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Traffic Alert

Eastbound I-90 Lanes Closed Through Mount Baker Tunnel Saturday Night

December 9, 2011

in Traffic Alert,Transportation

RAINIER VALLEY – Two of three eastbound lanes through the Mt. Baker Tunnel on Interstate 90 will be closed from 11 p.m. this Sat., Dec. 10, until 8 a.m. Sun., Dec. 11, while a crew for the Washington State Department of Transportation installs video cameras to test new technology that detects and responds to emergencies inside the tunnel.

The closure will affect only the north-side lanes of the divided eastbound tunnel. A single eastbound lane in the south side of the tunnel will remain open to traffic. During the closure the center express lanes on I-90 will operate eastbound, the normal weekend direction, however buses and HOVs will not be able to access the center express lanes east of the Rainier Avenue exit. Express lane access on Mercer Island will not be affected.

The work is part of the I-90 Two-Way Transit and HOV Operations project, Stage 3. The existing fire and life-safety system in the tunnel uses heat sensors to detect a possible fire. The new cameras will combine visual sensors with video monitoring to provide WSDOT traffic engineers faster, more detailed information about emergencies for better response.

Traffic Alert: Lane Closures Along Rainier Avenue This Week

December 5, 2011

in Traffic Alert,Transportation

RAINIER VALLEY – Starting this week, traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction throughout the Rainier Valley as the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) will be marking and painting traffic lines along sections of Rainier Avenue South from South Walden Street in Mt. Baker to South Cloverdale Street in Rainier Beach.

The work will take place from 7 a.m. until 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, with some striping to potentially occur on Saturdays.

Some on-street loading and parking will also be restricted.

Weather permitting, this phase of the Rainier Corridor Project will be complete before December 25.

This project is part of SDOT’s annual paving program and is funded by the Bridging the Gap transportation levy approved by Seattle voters in November 2006.

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City to Pave Rainier Ave Near Columbia City During Saturday’s Parade and Street Party

August 19, 2011

in News,Traffic Alert,Transportation

While the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) is warning of crowds in the thousands for tomorrow’s 19th annual Rainier Valley Heritage Parade and Summer Streets Party in Columbia City, it’s planning to pave Rainier Ave. just north of Alaska St. at the same time.

In fact, SDOT sponsors and organizes the Summer Streets part of the community’s flagship event, which will close Rainier Ave. to car traffic on the south side of Alaska St. in Columbia City on Sat., Aug. 20, from 10:45 am to 3 pm.

Meanwhile, just a few blocks away, an SDOT contractor will pave Rainier Ave. from Andover St. in Mt. Baker to Genesee St. between 7 am and 6 pm on the same day.

During construction, traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction near the work zone. Left-turns will be restricted at times; on-street loading and parking will be restricted. There will be short-term driveway restrictions and some pedestrian detours.

During the parade and street party, Rainier Ave. will be closed from S. Brandon St. to S. Alaska St.

Susan Davis, Executive Director of the Rainier Chamber of Commerce and organizer of the Heritage Parade for the last three years said SDOT “did their best to accommodate the event” and even changed the schedule to be as far away from Alaska St. as possible on Saturday, but that she’s still “very concerned” about parking and traffic issues.

“There will be no parking on Alaska Street and very little parking in the area,” she said.

She encourages attendees to use alternative methods of transportation, including the bus and Light Rail, which has a station just a few blocks west of historical Columbia City. There will even be a bike valet service for those on two wheels.

Photo/David Mullarkey Images

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Thousands Expected for Sunday’s Triathlon at Genesee Park

August 13, 2011

in News,Traffic Alert

The Seattle Department of Transportation is warning Rainier Valley residents to plan for congestion and street closures this Sun., Aug. 14, as 3,800 participants are expected to join the Danskin Women’s Triathlon at Genesee Park.

The race – the fourth largest in Danskin’s seven-city series – consists of a 1/2-mile swim, 12-mile bike and 3-mile run.

