RapidRide J Line - Formerly RapidRide Roosevelt
The RapidRide J Line upgrades King County Metro’s Route 70 with an improved RapidRide level of service. The project will enhance bus speed, access, reliability, and station amenities. It will also install protected bike lanes, a new watermain and paving on Eastlake Ave E, and bring many more upgrades as it connects Downtown Seattle with the neighborhoods of Belltown, South Lake Union, Eastlake, and the University District.
Updated: October 26, 2023
What's happening now
RapidRide J Line
The RapidRide J Line project has reached final design. In the coming months, we will select a contractor and begin preparations for construction.
Throughout the planning process, we’re thankful for the community members who shared their input and suggestions, such as:
- The need to preserve the planted medians on Eastlake Ave E
- The need to ensure load zones are maintained for business access
- The loss of on-street parking and potential impacts to businesses
- The potential loss of tree canopy throughout the project area
- The need to extend bike lane protection heading northbound towards the University Bridge
In response to these suggestions, we have:
- Preserved and increased the number of planted medians on Eastlake Ave E, adding more trees to these wherever possible
- Identified loading zones for businesses, both on Eastlake Ave E nearest to businesses and on adjacent streets
- Worked with the community through various parking mitigation measures, including an RPZ study
- Updated plans to plant 190 trees to mitigate the loss of trees removed to widen sidewalks. There will be a net gain of 98 trees upon project completion
- Added additional bike lane protection south of the University Bridge
Map showing an example of how community feedback was incorporated into design preserving areas for vehicles near businesses on Eastlake Ave E. Other maps are available at the bottom of this webpage in the materials section.
The RapidRide J Line project will bring many improvements to the neighborhoods served by the upgraded bus route. These improvements include:
- 15,130 feet of repaired sidewalks
- 2 miles of repaved roadway
- 3.7 lane-miles of protected bike facilities
- 2 miles of bus priority lanes
- 177 improved crosswalks
- 33 intersections with traffic signal improvements, including 253 new traffic signal devices
- 190 newly planted trees
- 8,900 feet of watermain replacement, in partnership with Seattle Public Utilities
Check out the videos below, highlighting some of the changes you will see to the roadway along the route:
- Eastlake Ave E southbound
- Fairview Ave N southbound
- Fairview Ave N northbound
- Eastlake Ave E northbound
We expect construction to begin in 2024. We plan to upgrade from the existing Route 70 to the RapidRide service in 2027.
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Project Overview
We're partnering with King County Metro (KCM) to enhance transit connections and upgrade existing bus routes to Metro RapidRide service. The project upgrades the current Route 70 to a RapidRide level of service, improving transit connections to Downtown, Belltown, South Lake Union, Eastlake, and the University District neighborhoods. In addition to improving bus reliability with all day transit service, the project will install new bus stations, repave streets, add new protected bike lanes, and improve pedestrian accessibility.
The RapidRide J Line project also addresses current and future mobility needs for travelers, transit capacity constraints along the corridor, and provides equitable transportation access to major institutions, employers, and neighborhoods.
The RapidRide J Line project will:
- Improve transit travel time and reliability throughout the route by adding transit lanes and transit signal priority
- Provide a high-quality rider experience with stations that include shelters, lighting, real-time arrival information, and all-door boarding
- Improve access to transit through upgraded curb ramps, sidewalks, and signals
- Improve connections to Link light rail, other bus lines, and Seattle Streetcar
- Install protected bike lanes to improve safety of all travelers
- Reduce greenhouse gas emissions with more transit options and fewer cars on the road
- Pave Eastlake Ave E from E from Fuhrman Ave E to Fairview Ave E with at least 12 inches of concrete, creating a roadway that will last more than 50 years
- Partner with Seattle Public Utilities to replace the existing watermain on Eastlake Ave E
Tree Mitigation Plan
Trees are fundamental to the character of Seattle and to our quality of life. In our rapidly changing climate, Seattle's urban forest is an increasingly important asset, playing a critical role in mitigating climate change impacts, including heat island effects, as well as supporting Seattle's public health, providing habitat for wildlife, creating spaces for exploration and enjoyment, cleaning our air and water, and reducing the quantity of stormwater runoff, further helping water quality.
The RapidRide J Line project will remove 92 trees in areas where we will widen sidewalks and install new bus shelters. As part of the tree mitigation plan, we will plant approximately 190 new trees, which have been chosen based upon their suitability for an urban environment. Once the project is complete, there will be a net gain of 98 trees.
The map below identifies where trees are being retained and removed, as well as where new trees will be planted.
Click this link to download a larger version of the tree map above.
