Metro Transit and SDOT to change traffic lanes, parking on parts of Howell and Eastlake

In May and June 2011, Metro Transit and the Seattle Department of Transportation will make changes to traffic lanes and parking on a four-block section of Howell Street between Ninth Avenue and Yale Avenue and along a short stretch of Eastlake Avenue East. These changes will improve transit service and overall traffic flow in this area.

Currently, this segment of Howell has three eastbound lanes and one westbound lane during weekday morning and afternoon commute times. The city allows parking in the right curb lane during the non-commute periods.

The project that begins in May will do the following:

• Convert the four-block segment of Howell to four eastbound lanes, with one lane reserved for transit during the evening commute period, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. There will be no westbound lane on that part of Howell.
• Convert Eastlake Avenue East between Yale Avenue and Stewart Street to a one-way northbound corridor.
• Allow general-purpose traffic to use the bus lane on Howell except during the evening commute hours, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., on weekdays.
• Create a total of about 40 new parking spaces, including spaces on Howell along the left curb between Terry and Yale avenues for use at all times except the evening commute hours, and back-in angle parking on Eastlake Avenue East available 24/7.

These changes will improve overall traffic flow, speed up transit travel time, and help keep buses on schedule. Approximately 60 Metro, Sound Transit and Community Transit buses carry more than 1,200 transit riders per hour on this corridor during the weekday evening commute. The modified street configuration is also expected to better accommodate bicycles on Howell.

The one-way conversion of this corridor will result in a traffic pattern change; however, Stewart Street is a nearby alternative to destinations in the area.

Construction is expected to begin in mid-May and to be completed by the end of June. During construction, drivers and bus riders may experience some delays due to temporary lane closures along Howell and Eastlake for restriping, traffic signal modifications, and installation of signs. Access to local businesses will be maintained at all times.

This project is funded by a Regional Mobility Grant from the Washington State Department of Transportation.

If you have questions or concerns about the project, please contact Ashley DeForest with the King County Department of Transportation Community Relations at ashley.deforest@kingcounty.gov or 206-684-1154.