Frequently Asked Questions

• General Project
  
• Business Owners
  
• Electricity Service
  
• Transportation
  
• Water (Residential)
  
• Water (Commercial)
  
• Sewer (Residential)
  
• Sewer (Commercial)
  
• Drainage (Residential)
  
• Drainage (Commercial)
  
• Garbage (Residential)
  
• Garbage (Commercial)

General Project

• What is the City's role in building Central Link light rail?
  The City of Seattle serves three basic roles in the Central Link light rail project.
1. Regulatory Authority: As the permitting agency for the project, the City protects the community's interests by regulating use of the public right-of-way.
2. Construction Partner: As a constant onsite presence, the City constructs utilities in conjuction with the project, and provides ongoing quality assurance role by employing City inspectors at every segment of the line.
3. User: As part of the City’s larger plans to maximise the transportation capacity of Seattle’s roads, light rail will reduce the number of cars needed to carry people along the planned Link corridor; it will free up buses along this route to provide needed service elsewhere; and it will connect with planned multi-modal hubs throughout the city to create a truly versatile regional transportation system.

• How will the City make sure that Link light rail project is built correctly?
  The City applies three approaches to monitoring the construction of Link light rail.
1. Design Review & Permitting: By reviewing designs for light rail construction and regulating permits for use of public right-of-way, the City is both knowledgeable of Sound Transit's construction plans and able to direct the agency's use of land entrusted to the City.
2. Inspections: By regularly inspecting Sound Transit's work, the City will ensure the quality of this project and its adherence to City codes and approved design plans.
3. Public Information/Community Outreach: By hiring a full-time Community Liaison for this project, the City has a staff person in the field to facilitate communication among Sound Transit, the Mayor, participating City agencies, and residents affected by construction work.

• What are some of the mitigation steps the City is asking Sound Transit to take to minimize the construction impacts on Seattle neighborhoods?
  Staying accountable to a Federal Record of Decision for the Link light rail project, and to the City's own public Right-of-Way Agreement (Legislation #119975), the City has a strong regulatory authority over Sound Transit's construction work. The City also has a close onsite partnership with Sound Transit, which enables us to plan for upcoming work, share timely construction updates with the public, and respond to sudden field developments in a prepared, coordinated fashion.

• What can we do about the illegal dumping that is occurring at some sites?
  The City is working with Sound Transit to aggressively tackle dumping issues at vacant sites. With the construction contract awarded, the City is working with Sound Transit to quickly begin work on properties that are to be demolished and cleared.

• I'm concerned about traffic being displaced from Martin Luther King, Jr. Way South to Rainier Avenue South during construction. How is this being handled?
  Sound Transit’s technical analysis indicated that most through traffic that is diverted would be to the west – to Airport Way and I-5. We know that the "science" of traffic modeling is not perfect, and we’re committed to monitoring impacts when construction gets underway, and quickly responding to problems if and as they arise.

• What impacts will businesses experience during construction? What is being done to minimize these?
  Sound Transit is drawing from the best examples across the country of how to mitigate business impacts, as well as their own experience in Tacoma. The City will work to make sure that Sound Transit considers a broad array of strategies, and engages the community in an open and genuine discussion of options.

• What will happen to the excess property Sound Transit has acquired?
  The City and Sound Transit are currently working with the Rainier Valley Community Development Fund to explore future community development opportunities, and we’re looking at Sound Transit’s surplus real estate as a possible resource in this effort.

• Where can I find out more about the 4,200 jobs that the Central Link project will create?
  It is estimated that Sounder Commuter rail, Regional Express and Link light rail projects will create more than 9,500 local full-time jobs between 1997 and 2009. Those jobs are either indirectly or directly linked to Sound Transit projects. Direct jobs are those required to construction a new transit system, and those required later to operate and maintain it. Sound Transit creates indirect jobs when it buys goods and services from other companies. Other indirect jobs include those made when local workers spend their wages on everything from groceries and appliances to cups of coffee. More employment facts are provided on Sound Transit's Web site.

• What are you doing to ensure a diverse workforce for Link light rail’s construction?
  While the City and Sound Transit can’t specify a certain "set-aside" for minority businesses, we are working actively to encourage RCI-Herzog to subcontract with local firms. RCI-Herzog exceeded Sound Transit’s Minority/Women's/Developing Business Enterprises (M/W/DBE) goals, setting as a target 35% small business participation, of which 20% will be achieved with M/W/DBE firms. RCI-Herzog has already identified more than 15% small business and M/W/DBE participation, and has committed to meet Sound Transit’s 20% apprenticeship utilization goal.

