Save Route #4 Update

Dear Save Route #4 supporters! Thank you for signing the petition asking Metro to continue Route #4 service to Judkins Park. The steering committee would like to provide you with an update on this service cut as the construction date for the 23rd Avenue Corridor Improvement Project moves closer. In a recent email, SDOT states the construction start date is Monday, June 8, less than one month away. See the forwarded message below or visit the project website for more information at www.seattle.gov/transportation/23rd_ave.htm. In other news, our committee met with 10 King County and the City of Seattle public officials on Friday, 4/24 to discuss our concerns and potential options to mitigate the service impacts to our community. Among the attendees was a representative from the Mayor’s Office and an aide to County CM Larry Gossett. Below is a summary of responses from Metro and SDOT at that meeting and since then through emails between the committee and officials:  - Metro states it does not have enough diesel busses to reroute the #4 onto MLK, as our campaign proposes.  - The main reason Metro cannot spare the diesel busses to implement this very practical solution is because Metro needs to implement the service increases within the city as a result of Proposition 1 passed by city voters in November. (A good thing, but sorry Judkins Park – you will lose your bus while service is increased everywhere else in the city).  - SDOT and SPU say that the project cannot be phased differently in order to buy time for new busses to come on line. The project cannot be re-phased due the design of the water main replacement.  - Metro is considering the operation of the Route #4 on the weekends during construction as a way to mitigate service impacts. While this would validate our request to reroute service on to MLK during the project as reasonable and viable, the weekend runs are far less important to those who depend on the #4 for daily commuting.  - Metro claims it is mitigating service impacts by increasing service on other lines to improve transfer connections. Again, this is not a response to specifically mitigate the cutting of the Route #4 as they would be providing this additional service anyway as a result of Prop. 1 As we continue to pressure Metro, SDOT and SPU on these issues, we will be asking that Route #4 service be restored by rerouting onto MLK as soon as possible. Additional electric hybrid busses are due to come on line very soon and could reduce the timeframe Judkins Park will be without service. Our committee understands that people need to make alternate plans to get to work, school and appointments. At best, this cut in service is a major inconvenience to most, but it will be an extreme hardship to many. Even though Metro and SDOT have done little to inform you, we feel compelled to provide you with as much information as possible so you can figure out how you need to alter your daily routine for at least the next 8 months. Again, thank you for your support. Please continue to forward the petition link to others for signing. Sign the petition to Save Route #4 at http://bitly.com/ 1a353t4 Sincerely, Save Route #4 Steering Committee Jamie and Brenda Fackler and Leslie Stewart Forwarded message from SDOT Phase 1 construction to begin June 8 On June 8, crews working for the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) will begin major construction on the first phase of the 23rd Avenue Corridor Improvements Project between S Jackson and E John streets. Construction will start in Zone A, which is between S Jackson and E Cherry streets. Read the construction fact sheet or visit our virtual construction open house we launched in March to learn more. Before major construction begins on 23rd Avenue, SDOT will be working to wrap up Phase 1 of the adjacent Central Area Neighborhood Greenway. We began installing the greenway in late February and we expect to complete it by the end of June. The greenway will create a quieter, safer route for people to bike and walk. For more information about the greenway route or list of improvements, read this handout. SPU early utility work complete Crews from Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) wrapped up utility preparation work on 23rd Avenue, replacing some older water service lines in preparation for replacing the 100-year-old water main underneath the road. This work began on April 6 and was completed on April 30. Thank you for your patience and cooperation during this work. Save the date: First monthly community drop-in session on May 18 Each month throughout construction, SDOT will host a drop-in session to answer questions and share the latest construction information. Join us for the first drop-in on May 18 (see details below)! Don't worry if you can't make the drop-in session, we will post all information online. Monday, May 18, 2015, 6:00 - 8:00 PM Garfield Community Center - Arts & Crafts Room 2323 E Cherry Street, Seattle, WA 98122 For more information Visit: www.seattle.gov/transportation/23rd_ave.htm Email: 23rdAveCorridor@seattle.gov Call the project hotline: 206-727-8857 If you need this information translated, or to request an interpreter, please call 206-727-8857. 23rd Avenue Corridor Improvements Project The purpose of the 23rd Avenue Corridor Improvements Project is to improve safety and mobility for people who drive, walk, bike and take transit. Phase 1 of the project includes modifying 23rd Avenue from two lanes in each direction to a single lane in each direction with a center turn lane. This phase of work also includes replacing the water main, installing new pavement, sidewalk improvements, traffic signal improvements, lighting improvements and public art. Click here to view the project fact sheet.