferries routes have left the Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth route on two-boat service, and that will continue tomorrow (Friday, January 23), according to this explanation from WSF boss Steve Nevey:
This week, a second large ferry had to be removed from service, leaving us with just 15 boats when we need 17 to run our full winter schedule. Yesterday, Wenatchee hit a log while sailing from Bainbridge to Seattle in the fog, bending one of its propellers. This morning, we moved Sealth to join Tacoma on our busiest route. This leaves both our Fauntleroy/Vashon/ Southworth and Seattle/Bremerton routes down a vessel. Repairs to Wenatchee are expected to take a few days, with a return to Seattle/Bainbridge service possible Sunday. That would allow us to relocate Sealth to our Bremerton route for the Seahawks playoff game, when we expect heavy travel to and from Seattle. Then late Sunday night, we plan to shift Sealth back to Vashon Island. This allows us to restore our “Triangle” route’s full three-boat weekday schedule on Monday. If Wenatchee is not ready, we will keep all ferries where they currently are.
As Nevey reiterated during Wednesday’s systemwide online community meetings (WSB coverage here), the system suffers chronically from an undersupply of boats, and unexpected problems tend to have domino effects like this.
(Ferry in this morning’s fog – photo by Steven Rice)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
The Fauntleroy ferry-terminal project got a semi-quick mention during Washington State Ferries‘ first of today’s two online systemwide community meetings at noon today. So did a wide range of topics, including ICE-related policy and the ongoing pet pilot. We monitored the meeting and are presenting this report in time for you to tune in to the second one at 6 pm if interested. Here are the WSF executives who participated:
It was noted toward the start that about 80 people had signed in to watch. As has become customary for these online meetings, they began with quick polling about what route they used the most (only about 9 percent said “the Triangle Route”) and how often they ride (“a few times a month” was the top response).
Ferries boss Steve Nevey spoke first, with a recap of 2025 (here’s the official report). “We added thousands of sailings in 2025, and the number of cancellations went down.” Here’s the year “by the numbers”:
The ridership number, he said, was a million more than the year before. Now, the challenges and opportunities:
They’re short on vessels, and that isn’t going to change until the next new ones start coming online in 2030. The average age of the fleet is 35 – that’s 10 years past, for example, when a cruise ship might be looked at for retirement from a fleet. Nevey said the Legislative session is “going to be big for Washington State Ferries” because the governor is requesting $1 billion for three more new vessels (beyond the three now funded) and $150 million to keep the three oldest ones in service in the meantime. “That proposed investment from the governor is a huge deal.” They have 21 vessels now, 18 in service at any given time, and just one breakdown can wreak havoc on the whole system. (During the meeting, in fact, it was noted a vessel on the Bainbridge run has broken down, but should be fixed within hours.) He also said that rather than a “system electrification plan” the road they need to be on is a “fleet modernization plan.” For now, though, they are “laser-focused” on making the most of what they currently have. He also mentioned the terminal upgrades – without specifically naming Fauntleroy (which came up briefly later, in the Q&A) – saying they remain a vital part of the future plan.
Regarding planning for the FIFA World Cup games in the region, “it’s going to be a pretty big deal” for WSF too, and they plan to have “all but one vessel” ready to be in service during that time this summer. He said culture change and communication improvement have been emphasized as well – for the latter, being clearer, and more timely, when decisions are made about changes such as “moving boats around.” Their focuses can be summarized as “boats, communities, trust.” And – this year marks WSF’s 75th anniversary.
Next, the system’s second-in-command, John Vezina, took the mic. He opened with a recap of what WSF is doing for workforce development, getting new crew members in the pipeline, which is “getting better,” Vezina said.
He also updated system electrification, recapping the choice of a Florida builder for two new hybrid-electric vessels and an option for a third, converting three vessels to hybrid (the Wenatchee is complete and timeline is TBA for two more), and setting up four terminals for charging capabilities, for starters. They expect to “cut steel and lay keel” for the first new vessel this summer; it’ll be a lot like the Olympic Class, but longer, and a higher vehicle capacity (16 more, total 160).
