July 14, 2014

Construction 'hubs' focus of new SDOT program

With so many projects under construction in Seattle, the city Department of Transportation has come up with a new plan to minimize disruptions to people and businesses. It's called Access Seattle.

SDOT said it is focusing on “construction hubs” where a number of projects are being built.

A recently published Downtown Seattle Association Development Guide says last month there were 50 projects under construction in the downtown area alone, and that doesn't include infrastructure work such as the Alaskan Way Viaduct replacement.

The city has identified seven hubs: Ballard, Capitol Hill, West Seattle, South Lake Union, central waterfront, north Westlake (Denny Triangle), and the north end of the Alaskan Way Viaduct.

The goal is to identify conflicts with project schedules to help reduce the impact on traffic, pedestrians and businesses. The city will create mapping systems that show construction impacts, and work with communities affected by construction. The program will also provide on-site enforcement to monitor and resolve conflicts.

“Our site coordinators meet with contractors before construction begins, discussing impacts and coaching on best ways to maintain mobility for the duration of a project,” said Brian de Place, right of way manager for the SDOT.

“The idea is to get everyone talking and seeing the same big picture, to save the public and contractors from undue inconvenience and frustration.”

SDOT is also working with the Office of Economic Development to solve problems and relay information about impacts on local businesses.

For more information see bit.ly/W55EU7.