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 – 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.

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 – The city of Seattle reminds roadway users that a memorial procession along city streets for Seattle Police Officer Timothy Brenton will be held on Friday, November 6. Approximately 1,000 to 1,500 vehicles will depart at 9:00 a.m. from the University of Washington and will travel to a service for the slain officer at Key Arena. (View a map of the route here.)

During the procession, which is expected to last from 9:00 a.m. to noon, other traffic will not be allowed on the route and will not be allowed to cross it, including pedestrians and bicyclists. The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) advises travelers to expect severe congestion near its path.

The Washington State Department of Transportation will close the east- and westbound SR 520 on and off ramps to Montlake Boulevard NE at 8:50 a.m. to allow the procession to travel south on the boulevard. The ramps will reopen after the procession has passed. Also, traffic exiting southbound I-5 at Stewart Street will not be allowed to continue onto Stewart but must turn onto Eastlake Avenue E or John Street.

Parking will not be allowed along the route and temporary “No Parking” signs have been emplaced. Seattle Police Department (SPD) officers will manage all intersections for the procession. 1st Avenue N (Denny to Mercer) and Mercer Street (1st to 5th avenues N) will now reopen once the procession passes. SPD will close Thomas and John streets (between 1st and 2nd avenues N), and Warren and 2nd avenues N (between Denny Way and Thomas St) from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The public memorial service at Key Arena will begin at 1:00 p.m., with doors opening at 11:00 a.m. No formal procession is planned after the ceremony.

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 –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 – A memorial procession along city streets for Seattle Police Officer Timothy Brenton will be held on Friday, November 6. Approximately 1,000 to 1,500 vehicles will depart at 9:00 a.m. from the University of Washington and will travel to a service for the slain officer at Key Arena.

During the procession, which is expected to last from 9:00 a.m. to noon, other traffic will not be allowed on the route and will not be allowed to cross it. The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) advises travelers to expect severe congestion near its path, especially as mourners are also anticipated along its course.

The memorial procession will use the following route: begins at the University of Washington’s E-1 parking lot; south on Montlake Blvd NE to 24th Ave E; south on 24th to 23rd Ave E; south on 23rd to E Madison St; west on Madison to E Pine St; west on Pine to Broadway; north on Broadway to E Denny Way; west on Denny to 1st Ave N; north on 1st to Key Arena. Staging will begin in the E-1 parking lot (north of Husky Stadium on Montlake Blvd NE) beginning at approximately 8:00 a.m.

Parking will not be allowed along the route and temporary “No Parking” signs will be emplaced. Officers from the Seattle Police Department will manage all intersections for the procession. 1st Avenue N (Denny to Mercer) and Mercer Street (1st to 5th avenues N) will be closed when the procession arrives at those locations. Roads around the Seattle Center will also be closed to traffic, to include parking, prior to the event.

The public memorial service at Key Arena will begin at 1:00 p.m., with doors opening at 11:00 a.m. No formal procession is planned after the ceremony. All questions concerning the procession route and traffic impacts should be directed to the Seattle Department of Transportation.

SEATTLE – Tomorrow, Wednesday, November 4, starting at 8 a.m., a Seattle Department of Transportation crew will begin repairing a severely damaged portion of Elliot Avenue W between W Mercer Place and W Prospect streets.  During the work, which will involve replacing 18 inches of concrete and asphalt, the crew will block off the two right lanes northbound. Because of the time required to cure the new 12-inch thick asphalt, the right curb lane will remain closed overnight.  Curing time allowing, the right lane will be re-opened to traffic by midday, Thursday, November 5.

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) invites the public to an open house to learn about replacement plans for the west approach of the NE 45th Street Viaduct. It will be held on Thursday, November 12, from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the University Presbyterian Church located at 4540 15th Avenue NE, Seattle.

The NE 45th Street Viaduct’s existing west approach is nearing the end of its structural life and needs to be rebuilt to maintain a safe and efficient travel corridor for vehicles, pedestrians and bicycles. SDOT will replace the 468-foot west approach, and evaluate the east approach and main span for seismic retrofit needs.

