Community Notices

West Lake Union Improvement Project Construction Update
February 21, 2003

Work Progress:

90% of the duct trench work along 8th Avenue North past Aloha Street is complete.

Location/Continuing Project Work:

The initial work for the replacement of the drainage systems along the west side of Westlake Avenue North will begin on Monday, February 24. Crews will first excavate and install the new drainage pipes, then proceed to backfill the trench and restore the sidewalk. The work begins at the north end of the project (approximately 2500 Westlake North) and will continue south over the next several weeks.

The sub-contractor for landscaping will begin placing fresh top-soil in the planters along the site. These areas, will need to be cleared of parking for the day that the soil is to be placed. Please refer to the No-Park signs located in the planters, which will be re-dated ahead of the work. Flag crews will red-tape off areas to be cleared the night before, and will request that vehicles be moved by 6 AM the day noted on the signs. Parking will be restored, in most cases, that same day. This work will begin at the north end of the site on Monday, February 24, and will continue south in 800-1000 ft sections a day.

The electrical duct crew will begin street restoration in the intersection of Westlake Avenue N., Nickerson and Dexter beginning the week of February 24. Please expect delays during this work. Crews will be pouring new asphalt over the freshly re-built street. Additional traffic police and flag staff will direct motorists and pedestrians through the intersection.

The lot located at 1100-900 blocks of Westlake Avenue North, just to the south of the AGC building, will be impacted over the next month. A complete overhaul of the existing sewer system will take place, with specialized heavy shoring (shoring systems are temporary walls that hold up the inside of deep trenches) systems in place to ensure worker safety and regulatory compliance. Access to the lot and any parking that can be maintained will be ensured by extra flag staff, and ingress/egress from businesses and marinas will be facilitated by Mid-Mountain staff.

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

Expect delays during electrical trench duct work at the Fremont Bridge. It would be helpful to plan a few extra minutes for traffic when heading to your destination through this area.

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