Next, finance leader Hillary Badger provided an update on WSF funding and what it’s being used for:
She was followed by Jenna Forty with legislative updates – mostly that they’ll find out in late February how the two chambers in Olympia will deal with the governor’s proposals for WSF funding. She noted that those proposals would be supported by bonds.
Forty also said WSF is overhauling its System Contingency Plan, taking “a holistic look at how we deploy our assets,” this spring – before the World Cup (she and others mentioned getting people to and from Fan Zones around the region as well as the Seattle matches).
Then, half an hour into the meeting, it was Q&A time – they took questions in writing, and moderator Tally Teal read them aloud. First one was a request for a recap of vessel numbers mentioned above. Next, if Legislature does approve funding for three more new vessels, what would the timeline be? Vezina said they’ll focus on that if they get the money – seeking to build them “as quickly as possible.” Forty said that would also be contingent on any policy direction from legislators and/or the governor.
Other questions of interest: Could/should the ferry system be privatized? Vezina noted the 75th anniversary and the decision made at the start for it to be a public service. “The governor and legislature certainly COULD decide to get out of the ferry business,” he said, but keep in mind that privatizing might lead to de-emphasizing service available even in the less-busy times. Forty also noted that a private company would look for profitability and fares would invariably be raised. Nevey talked about BC Ferries, which was privatized, and how they face that kind of expectation.
The next question was addressed to vessel-engineering director Forrest Nichols – how much will the double stack in the new ferries’ design affect their performance? The double stack’s sail area doesn’t result in much drag, he said, also considering that the added length of the new ferries will improve their performance. Nichols was also asked to explain crew quarters on the ferries; he said it’s necessary because crew members have to be available or early-morning sailings, among other things; Nevey added that snowstorms, for example, are a time when they want to keep crew aboard and not have them trying to commute.
Which terminals are first for charging capability? The new boats in 2030-2031 will be assigned to Mukilteo-Clinton, so that terminal is up for electrification; Seattle needs to be electrified to handle the Wenatchee; Bainbridge and Bremerton. Forty added that there’s no funding so far for electrification capability on the Triangle Route or the San Juans. Followup: When will Seattle be electrified? 2028 or 2029, was the reply.
Why has the Wenatchee had so many problems – today included – since returning to service following its hybrid conversion? “We’re marrying 30-year-old control systems with brand-new technology,” for one, he said, although today’s problem is with a “shaft seal,” which happens to all the vessels, he noted. “I would anticipate going forward that the Wenatchee will continue to improve on its reliability. (But) I would expect to see intermittent issues related to its being a boat.”
Then the Fauntleroy terminal project came up, briefly. Terminal-engineering director Nicole McIntosh talked about the reason Fauntleroy is getting replaced – it’s low, it’s small, it has creosote, it’s seismically vulnerable … She said they’re at 5% design now, going into the next environmental-review phase “shortly”; current estimate is for construction to be complete in 2031. Will it be electrified when upgraded? another attendee asked. Short answer: No.
As for other terminal projects, McIntosh said, Anacortes is not going to get a building replacement but they’re studying some upgrades/renovations.
Forty fielded a question that often arises at these meetings – when will WSF return to serving Sidney, B.C.? “We’re still aiming for 2030 when (the first new boat) comes online” but that’s not for certain. M/V Chelan used to be certified for Safety of Life at Sea, which is required for an international run, and Nichols said they’re working on restoring that, though it’s complicated – maybe other vessels in the fleet too.
Where’s the biggest need for new staff? Vezina said licensed deck and engine-room employees, though some changes – like the “AB to Mate” on-the-job training program and a scholarship program have helped alleviate that – but, he added, as they move employees through the system, that creates more entry-level jobs. He said this part of the workforce is diversifying, too.
One question was whether, after “modernization,” ticketing will still be available “on the computer,” not just via mobile phones. Vezina said yes.
