West Seattle, Washington
21 Wednesday
The Washington State Transportation Commission – which among other things sets fares for state ferries – has a survey open about a possible addition to those fares. The WSTC says there’s been longstanding authorization for a fuel surcharge to be added to ferry fares if needed to cover a funding gap. So its survey asks what you think of that idea. The survey also asks whether WSF should focus more on moving vehicles or moving people. It’s open for another week and a half – until October 18th – and you can respond to it by going here.
One week ago, we reported that the proposal for a bicycle lane on the Highland Park Way hill – shelved in 2020 – had resurfaced in SDOT‘s application for federal grant money to fund a variety of “Safe Streets for All” projects. We asked SDOT a few followup questions. First, what happens to the project if the grant money isn’t received? SDOT spokesperson Ethan Bergerson replied, “If we do not receive the Safe Streets for All grant, there is not another funding source identified to build this project.” An even-bigger question: What design is envisioned for the lane – which side of the street would it be on, and would it require removal of a general-traffic lane (as was envisioned in the previously shelved plan)? Bergerson’s reply: “We have not begun the design of this bike route. If we receive funding, we would engage the community on potential designs such as the two options you mentioned. We may also consider other possible alternatives like widening the existing trail.” As noted in our story last week, other West Seattle proposals listed in the grant application are mostly smaller projects such as curb ramps.
A new month means a new round of community meetings, and the newest announcement we’ve received is from West Seattle Bike Connections. They’re meeting online tomorrow night (Tuesday, October 4) and welcoming anyone interested in attending. WSBC’s Kate Wells says they plan to “discuss how to advocate for safer streets during the city’s budget process, learn how to get involved in the Seattle Transportation Plan, and more.” Info for how to attend/participate is in our calendar listing.
Back in 2020, not long after the West Seattle Bridge closed, SDOT unveiled a version of the Highland Park Way/Holden safety-improvements plan that included rechannelizing the HP Way hill – removing a northbound (downhill) lane and installing a protected bike lane on the southbound (uphill) side. This idea generated considerable community concern (partly but not entirely because the hill was a vital artery for bridge-detour traffic), and SDOT shelved it later that year. Now a bike-lane proposal for the hill is apparently back. We discovered this while reading SDOT’s grant-proposal document published here, part of an application for $30 million in federal funding. Most of what’s proposed for West Seattle in the Safe Streets For All proposal consists of small projects such as curb ramps. But on page 15, we found the bike-lane proposal, now described as “protected bike lane, east side, separated 2-way bike lane” on Highland Park Way between West Marginal and Holden. No design or rendering is featured in the document, so we’re checking with SDOT, including the question of whether this is planned regardless of grant-funding status. The new 2-way bike-lane proposal isn’t mentioned on SDOT’s HP Way/Holden project page, which recaps the scrapping of the previous idea and notes the community suggestion that the existing east-side roadside path be widened instead.
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
After last week’s West Seattle Transportation Coalition meeting, we reported on the biggest news to emerge from it: Early traffic observations from the reopened West Seattle Bridge. New SDOT director Greg Spotts shared those during his guest appearance. Here’s what else he had to say, with both professional and personal details, plus some Q&A:
Spotts, confirmed by the City Council earlier this month, started by noting he’d heard of the remarkable way the West Seattle community came together to get through the 2 1/2-year West Seattle Bridge closure. He said his first hour on the job took him inside the bridge (and the low bridge, which he toured that day too):
(SDOT photo, September 7)
“It’s really impressive to learn about the engineering effort of a structure suddenly compromised and retrofit it so it’s going to last and be safe.”
(Photo by Ann Anderson – state ferry off Duwamish Head during recent smoky sunset)
Starting Saturday, Washington State Ferries will no longer charge people under 19 – with one exception. Here’s the reminder WSF sent today:
Starting Saturday, October 1, youth will board for free as a result of this year’s Move Ahead Washington transportation package. The law directs transit agencies to provide free fares for passengers 18 and under across the state.
The legislation applies only to youth riding as a passenger in a vehicle and those walking onto a state ferry. It does not include teenagers behind the wheel of a motor vehicle. Drivers under 19 years old will continue to pay the adult vehicle and driver fare.
Because of this change, youth tickets are no longer available at self-serve kiosks and online. However, youth walking onto a ferry will still need a ticket or a valid ORCA card to board at terminals where one is currently needed. Terminal employees at the ticket booth can issue the free-fare youth tickets, which will be valid for two hours.
3:25 PM: What’s described as “emergency road work” on Columbia Street downtown – the “transit pathway” street – is causing delays on West Seattle-serving bus routes RapidRide C, 21, 55, 56, 57, 113, 120, 121, and 125. We’re checking to see how long it’s supposed to last.