Business Owners

1. I thought Sound Transit was constructing Central Link light rail. Why is the City involved in the project?
   
   The City is responsible for making sure that work carried out on City property respects and reflects the community, that City standards are met, that construction impacts are minimized and that our corridors remain safe. Highlighted below are three examples of how the City contributes to a better project.
   
   
   • Maintaining Community Character. We work to ensure that Seattle's vibrant, diverse character is reflected in any new elements added. With the downtown transit tunnel retrofit, additional buses will run on surface streets. To facilitate this change King County Metro Transit (Metro) is adding new bus shelters, awnings, leaning rails, and informational kiosks along impacted roads. The City works closely with Metro to make sure that placement and design of new bus facilities fit into the downtown 'streetscape'.
     
     
   • Mobility. One of our roles is to maintain safe, reliable mobility. Therefore, we must participate in the development of all construction traffic (detour) plans. In this case we worked with Sound Transit, Metro Transit, Community Transit and downtown stakeholders to ensure that detour plans consider upcoming special events, holidays, peak-hour traffic, business access and safe pedestrian movement. Often times the Seattle Police Department is asked to oversee these detour plans by guiding motorists, as well as patrolling construction areas for enhanced security. In this case the City will have dedicated traffic control officers assigned to downtown during light rail construction.
     
     
   • Coordination. No work may occur on City property without a permit. This is important because the City uses the permitting process to manage others' efforts. For example, we coordinate the relocation of sewer pipes with the movement or undergrounding of phone, cable and electric lines during construction to minimize the length of disruption. The permitting process and high level of agency coordination contributes to keeping schedules on target. It also helps make sure that public and private utilities and developers are not repeatedly digging up the same street, or disrupting local businesses unnecessarily.
   
   
   
2. What is the permitting process and why is it important?
   
   The City uses the permitting process to ensure activities meet our land use zoning, street use and traffic code requirements. When approving a permit, the City places demands on the applicant (in this case Sound Transit) such as: noise ordinance adherence and timely, distribution of construction notices.
   
   
3. I understand that commercial loading zones are being eliminated on Third Avenue. If suppliers cannot access my business I will go under. What is the City doing to make sure this does not happen?
   
   Yes, some loading zones will be removed during the construction period. However, the City has identified alternative loading locations either on the same block (e.g., on side streets), or on the next block of Third Avenue. Businesses will be informed prior to construction of alternative loading zone locations.
   
   
4. Which and how many downtown parking spots will be lost?
   
   In order to implement 'transit priority' during the tunnel retrofit, some parking spots and loading zones will be removed either temporarily or permanently should the City decide to make transit priority improvements long-term. At a minimum the changes will be in effect from the time the transit tunnel closes September 2005 until light rail is up and running for one year - currently projected for fall 2010.
   
   Parking changes include new or extended peak-hour restrictions. In some areas, parking is removed for new transit lanes where buses can travel against the current flow of traffic on a one-way street. Affected streets include Third Avenue (commercial load zones), Fourth and Fifth avenues south of Washington Street, and Ninth Avenue north of Howell Street, Prefontaine Place, and Olive Way.
   
   
5. Where will people park if you remove street parking during the next several years?
   
   In all cases, alternative on-street or off-street parking is available for local businesses. There are many competing uses on Seattle's roads, in particular those downtown. In managing the roads, the City must find a way to balance our transportation and economic goals. At times this requires tradeoffs in the form of removing or restricting on-street parking. As parking changes are implemented, people will be educated on opportunities to adapt their commute appropriately, whether it is by telecommuting, using Flexcar, riding the bus or using some other alternative mode of transportation.
   
   
6. If you close the downtown tunnel and buses move onto surface streets, will there be more congestion? How is the City going to manage the additional traffic?
   
