Note that there’s been another change to the bike detour route, announced Friday, May 11:

Update: Additional changes to bike and pedestrian route near tunnel construction

Due to ongoing construction near Columbia Street, waterfront cyclists and pedestrians using the shared-use path under the viaduct will be temporarily detoured to the sidewalk on the west side of Alaskan Way between Yesler Way and Columbia Street…When work near Columbia is finished, the changes described in the original email will take effect.  View a video of the waterfront detour.  If you have questions, please call the tunnel project hotline at 1-888-AWV-LINE (298-5463) or email Viaduct@wsdot.wa.gov.

Waterfront Bicycle and Pedestrian Route Update

• Note the detour this morning, 5/10 prior to 7:00 am, did not follow the published map (see below post) at all points.
• The sidewalk is completely closed between Jackson and King Street.
• The bike/pedestrian path on the east side of Alaskan is not open and cyclists who were on the path were detoured instead to the west sidewalk of Alaskan with no further detour signage.
• In order to cross the streets legally at the intersections, cyclists must push the “to cross” button to get a ‘walk’ signal. I would love to see all lights in the red phase and the first driver to get there must get out of the car to push a button in order to get the light to turn green (hey, I had time to think about it while waiting for the light to change for me).

More to come later.

So now is later and here are a few images and more information about the southbound detour.

Signage has been added

Looking east from Alaskan up King Street.  There was no signage directing cyclists/pedestrians to the detour route this morning, but it has been added this evening.

...but facing the wrong direction, toward the building so they are utterly useless, signage at southbound/eastbound Railroad/King

It is added, sort of.

Yes, this vehicle IS parked in the bike/pedestrian path

After avoiding a curb at S. Main Street, this vehicle had to be avoided.  I could not understand why it was allowed to be there.  The engine was cold.  Surely there was some parking enforcement available today?

Large intersection, long waits, strange traffic patterns: Yesler

Traffic can enter intersection from several different directions.  I saw red light runners – both cyclists and drivers, and a jaywalker this afternoon.  All done in front of a traffic officer who did absolutely nothing about it.  The jaywalker was almost hit because he didn’t anticipate traffic coming into the intersection at a strange angle from Alaskan.  I do believe someone will be hit by a motor vehicle here no matter who is at fault.  Note:  all the intersection ‘walk’ signals are controlled by push-buttons to get the walk signal.  Surely SDOT / WADOT could have integrated the ‘walk’ signals into the light cycle configuration?  This is a heavily used pedestrian/cyclist area.

more after the fold…

Train Tracks at Yesler - beware!

The train tracks at Yesler are still raised and still exposed.  The turn into the ferry terminal or sidewalk from Yesler if using the pedestrian crossing pattern is dangerous.  It puts a cyclist crossing the tracks at less than a perpendicular angle.  If wet these will be treacherous.

Path Closed - Still

The path along the east side of Alaskan is still closed, creating much confusion for cyclists who either have to use the crowded sidewalk along the west side of Alaskan or the street and not all cyclists are comfortable using the street.

Crowded afternoon sidewalk, west of Alaskan along waterfront

The worst of it was coming home southbound in the early evening and seeing this:

Bike path blocked for construction at S. Washington

Hopefully the signage will improve, the actual pedestrian/bike route will be finalized and vehicles will be towed promptly in the near future.

Here is a map for your review.

Note cyclists (northbound) will be detoured from the west side of Alaskan at S. Jackson to the east side of the viaduct road.  Then cyclists following the detour will cross from the east to the west at Yesler Way for several more blocks to Madison St where they will have to cross from west to east once again where the path will diverge from the street, following the former bike/pedestrian path route along the east side of Alaskan.  Note that traffic will be reduced to two lanes, one northbound and one southbound and there will be new ferry holding lanes on what is now Alaskan Way.  It looks as if the west sidewalk will be open between Yesler and Spring St.  A cyclist can also choose to use the roadway itself, if it’s not choked with traffic.  Good luck and ride safe!  Feel free to post comments or your experience riding through this area or contact the Alaskan Way Viaduct Replacement Program directly.  Contact information is available at the program link below.

From the Alaskan Way Viaduct Replacement Program -
It’s not yet time for the downtown waterfront’s big makeover, but it is make-room time for the State Route 99 Tunnel project. Crews clearing space for tunnel construction are preparing to reroute six blocks of waterfront traffic from Alaskan Way to a newly improved road beneath the Alaskan Way Viaduct.

The traffic switch – which will happen during the second week of May and last through at least early 2014 – will change ferry access as well as parking and traffic patterns along the waterfront south of Spring Street. A detailed map of the changes, along with a drive-through simulation that shows new routes to the ferry terminal, is available on the program website.

