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SEATTLE NEWS ARCHIVES & FEATURES

Why this West Seattle drive is miserable, and what is being done about it

Oct 11, 2019, 5:55 AM

Tracy Taylor's Profile Picture

BY TRACY TAYLOR


Former KIRO Newsradio Traffic Reporter

You want to know what the deal is? Why has the drive out of West Seattle become absolutely miserable at times?

What’s the deal with Sound Transit’s new light rail colors?

The core issue is construction at 35th Avenue SW and Avalon Way. Drivers have been telling me it has taken them up to 30 minutes to get through this one spot.

The Seattle Department of Transportation along with the Washington State Department of Transportation has been working on a plan to extend the bus merge lane in this area for about 1,000 feet. That could help ease things on this stretch as it comes off the West Seattle Bridge onto SR 99.

That work will begin this weekend. The lane will be adjusted to give drivers more space to merge.

Will this help? You tell me. Send me your feedback.

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Why this West Seattle drive is miserable, and what is being done about it