4:46 PM: Another alert for bus riders, and other modes too – all but one lane is closed on 1st Avenue South just south of Safeco Field after a person was hit and killed. Metro says Route 21 is rerouting in that area.
5:26 PM: Updates on both:
-Detectives have finished investigating at the 1st Ave. S. scene and the street has reopened.
-On Columbia, here’s what SDOT spokesperson Mariam Ali tells us: “There was a failed utility vault in the eastbound (bus lane). Crews are working to fix the issue. There is one-way traffic westbound only. Eastbound lane is closed to Metro. The Metro supervisor is onsite and has rerouted Metro bus. We are estimating that the eastbound lane will reopen (around 7 pm).”
7:34 PM: Update from SDOT’s Ethan Bergerson: “SDOT Crews have installed a steel plate to cover the failed utility vault, which is owned by Verizon, until more permanent repairs can be made. The eastbound transit lane is now open to buses.” He added this photo:
(WSB file photo of closed Route 37 stop)
When Metro announced plans for its fall “service change” earlier this month, it did not include the revival of West Seattle’s Route 37, suspended in March 2020. Readers wondered if it’s gone forever, so we followed up with Metro spokesperson Jeff Switzer, who replied, “No final decision regarding the future of Route 37 has yet been made. Metro will continue to work with community and stakeholders to consider options for growing Metro service as resources become available and following adopted policy.” He added a side note of interest: “Any permanent route deletions or other major changes to Metro service are subject to approval by the King County Council.” Metro has revived other suspended routes, notably West Seattle’s Route 22, which was brought back last year.
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
The idea of widening the Fauntleroy ferry dock over the small public beach to its north that’s known as Cove Park is no longer under consideration.
That was the biggest news from last night’s meeting of the Community Advisory Group for Washington State Ferries‘ Fauntleroy dock/terminal-rebuild project, the group’s first meeting in four months.
WSF said the second level of screening had narrowed the options down to two – rebuilding the dock/terminal with its current footprint, or expanding it, mostly by building it out further over the water. Here’s how the meeting went:
From Washington State Ferries – the Triangle Route is going down to one boat again:
Due to a lack of crew the M/V Issaquah will secure at 5:40 p.m. at Vashon. M/V Kitsap will become the #1 boat out of Vashon at 5:45 p.m. and will remain as the #1 vessel for the remainder of the service day. One boat service for the remainder of the service day.
We will continue to send updated travel information as it becomes available. Customers can check the online schedule for more information on scheduled upcoming sailings and also view the real-time travel map for live boat location information.
Issaquah was out of service much of yesterday with engine trouble.
5;26 PM: After being out of service all day with engine issues, leaving the Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth run with one boat, M/V Issaquah is out on sea trials right now. Washington State Ferries says that if it passes, it’ll be returned to service on the Triangle Route. If not, M/V Sealth will be moved to the run sometime tonight; it’s currently at Eagle Harbor, the WSF maintenance facility on Bainbridge Island. We’ll update when there’s a decision.
7:15 PM: WSF’s David Sowers just announced in the Community Advisory Group that Issaquah is returning to service.
Tomorrow marks one week since Greg Spotts was confirmed as SDOT‘s new director. (Here’s the video of the City Council meeting at which that happened.) He’s already been holding community conversations, after extending this invitation to schedule them. And this Thursday (September 22nd), we’ve just learned, he’ll talk with the West Seattle Transportation Coalition – and you, if you attend the online meeting. It starts at 6:30 pm Thursday, all are welcome, and the info for participating (by computer or phone) is in our calendar listing.
First, six years of RVs … then, eco-blocks … now, a protected bike lane. SDOT says the bike lane installed from SW Andover and 26th to Yancy/Avalon is complete, now that the post installation is complete.
The announcement to what had been dubbed the “SW Andover Collaboration Team,” which included the two major businesses along Andover, was forwarded by City Councilmember Lisa Herbold‘s staff. It’s only been a month since the full plan emerged, which in turn was less than two months after the long-running RV encampment was cleared.
On Sunday Monday*, Metro buses – along with other vehicles – return to the West Seattle Bridge after 2 1/2 years. But that’s not the only change for West Seattle Metro riders starting this weekend. Saturday (September 17th) brings the almost-fall twice-annual service change, when schedules are revised system-wide. This time, dozens of West Seattle trips will be cut, as Metro continues struggling with staffing. Here are the planned changes:
ROUTES 21/21X, 50, 55, 56, 57, 120, 125, RAPIDRIDE C LINE: Moving back to the high bridge Sunday. This also means the buses on these routes that served the Spokane/11th stops east of the low bridge will no longer be doing that.
All the other changes are in effect as of Saturday:
C LINE: “Nineteen weekday trips will be deleted to address workforce shortages.” See the timetable here.
