SEATTLE – Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) crews continue to make deck and expansion joint repairs on the Fourth over Argo Railroad Bridge. While the work is in progress on and below the bridge deck, the right curb lane must remain closed around the clock.  Depending upon the weather and roadway conditions, the work could to extend into mid-December.  The work hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. daily.   Due to the reduced travel lanes, motorists should plan on possible delays crossing the bridge and use added caution as traffic shifts to the left past the work zone. 

SEATTLE— The Seattle Department of Transportation unfurled its new SDOT Winter Weather Facebook Website this week and began distributing its new Winter Weather, Let’s be Ready Together brochure. These tools will help spread awareness of SDOT’s revised winter weather response plan and will provide more ways for SDOT and the public to discuss weather-related issues.

The new Facebook page provides an additional way for the public to ask questions, make comments, and to share photos. SDOT will share weather-related tips, updates, and links on the Facebook page. Other ways to keep in touch include “Seattledot” on Twitter, SDOT Blog, and SDOT’s winter weather Website.  Links to all are available at “SDOT Interactive,” http://www.seattle.gov/transportation/

SDOT is distributing the new winter weather brochure to students at all of Seattle’s public elementary schools for children to take home to their parents. The brochure will also be available at Seattle Public Library branches, the Department of Neighborhood’s Neighborhood Service Centers, and Seattle Park and Recreation Department’s facilities. SDOT is also providing the brochures to hospitals and social service organizations. The brochure is posted at www.seattle.gov/transportation/winterweather.htm, and will soon be available in six languages in addition to English (Spanish, Vietnamese, Chinese, Korean, Tagalog, and Somali) at the same website. 

SDOT’s revised winter weather response plan includes new technology for planning and tracking vehicle operations, revised driver routes, and the use of new materials for proactively treating Seattle’s major streets for snow and ice.

The Seattle Department of Transportation builds, maintains and operates Seattle's $12 billion transportation infrastructure. To further Mayor Nickels’ goal to get Seattle moving, the department manages short- and long-term investments in streets, bridges, pavement and trees, that better connect the city with the region.

SEATTLE – The first of the holiday season events gets underway on Friday, November 20, with the annual Magnolia Village Holiday Open House.  A thousand people are expected to turn out for the open house.  During the event, which takes place between 5:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., W McGraw Street will be closed from 32 nd Avenue W to 34 th Avenue W. 

Sunday, November 22, the Seattle Sounders will host the Major League Soccer Cup 2009 championship match between the Real Salt Lake and the Los Angeles Galaxy.  The match kicks off at 5:30 p.m. at Qwest Field and is expected to draw 35,000 soccer fans. Per usual, motorists can expect heavy traffic in the vicinity of the stadium before and after the game. 

The Seattle Department of Transportation encourages Seahawks fans to reduce their carbon footprint by trying alternate modes of travel to the game such as taking the Sounder, Link Rail, or the bus, or bicycling or walking to the game, if feasible. 

The Seattle Department of Transportation builds, maintains and operates Seattle's $12 billion transportation infrastructure. To further Mayor Nickels’ goal to get Seattle moving, the department manages short- and long-term investments in streets, bridges, pavement and trees, that better connect the city with the region.

SEATTLE— SDOT crews will close the southbound, left lane from Denny Way through the Battery Street Tunnel on Saturday, November 21, from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.  The southbound, right lane will remain open. Crews will repair railing damaged by accidents.

The Seattle Department of Transportation builds, maintains and operates Seattle's $12 billion transportation infrastructure. To further Mayor Nickels’ goal to get Seattle moving, the department manages short- and long-term investments in streets, bridges, pavement and trees, that better connect the city with the region.

SEATTLE—Crews from the Seattle Department of Transportation are removing a tree on NW 80 th Street between 27 th Avenue NW and Earl Avenue NW. The block is temporarily closed to vehicular and pedestrian traffic. The tree has split and could possibly fall into the street if it is not removed. Crews expect to complete removal and reopen the street before 5 p.m.

The Seattle Department of Transportation builds, maintains and operates Seattle's $12 billion transportation infrastructure. To further Mayor Nickels’ goal to get Seattle moving, the department manages short- and long-term investments in streets, bridges, pavement and trees, that better connect the city with the region.

SEATTLE – Westlake Square, the triangular property bordered by Stewart Street, Sixth Avenue and Westlake Avenue, will soon become a more user-friendly public space. Starting tomorrow, Wednesday, November 18, a Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) crew will begin restoration work on this project which removes walking barriers and non-functional items from the small park to improve pedestrian safety and transit access.

During the work, the left lane of Sixth Avenue at Westlake will be blocked off to accommodate trucks required for the work.  The construction work will take place weekdays between 9 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. and on Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Weather permitting, the work will be completed by Tuesday afternoon, November 24. Two Seattle Police Officers will be on site to assist pedestrians during the construction.     

Part of the Westlake Hub Strategy, the interim changes are the first step in a series of enhancements proposed around the hub of transit services at Westlake Avenue. 

