West Seattle, Washington
18 Thursday
If you click “play” on the video above, it’ll take you directly to the Endolyne Children’s Choir performance during last Saturday night’s West Seattle Junction Hometown Holidays Tree Lighting. Tomorrow (Saturday, December 9th), you can start your holiday-season weekend by enjoying and supporting the young singers at their annual “Winter Fantasy” concert, 11 am at St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church (3050 California SW). Full details are on the choir’s website, and of course this is one of many events you’ll find in the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide, for this weekend and beyond, through New Year’s!
A unique West Seattle store, The Bass Shop in The Junction, is our newest WSB sponsor, and as we welcome The Bass Shop today, here’s what they would like you to know about their business:
The Bass Shop is one of only a handful of bass guitar specialty stores in the U.S. Proprietor Chad Beeler (above center, with Jeff and Alex) has been a bass retail specialist for over 25 years. Lots of knowledge and inventory to be found at The Bass Shop!
We hear from customers that they are grateful that a store like ours exists. Most retail guitar shops have a very limited selection of bass guitars available, but there is usually no one who can be a credible sounding board for questions regarding bass gear or the general experience of being a bassist. Once most bass players have been to our shop and consulted the staff, they tend to become repeat customers, mainly because they’ve found a source that speaks their language, asks all the right questions, and gives them a broad range of instruments and gear to choose from. We’ve had many bass players who have told us that we’ve helped them become better musicians as a result.
As with many independent businesses, The Bass Shop‘s proprietor is involved in the community. Chad helps coach his daughter’s West Seattle Soccer Club team. He plays bass for the band DAD, which is comprised of dads with kids who attend Genesee Hill Elementary; DAD donates earnings from gigs to benefit the school’s after-school enrichment program specializing in music. They also help out the in-school music programs in general if an instrument needs to be provided or any extra purchases need to be made. Along with bar gigs, DAD plays at various fundraising events, including this past September’s West Fest at Holy Rosary and Madison Middle School‘s upcoming fundraiser in February.
The Bass Shop is co-located at 4736 California SW in The Junction with another WSB sponsor, Thunder Road Guitars, open 10 am-6 pm Tuesdays-Saturdays, 206-932-4362. Online, you’ll find The Bass Shop at thebassshopseattle.com.
We thank The Bass Shop for sponsoring the independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news that WSB has been publishing for 10 years; find our current sponsor team listed in directory format here, and find info on joining the team by going here.
That’s HMCS Yellowknife, one of two Royal Canadian Navy coastal-defense vessels that you’ll see at West Seattle’s Terminal 5 through the weekend, according to Peter McGraw of the Port of Seattle:
Two Canadian minesweepers will arrive T-5 at 2 p.m. today (Friday) and remain at berth through the weekend. The HMCS YELLOWKNIFE and HMCS WHITEHORSE each have a length overall (LOA) of 181′.
Flexi Floats will be installed today, after which the vessels will be rafted alongside one-another, in the northern half of the wharf, just north of the geared ship OCEAN JAZZ, LOA 530′, and south of the Crowley barge DBL 289, which is 289 feet long.
South of the OCEAN JAZZ is the Foss barge SEATTLE with LOA 300′. The barges are awaiting their next dispatch and will not load or discharge cargo.
Both of the Canadian vessels are passing south Whidbey Island right now, according to MarineTraffic.com. Speaking of military vessels – water-watchers can expect to see the U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) passing West Seattle southbound on Sunday morning, headed back to Bremerton post-deployment.
(Tuesday photo by James Bratsanos to cheer you until the sun emerges from the fog)
Yes, there’s fun for your Friday. First on our highlight list, events from the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide:
SYMPHONY CONCERT: 7:30 pm, enjoy West Seattle Community Orchestras‘ Symphony Orchestra concert “Nutcracker!” including that famous work and more, as previewed here. At Chief Sealth International High School Auditorium. Admission is FREE; donations appreciated! (2600 SW Thistle)
OPENING NIGHT FOR ‘IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE’: Join Twelfth Night Productions for “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Show.” Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm and Sundays at 3:00 pm at Kenyon Hall. Buy your ticket(s) online at this Brown Paper Tickets link, or at the venue box office. (7904 35th SW)
ARTS WEST HOLIDAY CAST PARTY: 7:30 pm at ArtsWest in The Junction – see who’s appearing tonight! (4711 California SW)
P.S. SHOPPING FOR A TREE? The Holiday Guide has the local list.
