Anticipating vehicular gridlock during the nine-day closure of the Alaskan Way Viaduct, Metro is adding more bus routes.
From Friday, Oct. 21 through Monday, Oct. 31 workers will complete the first stage of a side-by-side bridge and start demolishing part of the viaduct. During that time, the viaduct will be closed. Eleven Metro bus routs currently traveling the viaduct will be rerouted via Fourth Avenue South in the southend, and Third Avenue in downtown. These changes will affect buses 21 Express, 37 southbound, 54, 54 Express, 55, 56 Express, 113, 120, 121, 122, and 125. When the viaduct reopens, those 11 routes will begin using the new viaduct bypass currently under construction.
Traffic congestion on the north end of the viaduct is also likely to cause delays for Metro routes: 5, 15, 16, 18, 26 Express, 28 Express, and 358. That means that bus tracking using smartphone apps may not be reliable at the time.
If you use the viaduct regularly, Metro suggests taking the bus, carpooling, biking or even telecommuting if possible. These alternatives take “vehicles off the roadways” ultimately easing any congestion, says Kevin Desmond, Metro Transit general manager. He also suggested one allow for extra travel time regardless. Click here to find out other ways of getting around during construction.