Information resources for you regarding the permanent move of all buses out of the tunnel to city streets.

Traffic control officers will be out during the evening commute hours. The focus of the officers' attention will be at those locations where they can help the traveling public avoid blocking the box and with new and existing bus lane designations along 5^th and 6^th avenues, on Howell between 9^th and Yale and on Battery at Sixth.

In this article you'll find links to all the resources you need:
- Facts sheet
- Bus route revisions and timelines
- 5^th and 6^th Ave changes
- Accessibility map
- What you can do
- Contact Information and Resources

The next chapter of the Seattle Squeeze begins on March 23, 2019, when all buses that use the Downtown Seattle Transit Tunnel will permanently relocate to surface streets. This change is being made to accommodate the Washington State Convention Center construction and future Link light rail expansion to the Eastside in 2023.

15 bus routes will change what bus stops they serve.To find out if your bus route is affected, click here.
To keep buses and riders moving,the City of Seattle is building a new bus lane on 5^thand 6^thAvenues and Metro will launch all-door boarding on 3rd Avenue, which means you can tap your ORCA card and board any bus door.

Plan your trip!
Bike, walk, carpool, or vanpool. Shift your travel time. Visit www.seattle.gov/traffic for ideas and updates. Additionally, the Seattle Accessibility Map has been updated with current elevator pathways to help navigate Seattle’s steep hills. About 800 more buses will travel daily on downtown streets, and about 37,600 daily riders will be affected, including the 11,000 people who catch their bus downtown during the evening rush hour. Things are going to feel differently downtown and we want to make sure you are prepared.

Spread the Word!
Thank you for sharing these resources and information with your organization and networks. This factsheet and postcard provide more information on this new chapter of the Seattle Squeeze. Please distribute via email, social media, websites, newsletters, or in person to your employees, constituents, community members, or other key stakeholders. We are also able to provide physical copies of these documents – please email Danielle Friedman at danielle.friedman@seattle.gov to request physical copies.

Early 2019 - 2020| Alaskan Way Viaduct Removal and Related Projects: After the tunnel opens, AWV demolition begins by the waterfront, the Battery Street Tunnel will be decommissioned, and surface streets around Aurora Ave N will be reconnected.

March 2019| Bus Service Ends in the Light Rail Tunnel: King County Metro bus routes 41, 74, 101, 102, 150, 255 and Sound Transit Express Route 550 buses will no longer use the transit tunnel and will operate on surface streets, including a new transit pathway on 5^th and 6^th Avenues.

2019 - 2021| Waterfront Construction: Built by the City of Seattle’s Office of the Waterfront, the new Alaskan Way street will be transformed along the waterfront with a new promenade and connections to the Pike Place Market.

2019| SR 99 Tunnel Tolling: The SR 99 tunnel will be free to use when it opens for a period before tolling starts. Tolling could begin as early as summer 2019.

Under construction thru 2022| WA State Convention Center (WSCC) Addition: WSCChas launched a transformative project that will provide economic and public benefits, including affordable housing, cycling, and pedestrian improvements, and a study of lidding more of I-5 – as part of its $92 million expansion. Construction is expected to be complete in Q3 2021, with the addition open to the public in Q1 2022.

Under construction thru December 2020 | Seattle Center Arena: Oak View Group (OVG) has partnered with the City of Seattle to redevelop the Arena at Seattle Center. The newly renovated Arena will be a vital asset for the residents of our region and visitors from around the world for existing and future professional sports teams, other sporting events, concerts, and shows.

Under construction thru 2021| Rainer Tower 2 Construction: At the corner of 5th Ave and Union St, Rainier Tower 2 is a new building being built in Rainier Square and will become an iconic new skyscraper on Seattle’s horizon. It will house new space for offices, retail stores, a hotel, residential units, and parking.

Contacts & Resources

Seattle Department of Transportation
Phone: 206-684-7623
Email: 684-Road@seattle.gov
Website: seattle.gov/traffic
Twitter: @seattledot and @SDOTtraffic

• Website: www.seattle.gov/traffic
• Know Before You Go: https://web6.seattle.gov/travelers
• Follow Our Blog: http://sdotblog.seattle.gov
• Twitter: @seattledot | @SDOTtraffic
• Email: 684-ROAD@seattle.gov
• Phone: (206) 684-ROAD

Washington State Department of Transportation
24-hour Construction Hotline: 1-888-298-5463
Email: viaduct@wsdot.wa.gov
Website: www.99tunnel.com
Twitter: @BerthaDigsSR99 and #Realign99

• WSDOT Live Traffic Cameras: www.wsdot.com/traffic/seattle/default.aspx
• WSDOT Travel Times: www.wsdot.com/traffic/traveltimes/default.aspx
• Twitter: @BerthaDigsSR99 | #Realign99
• Website: www.99tunnel.com | www.AlaskanWayViaduct.org
• Email: viaduct@wsdot.wa.gov

King County Metro
Twitter: @kcmetrobus
Website: www.kingcounty.gov/getready

• King County Metro Trip Planning Resources: www.kingcounty.gov/getready
• Metro Transit Trip Planner: https://tripplanner.kingcounty.gov/
• Metro Matters Blog: https://kingcountymetro.blog/
• Twitter: @kcmetrobus
• Phone: 206-553-3000

Sound Transit

• Sound Transit Trip Planner: https://www.soundtransit.org/tripplanner
• The Platform Blog: https://www.soundtransit.org/blog/platform
• Twitter: @soundtransit
• Phone: 888-889-6368

Commute Seattle
Phone: 206-613-3206
E-mail: SR99@commuteseattle.com
Website: www.commuteseattle.com/sr99/

• Stay informed and sign up for alerts – seattle.gov/traffic
• Change your commute – tools at kingcounty.gov/getready
• Download the Ride2 Shuttle app - https://kingcounty.gov/depts/transportation/metro/programs-projects/innovation-technology/innovative-mobility/first-last-mile/ride2.aspx
• If you’re an employer, contact Commute Seattle for a transportation consultation for your business/organization - commuteseattle.com/sr99/