And here are the highlights from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
CHIEF SEALTH IHS ACADEMY OF BUSINESS DINNER/AUCTION: The students are putting this on and would love to have your support/attendance – 6-9 pm at CSIHS. Ticket info’s in our calendar listing. (2600 SW Thistle)
HPIC ART LOUNGE: Bring your project(s) to Highland Park Improvement Club starting at 7 pm and settle in for a fun, comfy place to work on it/them. Bar’s open. No admission charge. 21+. (1116 SW Holden)
AT THE SKYLARK: Noah Byrd, Bear Crozier, Brianna Bougher, Jordan Lowe, 8 pm, $8, 21+. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
AT THE PARLIAMENT: Ready Steady Go, The Pro & The Con, 9 pm. ’80s Night tribute show! $7 cover. 21+. (4210 SW Admiral Way)
THERE’S EVEN MORE … on our complete-calendar page!
Just out of the WSB inbox:
The video is from Mark Bader in Gatewood, who explains:
I’ve enjoyed putting up Christmas lights for years, but this year, at the urging of my wife, I’ve taken the plunge and synchronized my lights to music. I have a collection of songs – some that I’ve written and recorded – that are synced to lights, and you can tune your car radio to 103.3 to hear the music. My style of sequencing is more gentle and slow, with washes of color and motion that match the mood of the music. I try to stay away from lots of flashing. A friend said of my show, “It’s just like Disney!”.
“Austin Street Lights” is at 3711 SW Austin St, and the show runs from 4 pm to 10 pm each night. Tune your radio to 103.3 to hear the music.
We are of course adding this to the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide, where you’ll also find holiday concerts and other performances, Santa stops, tree lots, special events, church services, and more – we keep adding them as we get them – editor@wsb.blackfin.biz – thank you!
(SDOT MAP with travel times/video links; is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE)
7:02 AM: Good morning! Some fog and slickness out there again this morning. Otherwise, no current incidents in/from West Seattle.
9:31 AM: Still foggy but quiet. Thanks again to everyone who sends word of traffic trouble, breaking news, etc., when you can do so safely/legally, text or voice, via our 24/7 hotline (celebrating 10 years!) 206-293-6302.
(Photo by Mark Sears, permit 16163-01)
We’ve reveled in whale-watching opportunities as the Southern Resident Killer Whales visited multiple times the past few weeks … but concern is rising, along with the joy. What’s the current reality of their situation? Next Tuesday, 6 pm at C & P Coffee Company (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), is your chance to find out, courtesy of The Whale Trail:
There are just 76 individuals in the Southern Resident Killer Whale population – a near-historical low. What can we do to prevent these beloved and iconic pods from going extinct? Join us to hear the latest about J, K and L pods, and learn what you can do to help.
At the Whale Trail Winter Gathering, local photographers and researchers will share stories and photos of orcas and other marine mammals who share our waters. Hear about recent encounters with southern resident orcas, and other sightings near West Seattle this year.
We’ll also have signed copies of Erich Hoyt’s latest book The Encyclopedia of Whale, Dolphins, and Porpoises for sale, and other goodies!
Bring your questions, concerns, ideas, stories and poems. Together, we’ll find light in the dark for the whales.
Buy tickets now to reserve your seat. (Kids under 12 are free.) Look forward to seeing you there!
About The Whale Trail
The Whale Trail is a series of sites around the region where the public may view orcas and other marine mammals from shore. Our mission is to inspire appreciation and stewardship of whales and our marine environment. Our overarching goal is to ensure the southern resident orcas recover from the threat of extinction.
Through our current sites and signs, including two on every Washington State ferry, we reach more than 50 million people each year. The Whale Trail is currently adding new sites along the west coast, from California to British Columbia, throughout the southern resident orcas’ range and beyond.
C & P is at 5612 California SW.
Dance for education! A tango charity gala is in the works for programs including the Concord International Elementary PTA and the Heritage Spanish program at Kennedy CHS, “A Milonga for a Cause,” with live music featuring the Chicharra Tango Orchestra, a pre-milonga lesson, dance performances, a DJ, and more. It’s set for 8:30 pm Friday, December 15th, at Eden Seattle Event Place and Nightclub (1950 1st Ave. S.) Tickets are $40 in advance – buy yours now – and after advance sales cut off (or at the door), $50. Tickets include two drinks and a bite.