Photo/David Mullarkey Images

Traffic Alert: Rainier Avenue South Paving Project Starts Tuesday in Rainier Beach; Wednesday in Mt. Baker, Columbia City

August 8, 2011

in News,Traffic Alert

Paving crews from the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) plan to pave Rainier Avenue South between 68th Ave. S. and 72nd Ave. S. in Rainier Beach, near the far southeastern city limits, on Tues., Aug. 9, and Wed., Aug. 10, weather permitting. One lane will remain open in each direction from 7 am to 7 pm.

In addition, drivers should expect lane restrictions between S. Walden St. in Mt. Baker and S. Alaska St. in Columbia City from Wed., Aug. 10, through Fri., Aug. 12, while crews grind and remove the top layer of asphalt pavement.

Then, on Sat., Aug. 13, weather permitting, an SDOT contractor will pave Rainier Ave. S. from S. Genesee St. to S. Alaska St. The remaining roadway sections between S. Genesee and S. Walden streets will be paved on Sat., Aug. 20, and Sat., Aug. 27.

The planned work will take place between 7 am and 6 pm, and traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction near the work zone during construction. Left turns will be restricted at times and there will be loading and parking restrictions. There will be short-term driveway restrictions and some pedestrian detours. Access to all businesses will be maintained.

This project is funded by the Bridging the Gap transportation levy approved by Seattle voters in November 2006.

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Seafair. South-End Style.

August 3, 2011

in Arts/Living,News,Traffic Alert

It’s that time.

Love it or hate it, Seafair is here.

The Hydroplane Races and Air Show will run Friday through Sunday from 8: 30 am to 6 pm on the shores of Lake Washington, and we’ve got your south-end shuttle information, park closures and road closures.

Shuttle to the Hydro Races – Ride a free Metro shuttle between the Othello light rail station and the hydroplane races on Lake Washington this weekend. Shuttle service to the Albert Lee Cup races will be provided Friday through Sunday from Martin Luther King, Jr. Way and S. Othello St. to Stan Sayres Pit near Genesee Park.

Seward Park Closures – In the interest of public safety, Federal Regulations require the closure of Seward Park during performances by the Blue Angels, including Thursday, 9 am-2:30 pm; Friday, 10 am-2:30 pm; Saturday, 10 am-2:30 pm and Sunday, 10 am-2:30 pm.

Rainier Avenue South = Construction-Free – SDOT’s paving contractor will “button up” their work on Rainier Avenue South and have all lanes open from Thursday through Sunday. Next week, weather permitting, the contractor plans to work on paving the section between Genesee and Alaska streets, as well as continuing work on street base repair, drainage systems and sidewalk repair.

I-90 Closures – During the practice flights and air show, all lanes and several ramps of I-90 between I-5 in Seattle and Island Crest Way on Mercer Island will be closed several times from Thursday through Sunday. Drivers should expect congestion and plan ahead. No stopping or parking is allowed on the floating bridge.

  • Thursday: 9:45 am –12 noon and 1:15 – 2:30 pm
  • Friday: 12:45 – 2:40 pm
  • Saturday: 12:45 – 2:40 pm
  • Sunday: 12:45 – 2:40 pm
  • In addition, the bicycle and pedestrian path on the I-90 floating bridge will be closed to pedestrians and cyclists up to 30 minutes prior to posted closure times.

Photos/Seafair

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TRAFFIC ALERT: Weekend Construction on Rainier Ave South in Mount Baker

July 22, 2011

in News,Traffic Alert,Transportation

On Sat., July 23, Rainier Valley drivers should expect lane restrictions between South Charlestown Street and South Adams Street in Mount Baker while the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) works to repair the roadway from 9 am until 5 pm.

During construction, Rainier Avenue South will be reduced to one lane in each direction in the work zone and its approaches. Left-turns will be restricted at certain times during the project. Loading and parking restrictions will be in place near work zones.

