Mercer Mess fix may mean trouble for bus riders

Friday is supposed to be Seattle’s last commute dealing with the Mercer Mess. Mercer Street changes to a two-way road on Monday for the first time in 40 years, but what’s good for drivers is bad for bus riders.

People who catch buses from South Lake Union to the University District are going to have to make some changes. Routes that used to run on Fairview Avenue are moving to Eastlake Avenue for the next 4 to 6 months as construction on the Mercer Mess project transitions to the south.

Jeff Switzer, with the King County Department of Transportation, says riders will likely have to make some changes.

“It means catching the bus a little earlier,” he said. “It means leaving a bit earlier. Those are the kinds of steps that we hope people can take.”

A lot of riders aren’t happy that they’re going to have to walk four extra blocks to catch their buses, but many have the attitude this rider is taking.

“I don’t mind walking,” one rider said while waiting for the bus on Fairview Avenue. “Some people might not want to have to walk that far, but I don’t think it’s too big of a deal.”

The route changes take effect at 11 p.m. on Friday. The impacted buses are the 70, 71, 72, 73, 83 and 309.