Metro has just set the new dates for its RapidRide H Line open houses next month – one in White Center, one in Burien:
Wednesday, January 10th from 5-8 p.m.
Burien Community Center, Shorewood Room
14700 6th Ave SW, BurienThursday, January 11th from 5-8 p.m.
Mount View Elementary School, Cafeteria/Multi-purpose Room
10811 12th Ave SW, White Center
These are the open houses promised when Metro went public three weeks ago with a survey asking you to get specific about feedback as they plan the conversion of Route 120 into the H Line – that survey is still open if you haven’t taken it yet.
We’re publishing this announcement both here and on partner site White Center Now because of the scope of the project:
The White Center Community Development Association (WCCDA), celebrating its 15th year serving White Center families with family/social services, small business/entrepreneurial development, school educational support, and family wellness, is partnering with Southwest Youth and Family Services (SWYFS), which provides critical health services to youth and families-at-risk, to create the White Center Neighborhood Advisory Council. This 20-person council, nominated from diverse segments of our White Center community, will meet twice a month, over five months in 2018, to assist us in the following;
*Review and plan for a Family Resource Center at the former White Center public health building site at 8th Ave. SW and SW 108th Ave, now temporarily used by Mary’s Place as transitional housing for homeless families.
*Develop a long-range affordable housing plan for White Center that helps keep White Center families living near each other, and incorporate the planning process findings into affordable housing at the former public health site
*Assist in ensuring that homeless transitional housing is considered as a continuing service in the affordable housing discussions for the site and elsewhere in White Center that will result.
The 20 members of this Council will receive $100 each in May of 2018, to compensate for their time serving on this council. The Nomination Form and Scope of Work for the Advisory Council can be found at the WCCDA website. All nominations are welcome, but we reserve the right to ensure that broad, diverse community perspectives are included through the nomination process as described in the Nomination Form and Scope of Work.
Nomination forms are due by December 12 at the CDA Open House meeting from 4-6 pm, that will be held at the WCCDA offices in the Technology Access Foundation building at 605 SW 108th Street. All nominees are encouraged to attend this meeting to meet staff, learn about the existing important work our staff do here in White Center, and eat good food. Child care will be provided.
Questions: Mark@WCCDA.ORG or call the WCCDA office at 206-694-1082
(WSDOT photo: Southbound tunnel portal near the stadium zone, photographed 2 weeks ago, shared to WSB Flickr group)
Though the Highway 99 tunnel is a little over a year from replacing the Alaskan Way Viaduct, the tolls aren’t set yet – though the $1 vicinity was recommended almost four years ago. So what will they be? The next step toward decisions is set for next week, when the state Transportation Commission meets in Olympia, with the agenda for its two-day meeting including:
On December 12, the Washington State Department of Transportation Toll Division will present initial traffic and toll revenue projections for the tunnel replacing the Alaskan Way Viaduct portion of SR 99. The Washington State Legislature has directed that tolls raise $200 million toward project construction costs over time. Although the commission will not adopt toll rates until fall 2018, the data will be used to determine how toll rates will vary by time of day to manage congestion on the facility and impacts on surface streets.
You can see the full agenda here. The full meeting announcement notes that the tunnel toll rates are not expected to be finalized until fall of next year. (If you follow the link, you’ll see the two-day meeting includes some other hot topics, including the pilot project for a road-usage charge, and getting ready for “self-driving” vehicles.)
Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Steven H. Leifheit, who has a medical practice in West Seattle and is a new WSB sponsor:
Dr. Leifheit specializes in Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine, which works to identify musculo-skeletal conditions such as common ailments like “joint pain,” sports-related injuries, and degenerative disc and joint diseases that would affect the weight-bearing joints, the spine, and the pelvis. His methods include various manual treatments, orthotic regimens, and specific stretching postures to help promote better and more efficient movement. These things come together, as he has said one of his main goals is to not only help people but also to educate them about their condition(s). Dr. Leifheit believes providing information that is pertinent can create a useful perspective that can help people resolve their health challenges — or at least better manage their health.