According to SDOT, there will be short-term driveway restrictions and some pedestrian detours, access to all businesses will be maintained and uniformed police officers will be on site to keep traffic moving in both directions.

The project is funded by the “Bridging the Gap” transportation levy approved by Seattle voters in November 2006.

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Traffic Alert: Rainier Avenue to Get a Face-Lift

July 6, 2011

in News,Traffic Alert,Transportation


Next week, the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) will begin repaving several sections of roadway along Rainier Avenue South in the Rainier Valley, starting with the section between South Walden Street in Mount Baker and South Alaska Street in Columbia City.

Traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction, up to 24 hours a day seven days each week, and uniformed police officers will be on hand to help keep traffic moving.

The overall project – funded by the Bridging the Gap transportation levy approved by voters in 2006 – will include repaving two sections of Rainier Avenue South, a large section of 51st Avenue South, and a one-block section of South Henderson Street. Improvements include new pavement, upgraded curb ramps, repaired sidewalks and some new storm drainage infrastructure.

According to SDOT, construction on the first section of roadway is scheduled to be completed by the end of August. For more information, go here.

The Rainier and Genesee intersection was repaved in April 2011. Photo/do communications

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Traffic Alert: Rainier Avenue at Genesee Going Under Construction. Again.

April 7, 2011

in News,Traffic Alert,Transportation

Less than two months after the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) announced the completion of the majority of work in the Rainier Avenue Corridor construction project that started last summer, the department has announced that construction at the intersection of Rainier Avenue South and South Genesee Street will begin again next week. From SDOT:

Construction work to repave the Rainier/Genesee intersection is scheduled for April 14-16. The work is expected to take two night shifts (Thursday & Friday) and a day shift (Saturday). The paving is weather dependent. If paving cannot be done on Saturday, April 16th, it will be scheduled for the following Saturday. Work includes grinding asphalt, jack-hammer work, and asphalt paving.

Traffic restrictions at Rainier and Genesee will include temporary bus stop re-locations, partial traffic lane closures and parking restrictions on Rainier and Genesee near the work area. Photo/do communications

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Lake Washington Boulevard Now Open to Traffic

December 14, 2010

in News,Traffic Alert,Transportation

The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) has reopened Lake Washington Boulevard between Lake Park Drive South and 43rd Avenue South, after closing the roadway while Seattle Parks and Recreation Department cleaned up a landslide there. Photo/do communications

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Heading Out? Check Our New Page of Rainier Valley Traffic Cameras Before You Go

November 22, 2010

in News,Traffic Alert,Transportation

9:51 am: An accident was just reported at MLK Jr. Way South and South Dawson Street in Columbia City, and Seattle Fire Department Engine 28 is on the way.

Meanwhile, if you’re headed out today you’ll want to check our brand new page of Rainier Valley traffic cameras, including seven shots from our two major thoroughfares, Rainier Avenue South to the east and Martin Luther King Jr. Way South to the west, as well as views from the midspans of I-90 and the West Seattle Bridge.

Traffic camera at MLK Jr. Way South and South Alaska St. in Columbia City.

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It’s On: Metro Taking Snow Routes Monday

November 21, 2010

in News,Traffic Alert,Transportation

With the potential for snow during the morning commute, King County Metro isn’t taking any chances and will start service on Monday with buses in ALL areas on snow routing.

While the accumulations are not expected to be deep, Metro says managers want to be prepared and not have to change to snow routing during the middle of the busiest travel times.

“We decided Sunday night to be proactive, even though we know how unpredictable snowfall can be in King County,” said Metro General Manager Kevin Desmond. “We would rather be over prepared than have buses stuck on regular routes during the middle of a snowy commute in the morning or afternoon.”

Go here first-thing Monday for the most current status. Updates will begin at 4 am.

What snow routing means to you: When buses are on snow routing, some streets and bus stops may be missed and there are often delays due to travel conditions. There is new snow routing in many areas that is different from past years, so be sure to check the snow routes for all the routes you use most often.