The Seattle Department of Transportation builds, maintains and operates Seattle's $12 billion transportation infrastructure. To further Mayor Nickels’ goal to get Seattle moving, the department manages short- and long-term investments in streets, bridges, pavement and trees, that better connect the city with the region.

SEATTLE—SDOT crews plan to perform maintenance work on the Alaskan Way Viaduct this weekend and through next week.

The northbound lanes of the Battery Street Tunnel will be closed from 10 p.m. Saturday, November 14 to 6 a.m. Sunday, November 15. Northbound traffic on the Alaskan Way Viaduct will be directed off the viaduct at the Western Avenue off-ramp. During this time SDOT crews will work on the fire suppression system in the tunnel on behalf of WSDOT.

The center, northbound lane on the Alaskan Way Viaduct will be closed from Virginia Street to the Western Avenue off-ramp from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. from Monday to Wednesday, November 16 to18. SDOT crews will replace a crash cushion that was damaged in a recent vehicle accident.

The southbound lanes of the Alaskan Way Viaduct will be closed 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. weekdays from Tuesday, November 17 to Tuesday, November 20, from Denny Way through the Battery Street Tunnel to just south of the Elliott Avenue on-ramp. During this time SDOT crews will complete repairs to railings that were damaged by recent vehicle accidents.

The Seattle Department of Transportation builds, maintains and operates Seattle's $12 billion transportation infrastructure. To further Mayor Nickels’ goal to get Seattle moving, the department manages short- and long-term investments in streets, bridges, pavement and trees, that better connect the city with the region.

SEATTLE – The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) has rescheduled construction of three pedestrian improvement projects that were delayed by the heavy rains last Saturday.

On Thursday, November 12, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., SDOT will repair the sidewalk on the north side of James Street at Ninth Avenue.  In order to accomplish the work, the curb lane westbound will be closed on James from Tenth Avenue to just past Ninth Avenue.  During the restoration work, the sidewalk on James will be closed to pedestrians and no parking will be allowed in the immediate area.   The curb lane should reopen by 4 p.m. and the sidewalk will reopen by 6 p.m.

Also on Thursday, in follow-up to underground utility work, SDOT will restore the outer side of the sidewalk at the southeast corner of Sixth Avenue and Pine Street between the hours of 9 a.m. and 12 noon.  To facilitate the work, the right curb lane will be closed just south of Pine Street on Sixth Avenue.  The wide sidewalk at this location will allow pedestrians to move around the work site.

In addition, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursday, another SDOT crew will retrofit five wheelchair curb ramps at the intersection of First Avenue and Columbia Street.  The curb lane will be blocked off as needed as the work progresses from one corner to the next corner, however, the crosswalks will remain open.  Because a minimum temperature is required for curing the ramp pads, this project could, once again, be delayed by the weather.

SEATTLE—Today the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) will conduct a dress rehearsal of its aggressive new snow-fighting plan by deploying its snow response fleet on city streets. Starting this afternoon, motorists will see SDOT tanker trucks and snow plows conducting a citywide dry run of the new winter weather strategy.  

“Our best practices based plan will keep major streets drivable this winter during snow and ice storms,” said Grace Crunican, director of the Seattle Department of Transportation. “This test run is another step in ensuring that Seattle is well prepared to keep arterial roads open for public transit, emergency vehicles, and others who must drive during bad weather.”

Starting at approximately 3:00 p.m. today, four tanker trucks will travel major arterial streets throughout the city, pre-treating the pavement with what would be a salt brine mixture (today it will be water) to keep snow and ice from accumulating. The plan calls for pre-treating all the city’s level one and two streets when adverse weather is forecast, maintaining bare and wet pavement for all travel lanes on level one streets and one lane in each direction for level two streets. Drivers are advised to stay 100 feet back from these trucks to avoid getting their vehicles sprayed with what would be salt brine during a real operation.

Beginning at approximately 4:00 a.m., more than 20 trucks equipped with snow plows will roll out of SDOT yards to follow the prescribed sequence and turns for each snow route, confirming that each route is well defined and the time allotted is appropriate.   

During the exercise, managers will use the new GPS tracking system to follow the vehicles’ progress, operate traffic cameras to “monitor storm conditions,” and use temperature and humidity devices to help determine what materials and usage rates are needed during an actual storm. Additional information about the new snow and ice response plan can be found online at http://www.seattle.gov/Transportation/winterweather.htm.

The Seattle Department of Transportation builds, maintains and operates Seattle's $12 billion transportation infrastructure. To further Mayor Nickels’ goal to get Seattle moving, the department manages short- and long-term investments in streets, bridges, pavement and trees, that better connect the city with the region.

SEATTLE –From 7 a.m. Saturday, November 7, until 5 a.m. Sunday, November 8, a Seattle Department of Transportation crew will close Pike Street between First and Second avenues in downtown Seattle. During the closure, the crew will restore three concrete panels on Pike Street in follow-up to underground utility work. The extended closure time is required for the concrete to cure. There will be no parking on the street during the closure, but the sidewalk will remain open for pedestrians.

The Seattle Department of Transportation builds, maintains and operates Seattle's $12 billion transportation infrastructure. To further Mayor Nickels’ goal to get Seattle moving, the department manages short- and long-term investments in streets, bridges, pavement and trees, that better connect the city with the region.