Dr. Leifheit completed college at Lehigh University (Pennsylvania) and attended medical school at the University of North Texas Health Science Center, receiving the Doctor of Osteopathy Degree in 1977. He also worked as an Army flight surgeon and as an instructor at his alma mater in Texas. He moved to the Northwest in 1988 and opened his practice in 1991. Since then, he has served on the State Licensing Board (1995 to 1999) and as a Trustee and Officer with the Washington Osteopathic Medical Association since 1994.
Dr. Leifheit‘s office is located in the West Seattle Junction, at 4746 44th Avenue SW, and is open Tuesdays through Fridays. Patients are seen by appointment only. To make an appointment, call 206-935-2722. The initial exam takes about 90 minutes.
We thank Dr. Steven Leifheit for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news via WSB; find our current sponsor team listed in directory format here, and find info on joining the team by going here.
If you knew John Jones, we’re told, you’d know he would only have wanted a short and sweet 
mention like this one:
John was a graduate of West Seattle High and Central Washington University.
The Ol’ Man was legendary for his stories, all of which have all been independently verified by the firm Crabtree, Kavanaugh, Tervo, and Wachsmith.
We will gather at West 5 on January 8 to celebrate the King and Pops.
(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@wsb.blackfin.biz)
Quick toplines from this past Tuesday night’s Westwood-Roxhill-Arbor Heights Community Coalition meeting at Southwest Library:
CRIME TRENDS: Southwest Precinct Operations Lt. Ron Smith said a major problem in the area – shoplifting at Westwood Village – is down significantly, after months of emphasis patrols. (More on that in our upcoming Southwest District Council report.) SPD’s work at Westwood will soon be enhanced by an observation station.
SAFETY: WWRHAH member Earl Lee reported that the long-awaited lighting of the bus stop across Barton from WW Village is up and working:
(WSB photo, added Thursday night)
HALA UPZONING APPEAL: As reported previously, WWRHAH is participating in the citywide coalition that is appealing the Final Environmental Impact Statement for the proposed upzoning in the city’s HALA Mandatory Housing Affordability plan. The coalition is now awaiting hearing dates, planning to go door to door to talk with neighbors, and raising money for legal help.
NO GENERAL MEETING IN JANUARY, BUT … Since the first Tuesday is the day after New Year’s, no general WWRHAH meeting until February. But watch wwrhah.org for TBA details of a January 9th meeting about Roxhill Park.
(Swimmers going into Puget Sound from Alki Beach Park on Wednesday morning, photographed by Ron Templin)
The chilly sunshine continues! Here are highlights for the hours ahead, from the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide and Event Calendar:
CREATE YOUR OWN CUSTOM HOLIDAY GIFT TAGS: Free workshop at Delridge Community Center, 1-3 pm: “In this two -hour workshop you will learn how to use Microsoft Word or Publisher to create your own custom holiday gift tags utilizing your art or photographs. Bring a favorite photo or art design with you to class and you will leave with several sheets of gift tags ready to cut out and use for holiday gift giving.” (4501 Delridge Way SW)
FREE SANTA PHOTOS: Santa visits and free DIY photos, 2-5 pm at Main Street Play in White Center. (9988 15th SW)
SHOP LATE THURSDAY IN THE JUNCTION: First of three Thursdays that you will find many stores open late as part of West Seattle Junction Hometown Holidays! Among them tonight, WSB sponsors Click! Design That Fits (4540 California SW), VAIN (4513 California SW), and Menashe & Sons Jewelers (4532 California SW).
JUNCTION NEIGHBORHOOD ORGANIZATION LAND USE COMMITTEE: 6:30 pm at the Senior Center/Sisson Building, JuNO’s LUC convenes a community meeting to talk about the HALA MHA maps and more. (4217 SW Oregon)
‘BOBCAT BOB’: 7 pm at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), the legendary Bob “Bobcat Bob” Rice will entertain you. (5612 California SW)
METRO @ NORTH HIGHLINE UNINCORPORATED AREA COUNCIL: 7 pm at North Highline Fire District HQ in White Center, tonight’s North Highline Unincorporated Area Council meeting includes a visit from Metro reps to talk about transit matters including the upcoming conversion of Route 120 to the RapidRide H Line. (1243 SW 112th)
DENNY CONCERT: 7 pm at the Chief Sealth International High School Auditorium, the Denny International Middle School Orchestra performs. (2600 SW Thistle)
MADISON CONCERT: 7 pm at the Madison Middle School Commons, it’s the Madison Orchestra and Jazz concert. (3429 45th SW)
Before we get to the list of highlights for today/tonight – as you’ll see if you look at the music section of the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide, we’re heading into a big weekend for holiday music. Including the next West Seattle Community Orchestras‘ concert!