SDOT is planning to construct the new west approach during summer 2010 when traffic is lighter due to the University of Washington’s summer session. Based on community input, SDOT will utilize a full-closure construction phasing for the work to shorten its timeframe and reduce how long travelers are detoured around the area. The closure will last up to four months.

The department is working closely with local community groups, institutions and businesses in planning this project, and will continue to involve the public as it moves forward with final design and construction.

The project is part of the voter-approved Bridging the Gap program and will cost approximately $30 million. For additional information, please visit the project Web site at www.seattle.gov/transportation/45th-bridge.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--The curb lane on Westlake Avenue at Denny Way, in front of Whole Foods, will be closed on Sunday and Monday, November 1 and 2, while SDOT crews expand the bus stop and streetcar areas. The crews plan to work on Sunday, November 1 from 8 a.m. to noon, and on Monday, November 2 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The sidewalks will remain open and the streetcar will continue operating.

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 – Soccer fans dressed in bright green will be swarming to Qwest Field tomorrow, Thursday, October 29, for the Seattle Sounders playoff match set to kick off at 7 p.m.  On Friday and Saturday night, costumed children of all ages will be out in force for community events and neighborhood trick or treating; the Seattle Department of Transportation urges drivers to be extra watchful for children crossing the streets in the evening darkness.

Thursday, October 29

Seattle Sounders FC versus Houston Dynamo Playoff Match: 7:30 p.m. – 9:45 p.m.
Qwest Field
35,000 fans expected
No street closures planned; expect heavier traffic around Qwest Field before and after the match.

Friday, October 30

Magnolia Village Halloween Trick or Treat : 3:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
1,000 expected
Streets closed: W McGraw Street (from 34 th Avenue W to 32 nd Avenue W)

Saturday, October 31

Trolloween 2009 : 7:30 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Annual Halloween event starting at the Fremont Troll (20 th Birthday), parading through the Fremont neighborhood, and ending under the Fremont Bridge;
400+ expected
SPD will escort the procession starting at N 36 th Street and Troll Avenue N; the “Haunt of Fremont” heads west on 36 th to Evanston Avenue N; south on Evanston to N 35 th Street; west on 35 th to First Avenue NW; south on First Ave NW to N Canal Street (which is closed from First Ave NW to Phinney Avenue N for a performance of Dante’s Inferno); east on Canal to N 34 th Street; east on 34 th to Evanston; south on Evanston to private street; east on private street to the Fremont Bridge.

Street closures:
-- N 36 th Street adjacent to the Troll (Linden Avenue N and Whitman Avenue N) from 4:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
-- N Canal Street between First Avenue NW and Phinney Avenue N from 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

SEATTLE –Crews working for the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) continue work on ing deck and expansion joint repairs on the Fourth over Argo Railroad Bridge. Due to unexpected difficulties, the northbound curb lane will remain closed until the work is finished at the end of this week.  Weather permitting, the work should be completed no later than 2:30 p.m. on Friday, October 30. Traffic is being shifted to the west, out of the right curb lane, northbound.  With the reduced travel lanes, motorists should plan on possible delays crossing the bridge and use added caution passing the work crews. 

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 – Due to weather concerns, concrete panel work on the east side of Fourth Avenue at Main Street has been moved up to begin tomorrow, Wednesday morning, October 28, at 5 a.m.  During this work, the intersection will be closed to through traffic on the east side of Fourth Avenue at Main.

Traffic will continue to flow north on Fourth Avenue around the work site. Traffic driving eastbound on Main Street will be directed to turn left, or northbound, onto Fourth Avenue and then travel north to the next block, Washington Street, and then turn right or eastbound. Traffic travelling westbound on Main Street will be detoured south on Fifth Avenue to the next street, Jackson Street, and then west to access Fourth Avenue.  Main Street will remain open for local access only between Fourth and Fifth Avenues. This intersection should reopen during the week of November 2; the exact date is weather dependent.

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.