He also was asked to field a question that’s been asked and answered at previous meetings – wouldn’t it just be faster to build new diesel boats? Vezina said no – they’re not faster to build, and they’d have to start design from scratch, as the previous round of new boats – the Olympic Class – was build on propulsion equipment that’s not available any more. Focusing on hybrid-electric vessels is actually the fastest path forward, “not the result of some ‘woke’ environmental agenda,” Vezina insisted.
Could the third boat on the Triangle Route be put into service for more hours? Vezina said they’re running it at the level they’re funded for.
Does WSF have a plan for dealing with ICE raids on vessels? That agency hasn’t asked for any “preferential loading,” said Vezina, and there’s no agreement for anything like that, but if it does, “we are prepared to contact the people we need to.”
With the Bainbridge and Bremerton schedules to be revised, has WSF considered hourly sailing times, for some consistency? Forty said, that’s one option they’re looking at, and also noted they’re recruiting for an advisory committee to be involved in this process.
Other questions included how – whether – they coordinate with Kitsap Transit passenger-ferry service, in times when they’re down boats on corresponding ferry routes, etc. Vezina says they see KT and King County Metro (Water Taxi) as “partners,” since WSF is prohibited from operating passenger-ferry service (which they used to do). Forty said they let KT and KCM know when they’re having unexpected service reductions, but those services can’t just change schedules at the drop of a hat.
Any plan to update the schedule for Tahlequah-Point Defiance (South Vashon to Tacoma)? Short answer – not any time soon.
How’s the pet-policy trial going? Vezina said they’ve had pro- and con- feedback and will decide “in the next couple weeks” what to do permanently. The policy might be, keep allowing them, but restrict them to a certain area of the passenger deck, so people who don’t want to be near them can keep their distance.
Time limits for multi-ride passes are likely to be extended to 90 days starting in May, Forty said.
In summary, Nevey said, this year will be about mazimizing and being realistic with the resources they have – “we’re doing all we can to make sure boats are available” though they don’t have enough of them. And, “I hope everybody understand we are on the fastest path to building new vessels. … If there were a faster path, we’d be pushing hard” to move to it. And WSF is working hard to keep its current fleet in service; he gave props to the engineering staff for “keeping these 50-to-60-year-old vessels going.”
WHAT’S NEXT: The 6 pm session of this meeting is expected to feature the same presentations and Q&A from whomever’s in attendance; register here to get the link. If you can’t watch that one live either, note that a recording of the meeting will eventually be posted here.
As previewed here, the newly expanded-in-scope committee chaired by District 1 City Councilmember Rob Saka got a general SDOT update during its first meeting of the year. The department’s new director Angela Brady was there for the meeeting of the Transportation, Waterfront, and Seattle Center Committee, but mostly to introduce chief transportation-safety officer Venu Nemani, who led most of the briefing. As shown in the slide deck presented during the meeting, 25 people were killed on Seattle streets last year, mostly people on foot:
In an attempt to reduce that, SDOT has continued expanding a variety of tactics:
It’s added “no right turn on red” signage in more than 800 places, with fewer than 200 left to add, and is planning more “enhanced crossings” with marked crosswalks:
Speed cameras are still in the study mode, so don’t expect to see those soon.
Also of note, the potential implementation of “shared streets,” which sound somewhat like Healthy Streets:
The presentation mentioned only one West Seattle-specific project, the plan to convert the outside downhill lane on Highland Park Way to a bike/foot path, described as in design this year:
(The project website hasn’t been updated since spring.) No votes at this meeting; it was just a briefing, but a window into where SDOT is focused right now.
As we reported last Tuesday, that’s a map of the blocks where SDOT plans “conceptual design” of potential new sidewalks and/or walkways, funded by the Seattle Transportation Levy. Full details are in this report, and SDOT is asking for feedback by tomorrow (Tuesday, January 20), so in case you didn’t have time last week, here’s your reminder. levysidewalks@seattle.gov is where to send your comments.
The Triangle Route has had some scheduling changes in recent weeks because of boat trouble around the Washington State Ferries system, and one more is ahead. Tomorrow (Monday, January 19), WSF says that “Due to the timing of boat moves, the route will be on the two-boat schedule with the Kittitas and Cathlamet.” But it’s expecting the Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth route to return to regular three-boat service as of Tuesday (January 20).