Photo/do communications

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SATURDAY: Light Rail Delays Possible During Emergency Drill in Beacon Hill Tunnel

11.05.2010 Traffic Alert

Central Link riders may experience minor delays Sat., Nov. 6, as Sound Transit participates in an underground emergency drill in the Beacon Hill tunnel from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.  Trains will run every 10 minutes between Westlake and Sea Tac / Airport stations. The southbound platforms at Beacon Hill and Mount Baker station will [...]

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Traffic Alert: Just When You Thought Rainier Ave Couldn’t Get Any Worse…

10.26.2010 News

In case you needed another reason to avoid Rainier Avenue South, traffic has been reduced to one lane in each direction on the busy thoroughfare near South Frontenac Street in the Othello neighborhood. There are partial traffic lane closures and parking restrictions on Rainier Avenue South and South Frontenac Street as construction crews make improvements [...]

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Traffic Alert: Rainier Ave = One HOT MESS

10.11.2010 News

The good news is that much of the work on the Route 7 corridor north of I-90 is substantially complete. The bad news is that south-end drivers should continue to expect delays throughout the Rainier Valley as road crews continue to work at several locations along Rainier Avenue South, including Martin Luther King Jr. Way [...]

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This Weekend: Light Rail Morning Service Delays, Some Southbound Platforms Closed

10.08.2010 News

This Saturday and Sunday morning, from the start of service until 9:30 am each morning, light rail will operate approximately every 30-40 minutes due to track maintenance. The work will temporarily close the southbound platform at several south-end stations, including Beacon Hill, Mt. Baker, Columbia City and Othello. During this closure, riders will need to [...]

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Traffic Alert: Expect Rainier Ave Construction to Get Worse Before It Gets Better

08.31.2010 News

South-end drivers should continue to expect delays throughout the Rainier Valley as road crews continue to work at two locations along Rainier Avenue South, also known as the Route 7 corridor: 1. Rainier Ave. S. & Martin Luther King Jr. Way S. – Work includes spot sidewalk repair; installation of storm drainage upgrades and demolition [...]

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Jade Buddha World Tour Coming to Graham Street Temple

08.17.2010 Arts/Living

The Jade Buddha for Universal Peace – the largest Buddha carved from gemstone quality jade in the world – is due to arrive at Co Lam Temple (3503 S. Graham St.) this Sat., Aug. 21. The four-ton sculpture will be on display through Sun., Aug. 29, as part of its several year-long tour throughout major [...]

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Love ‘Em or Hate ‘Em, the Blue Angels Are Here; I-90 Closed Off & on Thru Sunday

08.05.2010 Arts/Living
blueangels

For many across the Pacific Northwest, summer and Seafair reach their pinnacle as the six pilots behind the yokes of the “Blue” Boeing F/A-18 Hornets make their thunderous and spectacular appearance. Blue Angels demonstrations will take place daily from Fri., Aug. 6 through Sun., Aug. 8, from 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Bridge Closures: The [...]

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Traffic Alert: 12,000 Expected for Pista Sa Nayon at Seward Park TODAY

08.01.2010 Traffic Alert
DDM_9829_2

Expect heavy congestion around Seward Park and surrounding neighborhoods all day today, as 12,000 people are expected to attend Pista sa Nayon from 9 am to 8 pm. It’s also Bicycle Sunday. Motorists should plan to park a distance away and walk to the park. Photo/David Mullarkey Images

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Traffic Alert: I-5 Off-Ramp at Dearborn Closed Tuesday Night for Paving

07.26.2010 Traffic Alert

Construction crews for the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) will close the southbound I-5 Off-ramp to S Dearborn Street for several hours on Tues., July 27, between 9 PM and 5 AM in order to install final pavement markings for crosswalks and traffic symbols on S Dearborn Street. According to SDOT, this work will bring [...]

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