LOCAL NEWS
Traffic changes on Alaskan Way are still an issue for storefronts
Jul 21, 2022, 5:45 PM | Updated: 5:47 pm
Construction season is year-round across the Pacific Northwest these days. (Photo by Stephen Brashear/Getty Images)
(Photo by Stephen Brashear/Getty Images)
Traffic changes on Alaskan Way between Marion and Union streets have shifted as Seattle’s waterfront construction continues.
“You will experience a traffic shift east side of the current roadway to the newly-rebuilt roadway between Marion and Union streets,” said Construction Manager Jessica Murphy.
She goes on to say, as of Monday, there will be new roads for people to drive on, which is an improvement from where things were last week.
Drivers now have five additional blocks of roadway and sidewalk. Murphy says early next year, they expect to complete construction of Alaskan Way north of Union street and up to Bell Street in Belltown. Once this is completed, construction will focus on projects within Park Promenade and a protected bike path along the water’s edge. According to Murphy, this will take two more years.
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Even with the improvements, some stores still find their day-to-day operations frustrating. Marc Castillo and Josh Johnson, two employees for Seattle Antiques Market, have told KIRO NewsRadio the sidewalk closures are different and that makes it hard for customers to find their storefront.
“If you can’t find the store, it’s best to call and ask for directions,” Castillo said. “And parking? Forget about it.”
“Two days ago, the construction was right at our storefront,” Johnson said. He laughs and goes on to say who knows what will happen tomorrow.
Castillo and Johnson expect the construction to wrap up in 2025.
“We won’t hold our breath! This was supposed to be done last year,” they said. “They keep pushing this back.”
Other stores like Wing Dome found no issues with the construction. One of the cashiers, Jimmy T, told KIRO NewsRadio that foot traffic has always brought in business.
“The work on Alaskan Way S in Pioneer Square, between S Main St and Yesler Way, cannot be completed in its ultimate and final configuration until Washington State Ferries completes the majority of its work to replace the busy ferry terminal at Colman Dock. The city expects to complete work in this area in 2023,” Seattle’s Office of the Waterfront and Civic Projects wrote in a statement.
The Office of the Waterfront encourages anyone to sign up for construction emails and alerts. To learn of any impacts that this may have on daily commutes, check their website.