(Photo by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor – WSF and Kitsap Transit vessels on Elliott Bay)
Wednesday is the day for WSF’s next two systemwide community meetings, both to be held online, one at noon and one at 6 pm; we’ve published the announcement before, but here’s WSF’s reminder:
This is your chance to share feedback and ask us questions. Each meeting will start with a short presentation that looks back at 2025 and previews our 2026 service. We’ll cover topics including new vessel construction, terminal upgrades needed for charging vessels, our Service Contingency Plan, workforce development efforts, our budget, and what to expect in the 2026 Washington legislative session.
Both meetings will cover the same topics, and most of the time will be dedicated to answering questions. Registration is required. To learn more and register, visit our Community Participation webpage.
Metro is proposing changes affecting Route 60, which runs from Westwood Village to Capitol Hill via White Center, South Park, Georgetown, Beacon Hill, the International District, and First Hill. The changes could affect other transportation-corridor users, so you might be interested in offering feedback even if you’re not a bus rider. They’re asking for feedback via this survey, and detailing the proposals in four segments – here’s the summary of how the West Seattle (and vicinity) segment could change:
Segment 4: East Marginal Way & 16th Avenue South to Westwood Village (South Park, Westwood-Highland Park).
The East Marginal Way to Westwood Village segment includes portions of the South Park and Westwood-Highland Park neighborhoods. The route serves multiple community assets such as the Olson/Myers Park and Ride and Westwood Village.
Potential improvements to this segment may include:
-A new bus priority lane on Cloverdale Street approaching 14th Avenue South. This lane would help buses bypass long lines of traffic during morning and evening rush hours.
-Intersection improvements near the Olson Place and Myers Way Park and Ride to reduce travel time and improve bus reliability.
-Closure of the eastbound bus stop at Barton Place and 22nd Avenue Southwest. Removing this stop will help improve travel time and result in better stop spacing that aligns with Metro’s recommended guidelines.
All segments’ proposed changes are detailed here. Metro is asking for responses to its Route 60 survey by February 20.
King County Metro is increasing service, and is now hiring for drivers to make sure they can keep up with an influx of tourists this summer and beyond. Part of the increase is for the World Cup, but there are longer-term increases in service too, including additional RapidRide lines. Metro plans to hire 375 part-time and 150 full-time drivers this year.
(King County Metro photo)
When hired, drivers go through up to 2 months of paid training, including getting the license that allows them to drive busses. There is also a bonus available and a starting wage of $31.39 after training.
The deadline for applications for part-time positions is next Friday, January 23rd. More information can be found on Metro’s website.
(October WSB photo)
Three months after SDOT‘s Arbor Heights walking tour to talk about possibilities for new sidewalks/pathways (WSB coverage here), the department is out with its report on what it heard and what it plans to do. The report (see it here) includes this map showing blocks “moving into conceptual design” for potential new sidewalks/walkways:
The report was emailed with this brief note from SDOT:
After carefully considering and analyzing all input from the community, we have developed the draft design for the new sidewalks, walkways, and other related Arbor Heights neighborhood improvements. Please review the attached plan and let us know if you have comments by Tuesday, January 20.
The email didn’t include a specific address or survey link for feedback (we’re following up) but the program’s general feedback address is levysidewalks@seattle.gov – whichever blocks are chosen for new sidewalks/walkways, the funding will come from the voter-approved $1.5 billion, eight-year Seattle Transportation Levy, which included funding for 350 new blocks of sidewalks/walkways citywide.
Thanks to the texter who sent that photo, wondering what’s up with the crane alongside the Fauntleroy ferry dock. We took the question to Washington State Ferries, and a spokesperson replied:
The crane at our Fauntleroy dock is part of a planned maintenance project at the terminal.
Manson Construction towed a derrick barge, a material barge, and a small tug to the site to begin repairs that started (today) and are expected to last about a week. The work includes driving two steel H-piles at the north and south edges of the timber trestle to replace deteriorated timber piles, adding structural steel, making repairs to the bridge seat and replacing damaged rub timbers along the south wingwall.
