Community Notices

West Lake Union Improvement Project Construction Update
February 6, 2003

Work Progress:

The southend Electrical Duct Trench connection will be finished this week and the contractor will soon begin restoration of the street along 8th Avenue past Aloha. Concrete crews will form and restore the street panels that were opened to place the trench underground.

Location/Continuing Project Work:

The northern crew for the Electrical Duct Trench began crossing the intersection at Nickerson and Dexter on Westlake Avenue North at the Fremont bridge. Additional flagging staff and a police officer will continue to mitigate the traffic flow issues through this busy intersection. Next week, there will be a lane shift to the west side of the street and painting and striping will begin in this area. Note: Please be aware that there will be delays approaching Westlake Avenue North during this work.

Materials have been relocated in the 1200 block parking lot in order to provide space for parking, and preparefor imminent grading and paving. Asphalt plants will open from the winter hiatus this next week, and crews resume paving the last three parking lot paving zones over the next month. Expect partial closures of lots in the 1200, 1700 and 1000 blocks to allow dirt and concrete crews to initiate this important final work in creating the new lot.

Crews will be perform regular maintenance on drainage and sewer lines along the site. Please pay attention to No-Park signs, which straddle "manhole" or utility hatch covers. These are placed to insure that a single vehicle does not park over the access to the catch basin, vault or service point for the utility. The crew can work in very tight spaces, so minimal signage and accompanying loss of parking is expected for this work.

Some General Impacts:

Limited and sometimes no parking in the specific areas under construction; periodic limited access; lane closures and traffic flaggers on Westlake Avenue North; noise from large construction vehicles; increase in dust and mud during construction.

During construction, impacts to the surrounding community and through traffic are to be expected. The City of Seattle requests patience and cooperation from travelers and residents. City departments will work with the community in efforts to minimize impacts and disturbances.

Tips/Suggestions

As always, if you're not sure where to park, ask one of the flaggers on site for suggestions. They are familiar with the work going on and can direct you to areas that are available.

Please be aware of speed limits within the construction zones, and signage that may reflect current conditions of the construction area. When driving or walking, please watch for work crews and equipment along Westlake Avenue North.

NOTE: 24 hours notice is the city requirement for notification of "no parking" areas. Although we will do our best to notify owners of parked vehicles, if you work or live in the area, please pay attention to the NO PARKING signs to ensure your vehicle is not ticketed or towed.

The construction for the West Lake Union Improvement project is expected to last approximately until May 2003. Due to the nature of construction, schedules are likely to change. City departments will keep the community informed of the most current schedule.

For more information please check out our web site at www.cityofseattle.net/westlake. In addition, please continue to watch for upcoming notices regarding meetings and construction schedule.

For more information contact:

Karla Clark
Project Information Specialist
Seattle Public Utilities
(206) 615-0866
karla.clark@ci.seattle.wa.us