Moving traffic off Alaskan Way allows crews to expand the tunnel work zone north to Yesler Way. The space will be used to prepare the ground beneath Alaskan Way, where the project’s tunnel boring machine will begin its journey in 2013. 

The Washington State Department of Transportation and the Seattle Department of Transportation are rerouting existing roads along the waterfront and in Pioneer Square, and implementing strategies to keep traffic moving while maintaining access to businesses in those neighborhoods, including:

• Allowing drivers to use Yesler Way to exit the ferry terminal
• Increasing the width of Alaskan Way between Yesler Way and Spring Street to accommodate ferry holding lanes
• Adding more than 60 temporary on-street parking spaces on Alaskan Way between Spring and Pike streets

For more information on the Alaskan Way Viaduct Replacement program, visit www.alaskanwayviaduct.org.

Below is the first signage headed eastbound off the bridge, nothing was updated here, so cyclists have to make an uniformed choice to either use the poorly marked intersection (note lack of zebra striping in any of the pedestrian crossings) that requires pedestrians or cyclists to use the buttons to trigger the “walk” signal.

East side of Lower Bridge Intersection Approach

Once cyclists pass this signage and turn the corner a new pavement trail marker has been added at the curb cut.  This is better, but it comes a little late.  However, it’s better than a totally unmarked trail curve.

Pavement marking giving guidance to official trail on curve of east side of the Lower West Seattle Bridge.

This new sign is very good, it clearly lets trail users know that the downtown route continues to the right.

Although downtown-bound cyclists are heading west at this point, the signage clearly lets them know that they should follow the trail to the right, under the bridge rather than exit to the left.

This signage has been moved from a pole and is more visible, being at a cyclists eye-level.  It would be helpful if a mileage sign was added here…maybe indicating how far downtown is or how far SODO or Georgetown is, since the S. Spokane St. bike route should be open soon.  Maybe we’ll see that signage added once that bike route is open?

Trail continues to the west, make a right!

A few more pictures, heading east to west, to West Seattle.  Again, more clear directional signage would be helpful?  How far is West Seattle?  Is this the route to Alki Beach?  To the Alaska Junction area?

Route westbound to West Seattle.

Stay on trail to the left to access West Seattle, the route veers around to the east to access the lower bridge westbound.

Hopefully someday the route to West Seattle will have signage like this.  In the meantime, I’ll take what we can get with the expectation that it will improve with time.

Starting in mid-May more changes are in store for cyclists on East Marginal Way South and the Elliott Bay Trail between South King Street and Spring Street.

New bike lanes coming to East Marginal Way South in May 2012

The wait for a dedicated northbound and southbound bike lane on East Marginal Way South adjacent to the SR 99 construction zone is almost over. We anticipate crews will finish paving and striping vehicle and bike lanes in both directions of East Marginal Way between South Massachusetts and South Atlantic streets by the end of next month. This means northbound bike traffic will have a straight shot north to South Atlantic Street with a connection to the dedicated shared-use path. The crosswalk at South Massachusetts Street will be removed.

Photos of South end viaduct replacement work

Alaskan Way detour extends to Spring Street

Starting in mid-May WSDOT will expand the SR 99 Tunnel work zone on Alaskan Way north two more blocks to Yesler Way. We’ll keep bicycle and pedestrians moving by extending thedetour under the viaduct to Yesler Way. At Yesler Way, cyclists and walkers will be directed across the street to the existing Elliott Bay Trail (in front of the Seattle Ferry Terminal) through Madison Street. North of Madison Street, we will detour foot traffic back under the viaduct to Spring Street. The Elliott Bay trail will remain open north of Spring Street. This detour will remain in place through at least summer 2014.

Photos of SR 99 Tunnel Project (central waterfront viaduct replacement) work

Broch Bender

SLB: I have been working with your for some time now when there are changes to the bike routing in the south Alaskan area. How did you become the ‘bike liaison’ for this area?

BB: About a year ago, the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) crews noticed more and more folks riding through the SR 99 Viaduct Replacement Project construction zone along the waterfront. A big part of my job as public information officer is to keep an eye out for folks affected by road construction. Our team identified a need to go the extra mile to help keep cyclists and pedestrians rolling safely through the area, and as a cyclist myself, I volunteered to be WSDOT’s bike community liaison.

SLB: Do you commute by bike to work?

BB: Yes, although I am not as hearty as you are! I am a fair weather rider. I usually ride to and from work between May and September. My commute is about 5.5 miles each way.

SLB: What are some of the biggest challenges you face being the ‘bike liaison?’