Most of the work won’t affect customers. However, there may be brief impacts when a new steel beam is installed, including possible single-lane vehicle loading on the transfer span or temporary vehicle weight limits.
We’ll keep a close watch on the work and coordinate with the contractor to limit any disruptions to service.
The old dock has to be kept in good working condition at least five more years; the current timeline for design and construction of its replacement is 2028-2031.
Checking the Washington State Ferries alert page to see if there’s been any change in the projection that Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth will be down to two boats until at least Tuesday, we see the system now has three boats out of service on Seattle (including West Seattle) routes: Seattle-Bainbridge is down to one boat because 28-year-old M/V Tacoma broke down; Seattle-Bremerton was already down to one boat because 52-year-old M/V Walla Walla is out of service; and Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth remains down to two boats because 46-year-old M/V Kittitas needs repairs. So if you’re planning to go just about anywhere via WSF any time soon, be aware they’re running on a much-reduced fleet right now – already below the number of vessels considered the desired baseline (currently 14 are in service per the real-time map). The alert page has links to the alternative schedules currently in use.
(‘Live’ image from WSF camera at Fauntleroy terminal)
In this morning’s traffic/transit/weather roundup, we mentioned that the Triangle Route was down to two ferries. WSF now says that’ll last at least until Tuesday:
The #1 vessel, Kittitas, is out of service due to necessary vessel maintenance. The route will be on two-boat service until further notice. Early this morning, Friday, Jan. 2, we discovered damage to an oil seal in the vessel engine room. We expect repairs to be completed early next week.
Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth service through Tuesday, Jan. 6:
Friday, Jan. 2: As of 11:20 a.m., we are now running the two-boat schedule with the #1 Cathlamet and #2 Sealth. Please expect some delays during this schedule change.
Saturday, Jan. 3 and Sunday, Jan. 4: Regular weekend two-boat schedule.
Monday, Jan. 5 and Tuesday, Jan. 6: Alternate weekday two-boat schedule.
(Reader photo sent by CJ, December 14)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
Is it the drivers’ fault or the pavement’s fault? The discussion reignites almost every time we report a crash toward the southwest end of the westbound West Seattle Bridge, in the general area of the pullout near the two remaining “Walking on Logs” sculptures and the “Welcome to West Seattle” sign. The “drivers’ fault” faction says people are just driving too fast. The “pavement’s fault” faction blames an inconsistency in the road surface right in that spot.
(Reader photo sent by Mike, October 26)
We don’t have hard-and-fast data on crashes at this location – the SDOT collision map is neither comprehensive nor (location-wise) precise, and our archives are not necessarily comprehensive either, nor is publicly visible data: The SFD 911 log will show a collision only if there was a dispatch for injuries, and the SPD police-data map if the crash was reported by a 911 caller. Plus, there’s no functioning traffic camera in that spot, so for visuals, we’re reliant on reader photos. But our archives alone show more than a dozen mentions of crashes in that spot just this year.
(Reader photo, October 24)
Back in February, we sought and reported on SDOT’s response to our inquiry about whether any action was planned regarding this area. A department spokesperson said at that time that they planned “to add safety enhancements to encourage drivers to approach the curve at a safer speed” and then might evaluate pavement work if that didn’t help. The timeline given was “this year.”
(Reader photo, OMarch 24)
So now we’re at the end of “this year.” After more crashes in mid-December, we asked SDOT for an update. Here’s how they responded this time:
Based on recent crash activity and additional review, we will be installing two near-term safety enhancements to improve driver awareness of the curve:
-curve warning signs, and
-raised pavement markers to enhance visibility for approaching drivers.The work orders have been issued.
This represents a slight change from what was discussed earlier this year. While reflective markings on the existing guardrail were previously mentioned as a potential third treatment, that option is still under internal evaluation.