Station Amenities
The following amenities will be included at RapidRide J Line stations:
- A 12-ft bus shelter canopy
- Real-time arrival information
- All-door boarding
- Benches
- Pedestrian-level lighting
- Signature signposts and route information maps
- Next Generation TSP (ngTSP)
Project Map
Click this link to download a higher resolution map
Schedule
- Planning (2014-2017): We collected traffic data, reviewed plans, and gathered community experiences to define options.
- Design (2017-2023): We are collaborating with the community, working to secure regulatory approval (e.g., Environmental Assessment), and developing a more detailed final design.
- Construction (as soon as 2024): We will construct the project and keep the community informed on the latest construction updates, schedule, and expected impacts.
- Service launch (planned for 2027)
Funding
RapidRide J Line is partially funded by the 9-year Levy to Move Seattle, approved by voters in 2015. Additional funding is being sought through a Federal Transit Administration Small Starts Grant.
How can I get involved?
We're always interested in meeting with community and neighborhood groups that want to learn more about the project and make their voices heard. You can request a briefing by emailing RapidRide@seattle.gov or calling (206) 257-2202.
Project Materials
Videos highlighting changes along the route (Oct 2023)
- Eastlake Ave E southbound
- Fairview Ave N southbound
- Fairview Ave N northbound
- Eastlake Ave E northbound
Updated project maps
- NE 43rd St to NE Campus Parkway
- Eastlake Ave E: Fuhrman Ave E to E Shelby
- Eastlake Ave E: E Hamlin to E Lynn St
- Eastlake Ave E: E Boston St to Galer St
- Eastlake Ave N: E Galer St to Fairview Bridge
- Eastlake Ave N: Yale Ave N Fairview Bridge to and Aloha St
- Eastlake Ave N: Valley St to Thomas St
- Fairview Ave N/Virginia St: Boren Ave to 8th Ave
- Virginia St: 7th Ave to 2nd Ave
- Stewart St: Boren Ave to Westlake
March 2023
December 2022
- Community Design Virtual Meeting Report
- Community Design Survey Report
- Community Design Survey
- Fact sheet
September 2022
May 2022
- Seattle Department of Transportation and the Federal Transit Administration Region 10 RapidRide Roosevelt (J Line) Project Finding of No Significant Impact
- RapidRide Roosevelt (J Line) Project Finding of No Significant Impact
- Appendix A: Project Option Elements
- Appendix B: Comments on the EA and Responses
- Appendix C: Comments on the Supplemental EA and Responses
- Appendix D: Conceptual Design Drawings - Updated Sheet 6
- Appendix E: Mitigation Commitments
- Appendix F: Seattle Parks de minimis Concurrence Letter for Ravenna Boulevard Park Resource
- SEPA Determination of Non-Significance (DNS) – Seattle Department of Transportation Adoption of Existing Environmental Documents for the RapidRide J Line Project
Previous National Environmental Policy Act Materials
October 2021
- October 2021 Supplemental Environmental Assessment
- January 2020 Environmental Assessment and Section 4(f) Analysis
- Supplemental Environmental Assessment
- Supplemental Environmental Assessment postcard
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Supplemental Environmental Assessment fact sheet (English)
- Supplemental Environmental Assessment fact sheet (Korean)
- Supplemental Environmental Assessment fact sheet (Chinese, simplified)
- Supplemental Environmental Assessment fact sheet (Chinese, traditional)
- Supplemental Environmental Assessment fact sheet (Spanish)
- Supplemental Environmental Assessment PowerPoint presentation (English)
- Supplemental Environmental Assessment PowerPoint presentation (Korean)
- Supplemental Environmental Assessment PowerPoint presentation (Chinese, simplified)
- Supplemental Environmental Assessment PowerPoint presentation (Chinese, traditional)
- Supplemental Environmental Assessment PowerPoint presentation (Spanish)
Supplemental Environmental Assessment Appendices
- Appendix A - U District Option Design Drawings
- Appendix B - Supplemental Transportation Technical Report
- Appendix C - Supplemental Noise and Vibration Technical Report
- Appendix D - Supplemental Hazardous Materials Technical Memorandum
- Appendix E - Cultural Resources Technical Report
Scroll down to view the January 2020 Environmental Assessment
April 2021
- Updated frequently asked questions about the shortened alignment
- April 2021 Full Corridor Map
- April 2021 U District Map
February 2021
January 2021
December 2020
- Frequently asked questions about the shortened alignment
- December 2020 Route Update Community Questions and Comments
- December 2020 Route Update Recording
- December 2020 Route Update Presentation
- December 2020 Concept Drawings
- December 2020 Full Corridor Map
- December 2020 U District Map
January 2020
Environmental Assessment Appendices
- Appendix A: RapidRide Roosevelt Scoping Report
- Appendix B: Endangered Species Act Evaluation No Effects Documentation