   Because the greatest increase in bus volumes will be on Third Avenue, the street will be restricted primarily to transit during the peak commute hours of 6 AM to 9 AM and 3 PM to 7 PM between Yesler Way and Stewart Street. There will also be a slight increase in bus volumes on Second and Fourth avenues. Changes like this are necessary because while only 2 percent of downtown vehicles are buses, they carry almost half (40 percent) of the people commuting.*
   
   During these peak hours, motorists will be allowed to turn right onto Third Avenue from east/west streets such as Cherry and University, but will be required to take the next right turn; left-hand turns will not be allowed onto or off of Third Avenue during the peak period. As a result, traffic will be less likely to back up at these intersections and potential accidents will be averted.
   
   Prefontaine Place will also be restricted to transit-use-only during peak commute hours. Traffic at some intersections on Second and Fourth avenues may worsen slightly, but on duty Seattle Police Department traffic control officers will be on the street to respond to traffic problems if and as they occur.
   
   

* 2003 City of Seattle-Center City Circulation Report

Electricity Service

• Why will utility lines be moved?
  The existing poles and lines must be relocated farther out from the edge of the roadway to accommodate a wider street after light rail is built. A Sound Transit representative has already met with a member of your household or business to explain the details of this work. For additional information, visit the Sound Transit Web site at www.soundtransit.org, or call 1-888-298-2395.
  
  
• When and where will this work happen?
  Seattle City Light crews will begin setting new utility poles on Martin Luther King, Jr. Way South, from Beacon Avenue South to Norfolk Street, starting approximately April 19. Power lines will be moved to the new poles first, followed by other utilities such as telephone and cable. All work should be completed by mid-August.
  
  
• Will street parking or traffic be affected?
  Signs will indicate locations and times when street parking is prohibited so that City Light can complete its work fast and efficiently. There may be occasional closures of one lane in either direction of Martin Luther King, Jr. Way South, which will be clearly marked.
  
  
• Will I lose power when the lines are moved?
  To ensure the safety of our workers, your electric service will be briefly interrupted while power lines are moved from one set of poles to another. Within 72 hours of the power outage, City Light will place a door hanger at your home or business, notifying you of the approximate time and duration of the outage. You shouldn't be without power for more than eight hours.
  
  
• What if I depend on medical equipment that requires constant power?
  If anyone in your residence depends on electrically powered life-support machinery, please let us know as soon as possible. Customers relying on any electric life-support should have emergency backup and know how to operate it. Make sure it has an alarm system to alert you if the power goes out. For more information, call (206) 684-3000.
  
  
• Who should I call if my power isn't restored properly?
  If you have questions or concerns about your electricity service, call City Light at (206) 684-3000. After business hours or in the case of an emergency, call (206) 706-0051.

Transportation

• I'm worried that my street will experience increased cut-through traffic during the construction of light rail. What is the City doing to prevent this?
  The City is working with Sound Transit to monitor traffic patterns during light rail construction. The City will review and approve all traffic management plans submitted by Sound Transit's contractors. Together they will identify the safest, most sensible alternatives for drivers and residents alike.
  
  
• What is the City doing to keep traffic moving on Martin Luther King, Jr. Way South?
  The City is working with Sound Transit to build light rail as quickly and efficiently as possible, while keeping traffic moving. During construction, Sound Transit contractors will keep driveways and intersections open and accessible. They will also maintain three lanes of traffic, allowing vehicles to make turns and providing room for emergency vehicles. Traffic control officers will be contracted to assist with this effort.
  
  
• I've heard that, once light rail construction is done, no left turns will be permitted onto South Hudson Street from Martin Luther King, Jr. Way South. What's the reason for this?
  Once light rail service begins, turns both onto and from Martin Luth King, Jr. Way South will be limited by train movement down the middle of the boulevard. A signal for southbound traffic turning left onto South Hudson Street was considered but finally rejected by planners because of its proximity to the planned light rail station to the north, and its proximity to similar left-turning signals at South Alaska Street and South Orcas Street, both major arterial roadways. The left-turn signal at nearby South Dawson Street was chosen for the access it offers trucks needing to make turn-arounds.
  
  
• I've heard that, once light rail construction begins, I won't be able to park along Martin Luther King, Jr. Way South. Will this parking be gone for good?
  Because the space is needed for utility pole relocations, parking along Martin Luther King, Jr. Way South, between Henderson and Norfolk streets, will disappear for a considerable time, most likely for good. Although an extended lag between construction phases could permit resumed parking, the final outcome, when light rail begins service, will be a permanent absence of parking along this stretch of Martin Luther King, Jr. Way. For now, the public is advised to consider this reduced parking supply as a permanent circumstance.