As we shared in February, our pavement engineers and Vision Zero team have also been evaluating longer-term solutions to improve traction in this area, including either grinding the top layer of pavement or installing a high-friction surface treatment. Those options remain under consideration and would need to be scheduled further out, taking into account resources, weather, crew availability, and traffic impacts.
We’ll continue to monitor conditions at this location and assess whether additional measures are recommended.
Some pavement work was done in that area during the 2020-2022 West Seattle Bridge closure, as we reported, and showed, in this story about a visit to the work zone toward the end of bridge-repair work.
(Mid-December photo by Jerry Simmons)
One week into winter, Washington State Ferries will launch its winter schedule tomorrow. Here’s what WSF says will change:
Our winter sailing schedule starts Sunday, Dec. 28 and lasts through March 21, 2026. There will be schedule changes for two routes:
-The Seattle/Bremerton route will run a revised winter schedule due to terminal construction.
-The Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth route will switch to the two-boat weekend schedule used each winter.As a reminder, the Anacortes/San Juan Islands will continue with the fall schedule. This same schedule now runs in the fall, winter, and spring, moving the route to an improved, two-season schedule.
All other routes will operate on their regular winter schedule, available online now.
Looking ahead to New Year’s Eve, one week from Wednesday, Metro and various other transit agencies/services are going fare-free. Here’s the announcement:
King County Executive Girmay Zahilay announced today that Metro will join other regional transit agencies to provide free rides this New Year’s Eve, Dec. 31. Riders can travel without paying fares on King County Metro, Sound Transit, Community Transit, Everett Transit, Pierce Transit and the Seattle Streetcar as part of their holiday celebrations.
“Leaving the driving to us is becoming as great a New Year’s tradition as celebrating at the Space Needle,” said Executive Zahilay. “No matter where you plan to ring in the new year, you have access to free transit options to get you there!”
Regional transit agencies will operate on specific schedules to accommodate fare-free New Year’s Eve and riders are encouraged to check times beforehand.
The free Metro rides will continue until 3 am New Year’s morning. Details are here, including information on this week’s transit schedules too (as noted in our morning traffic roundup, Metro is on a Sunday schedule for Christmas Day and the Water Taxi won’t run that day).
(File photo of M/V Kaleetan, by Gary Jones)
In Washington State Ferries‘ latest weekly update, WSF recapped that the Triangle Route, in its second week of 2-boat service, won’t be back to three boats “until another vessel is available.” That’s likely going to be a while, as one of its oldest boats, M/V Kaleetan (assigned currently to the San Juans), is undergoing emergency repairs that the weekly update says are likely to take until “late December.” As WSF boss Steve Nevey said in his own weekly update, “We need new boats.” The first of its next round of new boats isn’t expected to be ready until 2030. Meantime, WSF has set the date for its next online systemwide community meetings, which usually start with a variety of updates and then spend a significant amount of time on Q&A. They’ll have afternoon and evening versions of the same meeting on Wednesday, January 21: “WSF leaders will recap 2025, share updates on new boats and construction projects, and take questions from the public.” You can register for the noon meeting here, or the 6 pm meeting here. (Here’s our coverage of the most-recent one, back in October.)
(Access during construction)
Last month, when SDOT announced it would proceed with additions promised for its Alki Point Healthy Street (Beach Drive and Alki Avenue west of 63rd), it didn’t have a date beyond “as soon as later this year.” This afternoon, SDOT sent an update saying work will start “as soon as the weekend of December 20,” for the 63rd/Beach Drive crossing features. Here’s the plan for the 63rd/Beach work:
As soon as the weekend of December 20th, we’ll begin installing intersection upgrades at 63rd Ave SW and SW Beach Dr. Crews will install new accessible curb ramps and a new flashing pedestrian crossing sign. Work is expected to occur over a three-week period, with some pauses between phases like demolition and pouring new concrete. We plan to work on one side of 63rd Ave SW at a time to minimize traffic impacts.
During the work, you can expect:
-Primary work hours from 9 AM – 3 PM, Monday-Sunday. Crews may set up or take down equipment outside of these work hours. Crews will not work on December 25 or January 1.
-Temporary sidewalk, crosswalk, and lane closures.