- Appendix C: RapidRide Roosevelt Transportation Technical Report
- Appendix D: RapidRide Roosevelt Noise and Vibration Technical Report
- Appendix E: Visual Simulations
- Appendix F: RapidRide Roosevelt Hazardous Materials Technical Memorandum
- Appendix G: RapidRide Roosevelt Cultural Resources Technical Report
- Appendix H: RapidRide Roosevelt Environmental Justice Technical Report
- Appendix I: Conceptual Design Drawings
- Appendix J: Section 4(f) Documentation
October 2019
- Project Overview drawings
- Fall Outreach Summary
- Oct. 28 Eastlake, South Lake Union and Downtown Open House and Question & Answer Session display boards
- Oct. 28 Eastlake, South Lake Union and Downtown Open House and Question & Answer Session PowerPoint
- Oct. 17 U-District and Roosevelt Open House and Question & Answer Session display boards
- Oct. 17 U-District and Roosevelt Open House and Question & Answer Session PowerPoint
- Project factsheet
- Simulation Route: Southbound
- Simulation Route: Northbound
July 2019
- Project FAQs
- Project factsheet
- July 31 Eastlake business workshop presentation
- July 31 Eastlake business workshop materials
- July 31 Eastlake business workshop summary
April 2019
January 2019
- Jan. 24, 2019 Eastlake parking workshop presentation
- Jan. 24, 2019 Eastlake parking workshop summary and materials
- Project map
October 2018
- Project map
- Oct. 23, 2018 Eastlake neighborhood project briefing presentation slides
- Eastlake neighborhood project briefing mailer
- RapidRide Roosevelt Bicycle Facility Evaluation
- RapidRide Roosevelt Draft Parking and Curbspace Management Report
September 2018
December 2017 - Environmental Scoping
- Public scoping meeting display boards
- Public scoping meeting roll plots
- Roosevelt RapidRide Scoping Meeting Package
- Public scoping meeting mailer
July 2017
June 2017
June 2016 Open Houses
- Presentation
- Displays
- Handout
- Corridor Maps by Area
December 2015 Open Houses
- Presentation
- Displays
- Corridor Maps by Area
May 2015 Open Houses
Reference Documents
- Roosevelt - Downtown High Capacity Transit Study: Corridor Concept Final Report (2017)
- Appendices
- Cost Estimates Memo
- Plan Set - 10% Design (March 2017)
- Appendices
- Public Involvement Summary Report (2016)
- Purpose and Need
- Mode Analysis Report and appendix
- Existing Conditions Report
- Existing Conditions Report Appendices
- Appendix E Addendum
RapidRide J Line outreach conducted to date
From 2015-2023 the project has engaged the public with:
- 115 community meetings and briefings
- More than 1,685 community members engaged
- Emails and mailers to more than 40,000 neighborhood residents and businesses
Date | Event |
---|---|
Phase 1 - Mode Analysis and Existing Conditions | |
February 2015 | Presented to Eastlake District Council meeting |
Phase 2 - Characteristics of BRT and Multimodal Components | |
March-April 2015 | Key stakeholder group outreach, including phone calls to develop an outreach list |
May 2015 | Open houses (2) to discuss mode analysis and existing conditions |
July 2015 | Joined Cascade Bicycle Club for walking audit of Eastlake Ave E |
August 2015 | Presentation to South Lake Union Chamber of Commerce |
September 2015 | Forum meeting in South Lake Union to discuss mode options |
September 2015 | Forum meeting in South Lake Union to discuss mode options |
October 2015 | Presented to Eastlake District Council meeting |
November 2015 | Forum meeting in South Lake Union to discuss BRT in-depth |
November 2015 | Presented to Roosevelt Neighborhood Association |
December 2015 | Open houses (2) to discuss BRT and multi-modal options |
January 2016 | Presented to Maple Leaf Community Council |
January 2016 | Presented to University Transportation Committee |
January 2016 | Presented to Eastlake Community Council |
March 2016 | Presented to U-District Partnership |
March 2016 | Project staff conducted business access survey |
Phase 3 - Recommended Corridor Concept | |
May 2016 | Forum meeting to review recommended corridor concept |
June 2016 | Presentation to Seattle Transit Advisory Board |
June 2016 | Presented to Fred Hutchinson staff |
June 2016 | Open houses (2) to review recommended corridor concept |
July 2016 | Reviewed recommended corridor concept with Vulcan staff |
September 2016 | Presentation to Seattle Bicycle Advisory Board |
July 2017 | Submitted Locally Preferred Alternative to Seattle City Council (approved July 2017) |
November 2017 | Notifications for public scoping meeting: • Email update • Mailed notice |
December 2017 | Public scoping open house to inform project Environmental Assessment |
March 2018 | Attended Eastlake Community Council meeting |
April 2018 | Attended Eastlake Community Council meeting |
August 2018 | Project email update |
September 2018 | Presentation to Seattle Bicycle Advisory Board |
October 2018 | Notifications for Eastlake neighborhood question and answer meeting: • Email update • Mailed notice |