ROUTE 21X: “Seven weekday trips will be deleted to address workforce shortages.” See the timetable here.
ROUTE 22: “Two weekday trips will be deleted to address workforce shortages.” See the timetable here.
ROUTE 55: “Three weekday trips will be deleted to address workforce shortages.” See the timetable here.
ROUTE 56: “Four weekday trips will be deleted to address workforce shortages.” See the timetable here.
ROUTE 120: “Five weekday trips will be deleted to address workforce shortages.” See the timetable here.
ROUTE 131: “One weekday trip will be deleted to address workforce shortages.” See the timetable here.
You can see the full system-wide list of changes here.
*3:04 PM UPDATE: We’ve just learned from Metro that they plan to start the high-bridge routing Monday, not Sunday.
After years of community requests for them, speed humps have just been installed on Alki Avenue SW. This set is in between 57th and 58th; the other set is being put in right now just east of 63rd. We noted on Friday that SDOT planned the installation for this weekend (along with a long list of other work, mostly in preparation for the West Seattle Bridge’s expected reopening one week from today); outlines for the speed-hump locations appeared a little over a week ago.
After less than an hour of Q&A this morning, SDOT director nominee Greg Spotts won unanimous support from the City Council’s Transportation and Public Utilities Committee. His nomination now goes to the full council for a final vote, likely one week from today (September 13th). The council asked most of its questions in writing (as reported here over the weekend, here’s the document with the answers), but there were a few during the meeting,
West Seattle/South Park Councilmember Lisa Herbold had two questions, including one she attributed to a constituent – how he would do the job without an engineering background. Spotts replied that he would rely on the professionals in that area and others, and that he sees his role as “shaping” their work, comparing that role to an orchestra conductor. He talked about his background overseeing a portfolio of $10 billion in megaprojects in the Los Angeles mayor’s office, and added that more recently, he had overseen the StreetsLA engineering division for eight nonths, during a transition time. But, he added, he’s not planning to micromanage “individual details of individual projects.” Herbold also asked if Spotts had yet familiarized himself with Seattle’s sidewalk problems, both neighborhoods without them and the many areas where they’re in poor condition. He said he’d been reading reports/audits on the situation and that he’s heartened that the city has mapped its sidewalk conditions, as the first step toward fixing a problem is understanding its extent. In his opening remarks, Spotts noted that he has already received more than 40 invitations for “listening tours.” He also said that if Seattle Public Schools start as scheduled tomorrow, he’s planning to join Mayor Harrell in walking students to school in West Seattle. (We’re awaiting details on where that would be happening.) Tomorrow is also his first day as interim SDOT director, pending final confirmation. ADDED: Here’s video of the meeting:
After years of community requests that the city do something to deter speeding on Alki Avenue SW, SDOT is finally going to try speed humps, as hinted back in May. Christopher tipped us this morning about the sighting of outlines for the future installations; we photographed this set on Alki just east of 63rd SW, and driving Alki/Harbor to look for others, spotted another set of outlines on Alki just west of 57th SW. We then asked SDOT about the plan; here’s the reply from spokesperson Madison Linkenmeyer:
Two speed humps are being installed on Alki Ave SW later this month where there is high pedestrian crossing activity. The locations are between 63rd Ave SW and 62nd Ave SW and another one between 58th Ave SW and 57th Ave SW. We’re also installing on Alki Ave SW some in-lane crosswalk warning signs that say “State Law Stop for Pedestrians within Crosswalk.”
These speed humps and signs came through the Vision Zero program in coordination with the Seattle Police Department and Seattle Fire Department.
Official community notification of the impending installation is scheduled for next week.
A state grant is covering the cost of free transit for everyone in the region who’s 18 or younger, starting one week from today (Thursday, September 1st), and a media briefing was held this morning to ensure everyone knows. The free rides are available on every transit service in the region – King County Metro buses and water taxis, Access paratransit and on-demand services, Sound Transit buses and Link light rail, Seattle Streetcar, Pierce Transit, Community Transit, Everett Transit, Kitsap Transit, and Snoqualmie Valley Transit. Youth don’t need a special pass to ride fare-free, as explained in today’s announcement:
With the launch of the program, young riders can use current classic blue youth and student ORCA cards, show their student identification, or simply board and ride free. New black ORCA cards will also be available soon and distributed through schools and customer services. Any of these options will work, with more innovations on the horizon in 2023 including the ability to “tap” a smartphone or a “smart” sticker on a student ID.
You can find out more on the Free Youth Transit Pass webpage. One more change coming up – today’s briefing also included this reminder: “On Sept. 1, King County Metro will join Sound Transit, Kitsap Transit, and Everett Transit in offering $1 ORCA LIFT fares for riders who qualify based on their income.”
