press release
The roadway lane striping necessary to establish the bus-only (BAT) lanes on SW Alaska Street, a key element of the RapidRide bus service coming to West Seattle this fall, has been delayed. The removal of the existing lane striping, laying out the new lane striping, the necessary removal of some on-street parking, and installation of the associated signals and street signs is now expected to be largely completed the week of July 16.

The RapidRide service is intended to improve transit speed and reliability and support more convenient and efficient bus service. Specifically, an eastbound BAT lane is being installed between 40th and 42nd Avenues SW, while the westbound BAT lane will be installed between 35th and 42nd Avenues SW. Both are being placed in the curb lane, requiring the elimination of a number of on-street parking spaces. The RapidRide service also requires some lane reconfiguration on 35th Avenue SW between SW Avalon Way and SW Alaska Street, which will result in the loss of some additional on-street parking spaces on the east side of 35th Avenue SW.

An additional week is needed to finish this work; motorists should comply with the current lane configurations and signage they see as they travel on the impacted streets.

More information on the project can be found at www.seattle.gov/transportation/tpci_west_seattle.htm.