The full announcement:
West Seattle Community Orchestras invites you to attend its annual December concert by West Seattle’s very own Symphony Orchestra!
Conducted by James Pham, the program includes Grieg’s “Norwegian Dances” and Bizet’s popular “L’Arlesienne Suite No. 1.” You might not recognize that title, but you’ll definitely recognize the music as it’s often played during the holiday season. Also in tune with the season is Tchaikovsky’s ever-popular “Nutcracker Suite.”
The concert is FREE! Donations are gratefully appreciated. They help enable student musicians’ participation in this and our other orchestras and classes at no charge.
Again, that’s Friday, December 8, 7:30 p.m., in the Chief Sealth International High School auditorium, 2600 SW Thistle Street. Find more info at www.WSCOrchestras.org.
(SDOT MAP with travel times/video links; is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE)
7:20 AM: Good morning. No incidents in/from West Seattle so far, but beware of slick roads/paths.
Second win of the season Wednesday night for the Chief Sealth International High School girls, 53-42 over visiting Nathan Hale HS. #11 Aundra Tuchscherer led the Seahawks with 19 points:
#2 Jasmine Smith was also in double digits for the Seahawks, with 13 points. Under new head coach Cartiea French-Toney, the Sealth girls are now 2-1 on the season.
Their next game is at Cleveland, 7 pm Friday.
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
“I just want to thank you.”
Midway through our coffeehouse conversation with four local neighborhood-group reps about why they’re part of a citywide challenge to the city’s Housing Affordability and Livability Agenda upzoning plan, a woman walked up to the table and addressed that to them.
She admitted she had been eavesdropping and “figured out what you were talking about.” She says she lives in the Junction area – which is where we were talking – and doesn’t want the upzoning to happen.
But, she added, “I don’t know what I can do to help.” The four offered suggestions immediately. Earl Lee of the Westwood-Roxhill-Arbor Heights Community Coalition said, “We need every soldier we can get.”
Amanda Sawyer, who has led the Junction Neighborhood Organization for half a year, mentioned JuNO’s Land Use Committee will be talking about HALA and the appeal at a meeting tomorrow (6:30 pm Thursday, December 7th, Senior Center of West Seattle).
Equipped with ideas, the woman moved on. The four were heartened by that unsolicited feedback. What their groups had joined is not universally popular – some supporters of the proposed upzoning accuse opponents of being elitist, wealthy, interested only in keeping their theoretical white-picket-fence gates slammed shut to newcomers.
Not at all, these four insist. But before we go further, introductions and backstory.
Thanks to Judy Pickens for the report and photo:
The concept of giving donations in lieu of more stuff for Christmas gained momentum during the second annual West Seattle Alternative Giving Fair.
(Bill Zoellner, who chairs the church’s homelessness task force, took donations for gift cards to help low-income families of local elementary students)
Hosted last Saturday and Sunday by Fauntleroy Church UCC for 19 local, national, and international programs, the fair brought in $11,291 to strengthen families and communities, support elders, care for creation, and respond to hunger and homelessness. Thanks to generous area residents, this “giving from the heart” represents a 37% increase over last year.
P.S. Still many opportunities for holiday giving – in the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide, you’ll find a list of donation drives – including giving trees – and volunteer opportunities that we’ve heard about so far.
The photo and report are from Linda:
Some “POS” stole my niece’s car from in front of our house 12/5 late at night or 12/6 early morning – Merry Christmas. She was in the process of moving to my house from far away and still had several items still needing to be unloaded including: Social security cards, birth certificate, blankets, important legal papers, clothes, my great nieces backpack for school complete with school work and book from library, assorted goods and sundry. License #BFR9941, Tan, 1990 Honda Accord LX.
We will add the theft location when we hear back from Linda. Meantime, if you see this car, call 911. Police report #17-449471.
Just received from Southwest Precinct crime-prevention coordinator Jennifer Burbridge, one of the occasional notifications that a Level 3 sex offender has moved into the area:
In an effort to keep you informed, and in our constant attempts to reduce future victimization, we want to let you know about one level 3 sex offender that has recently moved into the Southwest Precinct area.