Though Greg Spotts has yet to be confirmed as SDOT director, he starts work – initially as interim director – in a few weeks, and SDOT is already inviting people/organizations to request the opportunity to take him on a tour. (When Mayor Bruce Harrell introduced him last month, Spotts said he intended to start with a “listening tour,” and this is apparently the first step.) Spotts gave a short self-introductory speech to the City Council’s Transportation and Public Utilities Committee last week; you can see it here, 16 minutes into the meeting. If you want to be part of a tour, here’s how to send your request.
Before today’s news of King County Water Taxi trip cancellations, we had asked Metro for an update on bus-service staffing, since we’ve noticed the deluge of missed-trip notifications most weekdays. In particular, we asked if anything specific was planned to boost reliability for the impending school year, since middle- and high-school students in particular rely on Metro service. Here’s the reply, via spokesperson Elaine Porterfield:
We continue to recruit and train part-time drivers, and train and promote drivers to full-time work, but still are working to stabilize our workforce, which we expect to continue for the next several months.
Fortunately, many routes that serve schools are frequent all-day routes and riders benefit from an additional bus arriving in the event that a canceled trip occurs. We encourage customers to use our real-time tools to see when the next bus is expected at their stop, and subscribe to receive emails or texts for routes they rely on most.
Overall, we are providing about 11,000 bus trips daily across the system, and the transition into the school year also marks the typical end of vacation, and potentially can boost transit operator availability for covering additional trips when needed.
(WSB photo, July 27)
Tomorrow morning’s City Council Transportation and Public Utilities Committee meeting begins with the formal introduction of Mayor Bruce Harrell‘s nominee for SDOT director, Greg Spotts. We covered the announcement three weeks ago. This is only the first discussion, with other meetings/hearings leading up to an expected confirmation vote in early September, around the time he is expected to start the job. The packet attached to the agenda for tomorrow’s meeting includes more information about Spotts, who’s been working in the Los Angeles Bureau of Street Services. His resume says he’s been in that department for almost 10 years, after three years in the L.A. Mayor’s Office, two years with the consulting firm McKinsey & Company, and 17 years as founder and president of what his resumé describes as an “entertainment company managing the careers of record producers and engineers.” In his past 10 years at the city, his projects are listed as:
• Founding member of citywide Vision Zero Executive Steering Committee. Launched pedestrian refuge island program constructing 10-20 islands per year
• Launched Great Streets, Biodiversity Medians + Streets Along Park Edges programs
• Launched bikeway inspection, cleaning, maintenance and repaving program
• Launched Street Tree Inventory project including public-facing online tree map
• Launched Cool Pavement initiative + obtained $30M Cooling and Mobility Grant
• Tech & Innovation:
o Purchased agency’s first Plug-In Vehicles including an all-electric sweeper for zero-carbon sweeping of downtown’s protected bike lanes. Led agency’s deployment of GPS vehicle locators and GIS mapping of sweeping routes.
o Optimized completion times for pothole repairs and tree emergencies by deploying tablets to crews and supervisors. Member of winning team for 2015 GovTech.com “Outstanding IT Project” award (for MyLA311 launch)
The packet notes that his starting salary will be $252,000. Tomorrow’s meeting is at 9:30 am; the agenda explains how to attend/comment, online or in-person.
(USCG photo, July 28)
More than two weeks after the state ferry M/V Cathlamet crashed into the pilings-centered structure known as a “dolphin” off the Fauntleroy dock, repairs have yet to begin on the damaged boat and dolphin. That’s according to Washington State Ferries, with whom we checked at week’s end regarding the status of repairs. Spokesperson Dana Warr told us, “Work with contractors to determine timelines are happening and fully understanding the total cost of repairs on both the vessel and terminal is still too early. The vessel remains in Eagle Harbor and logistics to repair the terminal are not finalized; however, work is expected to begin in the coming weeks.” Eagle Harbor is the WSF maintenance facility just south of its Bainbridge Island terminal. The Cathlamet was arriving from Fauntleroy shortly after 8 am on Thursday, July 28th, when it crashed into the dolphin. No one was seriously hurt. The to-date-unidentified captain who was on duty at the time, a 36-year WSF employee, resigned days later. The U.S. Coast Guard is leading the investigation into the incident.
Thanks to Chris for the tip (via this comment). SDOT has spot-repaving plans for California SW north of Admiral Way. No-parking signs are already up for the blocks just south of Hamilton Viewpoint Park. Here’s how SDOT spokesperson Mariam Ali summarizes the plan: “Crews will be performing spot mill and overlays on California Ave SW/California Way SW between SW Admiral Way and Ferry Ave SW for the next 4-8 weeks. We will not be resurfacing the entire stretch, but will be addressing portions of several blocks. The first project is tentatively scheduled to start next week. There will be lane closures and traffic shifts.” (Here’s what “milling” a road refers to.)
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