Category: News

Posted on

Alley Progress

Alley Rendering
(Alley design team: MIG|SvR, Olson Kundig)

Work begins in May to resurface two Pioneer Square alleys. Pioneer Square’s alleys are more walkable and inviting due to the collective efforts of art and lighting installation, resident stewardship, businesses opening and building façade improvements. In 2013, the International Sustainability Institute received a Department of Neighborhoods matching grant to redesign two alleys with a surface design acceptable to the Preservation Board, Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT), utilities, residents and businesses. Before completing the design, ISI partnered with the Alliance and Seattle Chinatown International District Public Development Authority (SCIDPDA) to secure funding for three alleys – Canton Alley, Pioneer Passage and Nord Alley.

Nord Alley lies to the south of Occidental Park, between 1st Avenue S and Occidental. The alley connects Main Street to the new streetcar on Jackson.  North of the park, Pioneer Passage runs from Washington to Yesler. These alleys feature shops, restaurants, event spaces and beautification efforts. If you’ve ever been Casco Antiguo’s back patio, you’ve traveled through Pioneer Passage.

The work is divided into two phases: utility upgrades & resurfacing. First, Seattle City Light will dig a trench through Nord Alley to upgrade the aging electrical network (approximately May – June). At the same time, several private properties will upgrade utilities. Once completed, utility work will shift to Pioneer Passage (approximately July-Aug). In the second phase (fall 2016), SDOT will upgrade stormwater systems and resurface the alleys with a Pioneer Square Preservation Board-approved brick pattern. The refinished alleys will provide much-needed utility upgrades and inviting, accessible alleys.

Funding is possible through a federal Transportation Alternatives Grant, Office of Economic Development, Seattle City Light and CenturyLink. We are working closely with the city to collaborate outreach and provide communication throughout the length of the project. For any questions, please contact liz@pioneersquare.org. More information. https://allianceforpioneersquare.org/what-we-do/public-realm/alley-activation/alley-designs/

 

Posted on

Alaskan Way Viaduct Closure Begins April 29

Approximate two-week closure of the Alaskan Way Viaduct – starts April 29

2016_0429_Bertha_progress_map_1Beginning Friday, April 29, the SR 99 Alaskan Way Viaduct will be closed for approximately two weeks as a precautionary measure while Bertha, the SR 99 tunneling machine, travels beneath the structure. The viaduct will be closed between the south end of the Battery Street Tunnel and the West Seattle Bridge. For the most up-to-date information, visit 99closure.org.

Make a travel plan and expect additional congestion throughout the region

This closure will disrupt local and regional traffic patterns. WSDOT is coordinating with other transportation agencies to keep people moving through a variety of measures, but is expecting the closure to increase traffic congestion regardless. We are asking travelers in Seattle and the surrounding region to plan ahead and consider adjusting their travel habits to help us keep people moving on highways and city streets. We recommend that you:

  • Allow plenty of extra travel time and expect rush hour congestion to start earlier and end later.
  • If possible, consider leaving early or delaying your trip to avoid traveling during peak times. Know before you go and check out the travel resources page so you can make informed travel choices during the closure.
  • Consider working from home if you can, to avoid commuting altogether.

 Need help making a travel plan?

Take a look at this travel alternatives handout for a detailed list of resources and options for changing your commute.

 Stay up-to-date

For the latest information regarding traffic conditions and tunneling progress:

Download the Closure Map Here