Douglas Cole, a 49-year-old White male, is a level 3 registered sex offender who has recently moved to the 9400 block of 4th Ave SW. Mr. Cole is no longer under Department of Corrections supervision.
Detective Foster from the Seattle Police Department’s Sex Offender Detail is responsible for verifying his addresses as long as he is living there.
To learn more about this offender and for additional safety tips please visit the website at www.waspc.org and search by his name. [Editor’s note: You will find his photo and background here.]
If you have further questions about this offenders, contact Michelle McRae of the Seattle Police Sex Offender Detail at (206) 684-5581 or e-mail at michelle.mcrae@seattle.gov.
To register to receive an email alert whenever a published offender registers within one mile of your desired addresses, go to this link.
Level 3 sex offenders pose the highest risk to re-offend. It is normal to feel upset, angry and worried about a registered sex offender living in your community. The Community Notification Act of 1990 requires sex offenders to register in the community where they live. The law also allows local law enforcement to make the public aware about Level 2 and Level 3 offenders. Since these offenders have completed their sentences, they are free to live where they wish. Experts believe sex offenders are less likely to re-offend if they live and work in an environment free of harassment. Any actions taken against the listed sex offenders could result in arrest and prosecution as it is against the law to use this information in any way to threaten, intimidate or harass registered sex offenders. The SPD Sex offender detectives will check on these offenders every 3 months to verify our information.
The single most effective means of protecting your child is communication with your child. They have to feel comfortable discussing sensitive matters with you. Teach your children that they should not be asked to touch anyone in the bathing suit areas of their body or allow anyone to touch them in those areas. Teach them types of situations to avoid. It is not good enough to tell a child to avoid strangers. Please remember that children are most often molested by someone they or their parents know.
Please call me to schedule a Block Watch meeting if your block is interested. My office phone at the precinct is (206) 256-6820.
What started on Columbia Street downtown with a bus-stop relocation will continue with major work that starts next week. Since so many West Seattleites use Columbia to get to The Viaduct, we got a preview today in a conversation with Metro and SDOT reps.
The project is officially called the Columbia Street 2-Way Transit Corridor. Columbia will eventually be the main route that transit from Highway 99 and Alaskan Way gets into and out of downtown. It’ll be used three different ways in three phases over the span of about 4 years, from fall 2018 to summer 2022, but first, here’s what’s going to happen starting next Monday:
*Columbia will be narrowed between 1st and 3rd Avenues, to two travel lanes. No on-street parking in work zones. Buses will follow the same routes they do now. Work will start on the north side of the street between 1st and 2nd, with a lane closed around the clock (minimal impacts expected for the sidewalks), and some full-weekend street closures – no dates yet.
*The street will get new concrete pavement to better handle the increased bus traffic that’s in its future.
*While the street’s dug up, the city also will replace the old water main beneath both blocks of Columbia from 1st to 3rd – they’ve been working to synergize that kind of upgrade with major road projects, to reduce the chance it’ll have to be done later.
*This phase of the work is expected to continue into June 2018. When it’s done, Columbia will go back to its current configuration – the 2-way configuration will be done in the future.
So all this work will be done between now and next June. The three phases of how bus routing will be handled are:
*During the Alaskan Way Viaduct’s month-or-so pre-demolition closure while Highway 99 is being connected to the tunnel, possibly as soon as November 2018, there’s a “SODO surface routing” that’s being planned, as shown on the map. This will affect Metro Routes 21x, 37, 55, 56, 57, 113, 120, 121, 122, 123, 125, C Line. (yellow on the map)
*While the Viaduct is being demolished, roughly February 2019-February 2020, 1st Avenue routing into the heart of downtown is planned. (blue on the map)
*Once the Viaduct is demolished and more work on Columbia west of 1st is complete, the permanent 2-way pathway into and out of downtown will be operational. Columbia will be the connector between Alaskan Way and 3rd Avenue. (green on the map)
But again, in the short run, all you’ll notice is the construction starting next Monday. Drivers who want to avoid the resulting congestion on Columbia will want to get to the Viaduct on-ramp via 1st, from the south or north, or avoid the Viaduct and access the West Seattle Bridge other ways. Bus riders already have seen their stop relocated, and this won’t affect it.
| 2 COMMENTS