October 2018 | Hosted Eastlake neighborhood question and answer session to review bicycle alternatives analysis and parking analysis |
December 2018 | Email invitations sent for Eastlake community parking workshop |
January 2019 | Hosted Eastlake community parking workshop to discuss opportunities for RPZ updates, transportation options, shared parking, and load zone relocations |
April 2019 | Attended Eastlake Community Council meeting |
April to June 2019 | Project outreach staff conducted door-to-door access surveys for Eastlake businesses |
May 2019 | Attended WSDOT/SDOT community parking briefing to review parking effects from the SR 520 project |
July 2019 | Briefing with Friends of Seattle's Olmsted Parks to review the Ravenna Boulevard park |
July 2019 | Briefing with members of Eastlake Community Council and SAFE Eastlake |
July 2019 | Notifications for Eastlake business parking workshops: • Mailed notice • Emailed notice • Door-to-door flyers |
July 2019 | Hosted Eastlake business parking workshops to discuss opportunities for load zone relocations, transportation options, shared parking, and RPZ updates |
October 2019 | Hosted U-District and Roosevelt Open House and Question & Answer Session |
October 2019 | Hosted Eastlake, South Lake Union and Downtown Open House and Question & Answer Session |
October 2019 | Captured community feedback through online open house |
October 2019 | Presentation to Seattle Transit Advisory Board |
October 2019 | Briefings with:
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November 2019 | Briefings with:
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January 2020 |
Notifications for Environmental Assessment and Section 4(f) comment period:
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January 2020 | Hosted U District, Roosevelt, Eastlake, and Downtown Drop-in Sessions for Environmental Assessment and Section 4(f) comment period. |
January 2020 | Briefing with the Eastlake Community Council Board. |
February 2020 | Briefing with the University of Washington. |
December 2020 | Route Update Public Meeting(virtual). |
December 2020 (Add new line) | Attended North Link Connections Mobility Board meeting |
January 2021 | Briefing with Councilmember Alex Pedersen |
March 2021 | Briefings with:
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March 2021 | Attended Roosevelt Neighborhood Association meeting |
March 2021 | Attended North Link Connections Mobility Board meeting |
May 2021 | Attended Northeast District Council meeting |
June 2021 | Briefings with:
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June 2021 | Attended Mercer Corridor Stakeholder Committee meeting |
July 2021 | SpotHero demo at Eastlake Community Council Board meeting |
August 2021 | Briefings with:
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October 2021 | U District Link light rail station grand opening tabling |
October 2021 | Email update to community-based organizations to take Supplemental EA Survey |
October 2021 | Presentation to the Seattle Bicycle Advisory Board |
November 2021 | Received community feedback through Supplemental EA Survey |
December 2021 | Briefing with:
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January 2022 | Project team responded to email inquiries about shortened route |
February 2022 | Project communications with:
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February 2022 | Project outreach staff conducted door to door notification of geotechnical boring work |
March 2022 | Briefing with:
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April 2022 | Briefing with Eastlake Community Council |
May 2022 | Project email update about FONSI |
May 2022 | Briefing with Seattle Police Department |
July 2022 | Briefing with Vulcan |
August 2022 | Project outreach staff conducted door to door notification of geotechnical boring work |
August 2022 | Project email update for geotechnical boring work |
August 2022 | Presentation to Eastlake Community Council |
September 2022 | Captured community feedback through Community Design Survey |
September 2022 | Notifications for virtual Multimodal Engagement Sessions
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September 2022 | Hosted virtual Multimodal Engagement Sessions |
September 2022 | Project email update with follow up from Multimodal Engagement Sessions |
September 2022 | Briefings with:
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October 2022 | Briefings with:
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November 2022 | SDOT Director Greg Spotts Walking and Listening Tour along Eastlake Ave |
February 2023 | Briefings with:
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March 2023 | Briefings with:
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March 2023 | Briefings with Escala Condomuniums |
April 2023 | Briefings with Eastlake Community Council |
May 2023 | Briefings with:
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