BB: Above all, the biggest challenge is making the best use of the limited road space available for all travelers during construction. It’s not just bikes that are affected, we’ve got cars, freight trucks, ferry traffic, and pedestrians using shared detours and narrowed down roads. Through careful advance planning WSDOT and the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) highway and road designers work to make the best use of all available space, however there are still some adjustments we can make to improve the route. It’s my job to listen to cyclists and act as the liaison between those using the route and those designing and building the route. I need to make sure I am accurate in providing information and interpreting information between the highway builders and the cycling public. Sometimes it’s a lot like speaking two different languages at once.

SLB: How does your position mesh with the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) groups? How is it determined who does what?

BB: The Viaduct Replacement Project is a state project operating in the city right of way; WSDOT and SDOT staff are essentially partners. We meet once a week to discuss construction related issues and ways we could improve detours, signage and the like for all travelers. We’ve even got a task group, including someone from SDOT signals (in control of traffic signals), and WSDOT construction who walk the bike route once a month to make sure things are up to code and make sense. We are constantly working on it. South of the Viaduct Replacement Project’s construction zone, closer to South Spokane Street is handled exclusively by SDOT. When I receive questions or concerns related to Spokane Street construction I forward them on to Paul Elliott, my counterpart at SDOT.

SLB: What is the best part of your job as bicycle liaison?

BB: It’s nice to see cyclist’s input result in improvements to the cyclist route. For example, a few sections of the bike and pedestrian detour along the waterfront is a result of cyclists’ feedback, wanting a division between the bike detour and traffic. If we can do things right or correct things along the way based on feedback, then not only does it keep people safe, it saves time in the long run and fosters a relationship between people who use the area.

Broch also provided more good information for cyclists who use the area.

BB: The crews out there are just as concerned with the safety of cyclists and pedestrians as they are of motorists. The reality is that – although the numbers are growing – there are fewer cyclists and pedestrians traveling through the Viaduct Replacement Project work zone compared to drivers and truckers. At the end of the day, safety of all travelers is our top priority. I can’t guarantee we will be able to solve issues overnight, however we do want to hear what works for cyclists and what doesn’t. My colleague, Paul Elliott and I are available to address any questions or concerns you may have about cycling through construction along the waterfront. Thank you for the shout out, SLB!

Both Broch and I agree that if you have any questions or concerns you should feel free to contact either her or Paul, their contact information is below.

Broch Bender, WSDOT Communications, 206-805-2817, BenderB@wsdot.wa.gov

Paul Elliott, SDOT Community Relations,
 206-684-5321, Paul.Elliott@seattle.gov

And another bonus this week was the addition of new path crossing zebra striping in a very needed place, the exit to Terminal 18 Public Access Park (the “Fishing Bridge”).  More drivers have been using this area as a place to U-turn from Spokane Street and making sure drivers are aware there is a busy path in use is helpful.  The park entry striping was also upgraded to be more visible.

Thanks SDOT!

The bike route follows the “Alki Trail” which is identified on signage in the area as the “West Seattle Bridge Trail,” from E. Marginal Way S E/W, crossing several busy Port of Seattle entrances and streets, to the west side of the lower West Seattle Bridge.  Cyclists (and pedestrians) have the choice of crossing S. Spokane Street to access/exit the trail at the base of the bridge, or loop under the bridge and avoid the major intersection entirely.  But many cyclists don’t even know the alternate route exits or are confused about how best to navigate the area.  Just recently, after I had exited the loop and was pedaling up the bridge, another cyclist caught up to me and asked, “Where did you come from?”  I replied, “Downtown.”  A look of complete confusion crossed his face and he asked, “But how did you come up from behind the bridge, is there another street?”  It turns out, even though he had cycled to Alki before, he had not known that there was route he could take to avoid the intersection.  He was glad that he now had another option.  But why did he have to ask another rider?  Why is there a lack of signage in this very confusing area?  What can SDOT do about it?  Here is a map showing (in red) the trail loop and (in black) the intersection referred to:  WestSeattleTrail

Several other intersection crossings in the immediate area had zebra striping and signage installed or fixed in early 2011, but the busy intersection at the base of the bridge remains without zebra striping (most of the striping in the N/S crosswalk area on S. Spokane St was removed when the pavement surrounding the railroad tracks was repaired and not replaced) or clear signage for cyclists/peds.  There is only one sign located near the entrance to the west side of the lower bridge, indicating to peds/cyclists that downtown is east.

Looking east from lower West Seattle Bridge approaching intersection. Bike path turns right at intersection or one can use the pedestrian crossing. Note lack of zebra striping.

Good signage on west side of lower West Seattle Bridge.

After one passes this sign, there is little indication of where to go.  Signage indicates that the West Seattle Bridge Trail turns right at the bottom of the bridge and that the Fishing Bridge is across the intersection.  But there’s nothing indicating which route a cyclist should take to continue downtown (or to SODO or Airport Way for that matter…).