Water (Residential)

• Will I experience any extended water shutdowns during construction?
  Yes, most customers will experience at least one 8- to 10-hour watermain shutdown. This work is necessary to disconnect the old watermains and then reconnect the new watermains to our existing infrastructure. It is unlikely that any customer will experience more than three planned shutdowns. With the exception of emergencies, you will be notified 48 hours in advance of a watermain shutdown.
  
  
• What other breaks in my water service will I experience during construction?
  When the new watermain is installed and activated, the contractor will begin the process of transferring water services to the new main. During this transfer process you will experience a short water outage of less than one hour.
  
  
• Should I upgrade my plumbing on my property?
  If you have old galvanized water lines on your property and experience pressure loss when multiple fixtures are in use, you may want to consider replacing your plumbing prior to construction.
  
  
• How will my private plumbing be affected?
  Sound Transit's contractor will reconnect your pipe within the city right-of-way to your property line. If your existing pipes are in poor condition and contractors cannot make an acceptable connection, they will extend the new waterline farther onto your property until a stronger segment of pipe is found, or until they reach the boundary of your home. Sound Transit will pay for all reasonable costs associated with this type of work. Seattle Public Utilities will have a representative at the site to ensure the contractor has met all current standard plumbing codes during this process.
  
  
• Water Questions: Please call (206) 684-5800.
  Other SPU Contacts: Visit www.seattle.gov/util/contactus.htm

Water (Commercial)

• Will I experience any extended water shutdowns during construction?
  Yes, most customers will experience at least one 8- to 10-hour watermain shutdown. This work is necessary to disconnect the old watermains and reconnect the new watermains to our existing infrastructure. It is unlikely that any customer will experience more than three planned shutdowns. With the exception of emergencies, you will be notified 48 hours in advance of a watermain shutdown.
  
  
• What other breaks in my water service will I experience during construction?
  When the new watermain is installed and activated the contractor will begin the process of transferring water services to the new main. During this transfer process you will experience a short water outage of less than two hours.
  
  
• What if my business uses water to operate?
  Seattle Public Utilities and Sound Transit will talk with you about possible alternatives during the shutdown.
  
  
• Should I upgrade my plumbing on my property?
  If you have old galvanized water lines on your property and experience pressure loss when multiple fixtures are in use, you may want to consider replacing your plumbing prior to construction.
  
  
• How will my private plumbing be affected?
  Sound Transit's contractor will reconnect your pipe within the city right-of-way to your property line. If your existing pipes are in poor condition and contractors cannot make an acceptable connection, they will extend the new waterline farther onto your property until a stronger segment of pipe is found, or until they reach the boundary of your building or business. Sound Transit will pay for all reasonable costs associated with this type of work. Seattle Public Utilities will have a representative at the site to ensure the contractor has met all current standard plumbing codes during this process.
  
  
• Water Questions: Please call (206) 684-5800.
  Other SPU Contacts: Visit www.seattle.gov/util/contactus.htm

Sewer (Residential)

• Will construction affect my sewer service?
  Yes. Many customers along Martin Luther King, Jr. Way South will have new sewer lines that will either be relocated or altered within the area of the street in order to accommodate the project.
  
  
• Will there be a sewer outage during construction?
  Once the new sewer line is installed the contractor will transfer you from the old sewer main to the new one. The impacts are minimal. The contractor will typically ask you not to flush for less than an hour while they are disconnecting and transferring your service to the new sewer main.
  
  
• What if I want to upgrade my sewer line on my property?
  During construction the Sound Transit contractor will be renewing your sewer line within the city right-of-way to your property line. If your existing pipes are in poor condition and contractors cannot make an acceptable connection, they will extend the new sewer line farther onto your property until a stronger segment of pipe is found, or until they reach the boundary of your home. Sound Transit will pay for all reasonable costs associated with this type of work. However, if you wish to upgrade your sewer line on your property, a permit will be required. For property side sewer permits please contact the Department of Planning and Development at (206) 684-5283.
  
  
• Who will inspect the sewer work?
  The Seattle Department of Transportation will be inspecting all sewer work done by the Sound Transit contractor to ensure compliance with all current standard installation codes.
  
  
• Sewer Questions?
  For general questions please call (206) 684-5800.
  For more information on property side sewer permits please contact the Department of Planning and Development at (206) 684-5283 or visit their Web site at:
  www.seattle.gov/dclu/sidesewer/default.asp.

