With the pending construction to replace the Alaskan Way and the Spokane Street viaducts I am working on the critical issue of how to keep traffic moving during the construction period which could take up to 10 years.

As every West Seattle resident knows, the commute from West Seattle can be very challenging. We are often caught in gridlock when there is an accident or heavy Port or railroad traffic. Without thoughtful planning it will be much worse when the Alaskan Way Viaduct is closed.

I am focused on assuring that we have a proactive plan in place to keep West Seattle moving during construction or during emergency closures of the viaduct or the West Seattle Bridge.

Recently, I invited the Seattle Department of Transportation to present their detour and emergency plans to me and the transportation committee of the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce. It was an informative conversation with many of the chamber transportation committee members asking thoughtful questions and providing valuable insight.

Seattle Transportation told us that they have developed a plan with at least $100 million of possible projects and improvements to reduce delays and problems during emergencies and during the construction period. Here is how the funds would be used:

- Build a new Spokane Street off-ramp looping around to Fourth Avenue South

- Finish the south end of State Route 99 early to allow for temporary ramps in the stadium area

- Give transit priority on First Avenue South

- Add more bus routes and increase service

- Increase Water Taxi service to year-round service and expand the hours and routes

- Shift event times to avoid peak travel periods

- Designate new freight routes and upgrade existing ones

- Providing permanent variable traffic information signs in West Seattle to allow people to make early decisions about their routes and commute

- Encourage the Port of Seattle to expand its hours of operation

- Restrict openings of lower level West Seattle Bridge by working with U.S. Coast Guard

- Create an incentive program to promote walking and bicycling rather than drive-alone car trips

The city transportation department is considering many strategies. The ideas above are the initial thoughts. You can view more details of the plans at the following web site: http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/projects/viaduct

The West Seattle Chamber members who joined me at this meeting recognized the considerable planning and engineering completed to date and understand that there is substantial work ahead to improve traffic conditions during the many years of construction.

I am working to minimize the disruption to the lives and work of the people who use the West Seattle Bridge and the Spokane and Alaskan Way Viaducts. I would welcome your ideas on ways we can keep West Seattle moving during emergencies and when the construction projects begin. Please contact me by calling 684-8808 or by e-mail at tom.rasmussen@seattle.gov. I look forward to hearing from you.

Tom Rasmussen is a Seattle City Council member who lives in West Seattle and may be contacted at the addresses above.