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Seattle Department of Transportation

SEATTLE – This weekend, Saturday, November 7, and Sunday, November 8, Third Avenue will be closed between Pike and Stewart streets, and Stewart and Virginia streets.  The work will begin as early as 8 a.m. and conclude by 10 p.m.  each day. During the closure, a contractor working for the Seattle Department of Transportation will replace a number of concrete panels on Third Avenue between Pike and Virginia streets. Stewart Street will remain open for motorists crossing Third Avenue, but traffic will not be allowed to turn onto Third from Stewart. Detour signage will direct motorists northbound and southbound on Third Avenue around the construction zone. 

In order to minimize the impact of this construction project, this panel work has been scheduled to take place primarily on weekends.

Please note that the work is weather dependent and the schedule may be revised accordingly.  Mid-week work may also be necessary to complete the project.

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Seattle Department of Transportation

SEATTLE – This Sunday, November 8, from 1:05 pm – 4:30 p.m., the Seattle Seahawks will take on the Detroit Lions at Qwest Field.  Per usual, motorists can expect heavy traffic in the vicinity of the stadium before and after the game.  The Seattle Department of Transportation encourages Seahawks fans to reduce their carbon footprint by trying alternate modes of travel to the game such as taking the Sounder, Link Rail, or the bus, or bicycling or walking to the game, if feasible. 

The Seattle Department of Transportation builds, maintains and operates Seattle's $12 billion transportation infrastructure. To further Mayor Nickels’ goal to get Seattle moving, the department manages short- and long-term investments in streets, bridges, pavement and trees, that better connect the city with the region.  

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Seattle Department of Transportation

SEATTLE –The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) will have crews out working on pedestrian improvement projects in six different locations this weekend.

On Saturday, November 7, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., an SDOT crew will repair the sidewalk at Ninth Avenue and James Streeet. In order to accomplish the work, the curb lane will be closed both directions on James  from Eighth to just past Ninth Avenue .  During the restoration work, the sidewalk on the north side of James will also be closed and no parking will be allow in the immediate area.   All lanes should reopen by 4 p.m.

Also on Saturday, in follow up to underground utility work, SDOT will restore the outer side of the sidewalk at Sixth Avenue and Pine Street.  From 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. the curb lane will be closed on the northeast side of the Sixth Avenue and Pine Street intersection;  a few parking spots near the corner will be removed to make way for the work.  Because the sidewalk is 12-feet wide, part of the sidewalk will remain open for pedestrians.

From the hours of 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, another SDOT crew will retrofit five wheelchair ramps at the intersection of First Avenue and Columbia Street.  The curb lane will be blocked off as needed as the work progresses. During the work, the crosswalks will remain for pedestrians.

At 8 a.m. on Saturday, on the West side of Harvard Avenue E at E Shelby Street, SDOT will install a concrete bus pad and sidewalk, where none previously existed.  The crew hopes to complete the work by 6 p.m.   Traffic will be reduced down to one lane in each direction in the work zone; bicyclists will be directed to merge with the vehicle traffic.  The sidewalk on the east side of the intersection will remain open for pedestrians. 

Starting at 9 a.m. on Saturday, work will also begin on the southwest and southeast corners of Tenth Avenue E and E Prospect Street.  At this location, SDOT will install wheelchair ramps on both corners.  Work should be completed by 6 p.m.

On Sunday, November 8, another SDOT crew will be working in the  intersection of Roosevelt Way NE and NE 64 th Street.  The construction work will include installing a curb bulb and two wheelchair ramps on the west side of Roosevelt way NE.  Work will begin at 8 a.m. and is expected to be completed by 6 p.m.  During the work, the sidewalk will be closed on the west side of Roosevelt Way NE.  Pedestrians will be directed to cross over to the sidewalk on the east side of Roosevelt at NE 65 th Street and Roosevelt Way NE or at NE 63 rd and Roosevelt Way NE.  Motorists will be shifted to the center and eastern curb lane of Roosevelt Way NE; and bicyclists will also be shifted over to merge with vehicle traffic.  The lane closures will remain in place overnight while the concrete curb bulb cures.

The Seattle Department of Transportation builds, maintains and operates Seattle's $12 billion transportation infrastructure. To further Mayor Nickels’ goal to get Seattle moving, the department manages short- and long-term investments in streets, bridges, pavement and trees, that better connect the city with the region.

SEATTLE – On Monday, November 9, the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) will continue making deck and expansion joint repairs on the Fourth over Argo Railroad Bridge. While the work continues, the curb lane will remain closed and traffic will be shifted accordingly.  Depending upon the weather and roadway conditions, the work could extend through Friday, November 20. The work hours Monday through Friday will be from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. daily.   Due to the reduced travel lanes, motorists should plan on possible delays crossing the bridge and use added caution through the work zone. 

The Seattle Department of Transportation builds, maintains and operates Seattle's $12 billion transportation infrastructure. To further Mayor Nickels’ goal to get Seattle moving, the department manages short- and long-term investments in streets, bridges, pavement and trees, that better connect the city with the region.