Community Notices

West Lake Union Improvement Project Construction Update
January 29, 2003

Location/Continuing Project Work:

Concrete crews will continue pouring and finishing the street restoration along Westlake Avenue North from approximately the 1500 block to the 1200 block. Cement trucks will pour from the "Dead" lane along Westlake, but expect some parking loss to allow for the work crews to finish the concrete. This work, nearly completed along all 1.6 miles of the project, is in preparation for the imminent switching of traffic to the east lanes to allow for storm drain work along the western edge of Westlake Avenue.

Concrete crews will pour the curb and deck at the Crockett Street View Deck, as well as the deck at the larger WaterWay Number 1 view deck near the 2500 block of Westlake Avenue.

Electrical duct crews continue to close in on both major connections at the north and south ends of the trench.

The final hook up to the last vault of the line is almost done and crews should be preparing to restore concrete along the duct by the middle of next week. Businesses along 8th Avenue will be notified as crews approach the concrete work. We want to assure that access issues are addressed. In addition, four flaggers have been on site to help pedestrians and traffic.

Crews will continue work in front of the major intersection in front of the Freemont Bridge throughout next week. In addition, several flaggers will be on site to direct traffic, as well as a police officer to insure flow.

Lane Closure/Traffic:

One southbound traffic lane on Westlake Avenue North between South Lake Union and the Fremont Bridge will continue to be closed until project completion. The street restoration concrete pour and access restoration at 2700 (Diamond Marina) will continue through the week. Mid-Mountain crews will form the new street and adjoining curb bulbs, and pour the new concrete midweek. Due to heavy loads expected on this surface, a long cure time for the concrete will be needed, with full restoration of this new area by the end of the week.

Some General Impacts:

Limited and sometimes no parking in the specific areas under construction; periodic limited access; lane closures and traffic flaggers on Westlake Avenue North; noise from large construction vehicles; increase in dust and mud during construction.

During construction, impacts to the surrounding community and through traffic are to be expected. The City of Seattle requests patience and cooperation from travelers and residents. City departments will work with the community in efforts to minimize impacts and disturbances.

Tips/Suggestions

As always, if you're not sure where to park, ask one of the flaggers on site for suggestions. They are familiar with the work going on and can direct you to areas that are available.

Please be aware of speed limits within the construction zones, and signage that may reflect current conditions of the construction area. When driving or walking, please watch for work crews and equipment along Westlake Avenue North.

NOTE: 24 hours notice is the city requirement for notification of "no parking" areas. Although we will do our best to notify owners of parked vehicles, if you work or live in the area, please pay attention to the NO PARKING signs to ensure your vehicle is not ticketed or towed.

The construction for the West Lake Union Improvement project is expected to last approximately until February 2003. Due to the nature of construction, schedules are likely to change. City departments will keep the community informed of the most current schedule.

For more information please check out our web site at www.cityofseattle.net/westlake. In addition, please continue to watch for upcoming notices regarding meetings and construction schedule.

For more information contact:

Karla Clark
Project Information Specialist
Seattle Public Utilities
(206) 615-0866
karla.clark@ci.seattle.wa.us