From bridge, looking east, the path is to the right, heading west.

Sign indicates bridge trail is to the right, but where is "to downtown?" The next post signage, just visible beyond the barrel, says "Fishing Pier" is straight ahead, eastbound. Not really all that helpful either.

Thus, there’s often much confusion here.  At this busy intersection cyclists often end up crossing through the intersection on a red light to access the bike/ped path to the north, against oncoming and overtaking traffic.  A long light cycle and the requirement that a cyclist must press the pedestrian buttons to trigger both “walk” signals is a deterrent to using the intersection in a legal manner and may discourage new riders; Tom Vanderbilt, in his book Traffic, discusses this behavior.

Compounding the light cycle issue is the lack of zebra striping N/S across the S. Spokane St. intersection.  Trucks and cars regularly block the crossing curb cuts due to lack of stop lines for motorized traffic, completely blocking access to the trail as it continues east/west on the north side of the intersection.  Access to the curb cut is sometimes actually easier when crossing on a red light or “don’t walk” signal since the curb cut is then not blocked.

Additional signage indicating a downtown route could be added near the current West Seattle Bridge Trail signage.  This would be especially helpful for newer path users, or even current path users, who may not know that the trail that looks like it heads west actually routes them away from the busy intersection to downtown.  Recently I noticed that some path markings were outlined in draft format on the path itself, well after riding off the bridge and past the current signage, only starting at the curb cut exiting the path:  not soon or good enough even according to Seattle’s Bike Plan which indicates this area needs to better address cyclists needs (see number 99 on list).

“Use circular dot bicycle pavement markings with an arrow (or other markings) on non-arterial streets to indicate turns along an on-street route where signs may be difficult to see because of parked cars or vegetation (optional: use bike-in-arrow markings to indicate turns). ”  Using the dots in lieu of signage is not enough in this area.

Example of a wayfinding dot.

Signage should also be added for those using the West Seattle Bridge Trail westbound.  There is no signage letting westbound cyclists know they are heading anywhere but on the “West Seattle Bridge Trail.”  Additional clear signage should be added with a minimum “West Seattle” directional arrow somewhere around 11th Ave SW (where the current West Seattle Bridge Trail sign is located for westbound travelers) and additional signage or way finding along the path for westbound path users.

Looking east on path. One can choose to make a left at the curb cut (note that the zebra striping is worn away now - this is an older picture before the train track area was repaired) or continue straight on the "West Seattle Bridge Trail." Which route would you choose to access the path on the left side of the lower bridge?

Since signage has been used with much success both downtown and north of downtown, 200 signs alone were added to the Burke Gilman Trail recently, it should easily be added for those heading south and southwest as well.  This would be nothing but helpful for path users and future path users.  As the main access point for almost all cyclists heading in/out of West Seattle – this intersection should be a priority.

I have contacted SDOT for comment and am awaiting a response.  I will post an update once I hear back.

Detour Published by WSDOT

Note that if cyclists choose to use the detour several problematic intersections will have to be traversed, especially at S. Main Street and near S. Main Street (uncontrolled crossing of northbound traffic lanes using zebra striping) and at the S. King St. intersection at which cyclists proceed southwest or northeast to/from accessing/leaving the new path.  Note that cyclists can continue to use the sidewalk along the west side of the street, but must yield to pedestrians if they do so.

Some discussion about the detour can be found here.

The inherent complexity of the detour is an issue but could other facilities for cyclists have been planned?  Would bike boxes have been useful to get cyclists from the east side of the path detour to the west so they can continue west been helpful?  Would a separate bike signal at King be useful here?  Reliance on auto/pedestrian traffic regulation for a major bike route may not be helpful to cyclists.

Note that cyclists can also avoid this detour by using 1st Ave or Western Ave as an alternate route (note some drivers may detour to these routes as well so traffic may be heavier on them in general).

I have commented to WSDOT about the new detour.  You can also comment to WSDOT on the Cascade Forum or by sending an email to Broch Bender at Benderb@wsdot.wa.gov.  Feedback to WSDOT will also be important if you do choose to use the detour.

EDIT 1/3/12:  I forgot Western ends/begins at the south end at Yesler, right at the north end of the construction area, i.e. it won’t route you around the detour mess but drop you right into it.  Western be a viable route to get to Yesler, then route to 1st, then back down to King. Or, just stay on Alaskan as part of vehicular traffic. I did notice this morning that there seems to be some large new signage (covered in black plastic so I couldn’t read it though) right at the bike/ped crossing on the north end of the detour route, I’m thinking this is likely some warnings to drivers to yield to bikes/peds…