-Access to Beach Dr SW at 63rd Ave SW will be closed while crews are working. Local access will remain open via 64th Ave SW. Access will re-open outside of working hours.
-Traffic shifts around the work area on 63rd Ave SW. Traffic will remain open in both directions with the assistance of flaggers.
-Relocated pedestrian crossing across 63rd Ave SW north of the work area.
-Signed detours for pedestrians and protected pedestrian walkways around the work areas.
Other planned additions won’t be installed until next year, according to today’s SDOT update, because they need drier weather.
The potential downsides of temporarily increasing Highway 99 tunnel tolls during the FIFA World Cup would outweigh the benefits. That’s what Washington State Transportation Commission members just decided, so the idea is dead; we mentioned last week that this was on their agenda for today. Two possibilities were studied – a 50-cent surcharge or a one-dollar surcharge, potentially in effect June 1st through July 15th of next year. The higher of the two would raise about $1.6 million dollars, and that could help cover $2 million in extra maintenance costs. But commissioners were told that tunnel revenue under current rates would cover that cost just fine (they had seen an earlier presentation showing that the tunnel’s finances are in fairly good shape). And they also were told that increased tolls were likely to lead to more drivers diverting to surface streets, leading to more traffic trouble. So they voted unanimously to scrap the idea. (The WSTC is responsible for setting tolls and ferry fares on state facilities. The whole temporary-toll-increase idea came up because the Legislature told the commission to study and consider it.)
Early tomorrow, Washington State Ferries‘ M/V Chelan “will go out of service for maintenance, repairs, and inspections,” WSF says. They don’t have a boat to replace it on the Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth run, so the Triangle Route will be down to two boats for a week or so. (The two-boat schedules are linked from the WSF Alerts page.)
Last June, after months of controversy over City Councilmember Rob Saka‘s espousal of removing a centerline curb on Delridge Way, he and Mayor Bruce Harrell announced the curb would stay and three other projects would be done instead. The biggest of those projects is about to start:
SDOT says work could start as soon as this Friday (December 5) on the 22nd/Delridge turnaround. From the flyer it’s sent to nearby residents:
New Turnaround at Delridge Way SW and 22nd Ave SW
As soon as Friday, December 5, the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) will start construction at Delridge Way SW and 22nd Ave SW in the Delridge neighborhood at the request of City Councilmember Rob Saka pursuant to a budget investment passed by the Full Council. We will reconfigure the triangle at Delridge Way SW and 22nd Ave SW by building a 24-foot wide turnaround on the north side of the triangle connecting the two streets (see map). This will improve circulation for people driving in this part of the Delridge neighborhood. Please note this project will remove the existing informal parking in this triangle and add landscaping within the triangle area south of the street segment.
The other two projects involve signage; together, all three cost $500,000, according to SDOT, a quarter of what the original plan was budgeted for.
For Metro, today is Mark McLaughlin Day, a tribute to the driver murdered on the job on the day after Thankgiving in 1998, including a 4 pm moment of remembrance for drivers if they can stop safely. Here’s the system alert:
Metro bus service will pause for a moment of reflection and remembrance for transit operator Mark McLaughlin at 4 pm today.
Metro operators will honor the legacy of operator Mark McLaughlin, who died tragically while driving Route 359 in 1998. Operators throughout the system will pause for a moment of silence at 4 pm today to honor Mr. McLaughlin. Operators participating in the annual remembrance will stop only where and when it is safe to do so. Operators will not pause service if they are traveling on highways or on roadways where there is no place to safely pull over.
This Metro Matters post from two years ago has the backstory.
Thanks for the tip and photos! A reader reports that the intersection of 26th SW and SW Genesee is now an all-way stop, after SDOT installed signs on Genesee today:
This comes five-plus years after a community controversy over a different plan to calm traffic at that intersection: In 2020, SDOT announced a sudden plan for “diverters” at this intersection and 26th/Brandon; after neighborhood pushback, they shelved the idea in March 2021, and that’s the last time the word “diverters” appears in our archives. 26th SW is a greenway through the area.
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