Sewer (Commercial)

• Will construction affect my sewer service?
  Yes. Many customers along Martin Luther King, Jr. Way South will have new sewer lines that will either be relocated or altered within the area of the street in order to accommodate the project.
  
  
• Will there be a sewer outage during construction?
  Once the new sewer line is installed the contractor will transfer you from the old sewer main to the new one. The impacts are minimal. Generally, the contractor will typically ask you not to flush less than an hour while they are disconnecting and transferring your service to the new sewer main.
  
  
• What if I want to upgrade my sewer line on my property?
  During construction the Sound Transit contractor will be renewing your sewer line within the city right-of-way to your property line. If your existing pipes are in poor condition and contractors cannot make an acceptable connection, they will extend the new sewer line farther onto your property until a stronger segment of pipe is found, or until they reach the boundary of your building or business. Sound Transit will pay for all reasonable costs associated with this type of work. However, if you wish to upgrade your sewer line on your property, a permit will be required. For property side sewer permits please contact the Department of Planning and Development at (206) 684-5283.
  
  
• Who will inspect the sewer work?
  The Seattle Department of Transportation will be inspecting all sewer work done by the Sound Transit contractor to ensure compliance with all current standard installation codes.
  
  
• Sewer Questions?
  For general questions please call (206) 684-5800.
  For more information on property side sewer permits please contact the Department of Planning and Development at (206) 684-5283 or visit their Web site at:
  www.seattle.gov/dclu/sidesewer/default.asp.

Drainage (Residential)

• How will the project change drainage?
  Storm drainpipes will be constructed in the right-of-way on both sides of the street along Martin Luther King, Jr. Way South. Customers with storm drain connections that are separate from their property will be reconnected to the new storm drains within the city right-of-way. Some grading of properties to match the new street location and grade will be required. If you have concerns about changes to how your property drains, contact Sound Transit at 1-888-298-2395.
  
  
• How will construction activities affect drainage?
  The Sound Transit contractor will work proactively to avoid drainage problems during construction. If, however, construction temporarily blocks gutters and inlets along the street, causing ponding, contact the Sound Transit construction hotline at 1-888-298-2395, or the Seattle Public Utilities Operations Control Center at our 24-hour hotline: (206) 386-1800.
  
  
• What if I want to upgrade my drainage line on my property?
  Permits for work on your property's drainage line are handled similarly to sewer permits and can be obtained through the Department of Planning and Development. For more information, call (206) 684-5283.
  
  
• Who will inspect the drainage work?
  The Seattle Department of Transportation will be inspecting all drainage work done by Sound Transit's contractor to ensure compliance with current standard installation codes.

Drainage (Commercial)

• How will the project change drainage?
  Storm drainpipes will be constructed in the right-of-way on both sides of the street along Martin Luther King, Jr. Way South. Customers with storm drain connections that are separate from their property will be reconnected to the new storm drains within the city right-of-way. Some grading of properties to match the new street location and grade will be required. If you have concerns about changes to how your property drains, contact Sound Transit at 1-888-298-2395.
  
  
• How will construction activities affect drainage?
  The Sound Transit contractor will work proactively to avoid drainage problems during construction. If, however, construction temporarily blocks gutters and inlets along the street, causing ponding, contact the Sound Transit construction hotline at 1-888-298-2395, or the Seattle Public Utilities Operations Control Center at our 24-hour hotline: (206) 386-1800.
  
  
• What if I want to upgrade my drainage line on my property?
  Permits for work on your property's drainage line are handled similarly to sewer permits and can be obtained through the Department of Planning and Development. For more information, call (206) 684-5283.
  
  
• Who will inspect the drainage work?
  The Seattle Department of Transportation will be inspecting all drainage work done by Sound Transit's contractor to ensure compliance with current standard installation codes.

Garbage (Residential)

• How will my garbage collection be handled during construction?
  Your garbage collection will continue to be handled by SPU. If you have any questions you may contact Seattle Public Utilities at (206) 684-7665.

CUSTOMER CONTACT LIST

Garbage (Commercial)

• How will my garbage collection be handled during construction?
  Your garbage collection will continue to be handled by your contractor through Waste Management. If you have any questions you may contact them at (206) 762-3000.

CUSTOMER CONTACT LIST