We are making improvements along the routes of the next two RapidRide lines. The E Line will travel on Aurora Avenue N between Shoreline and downtown Seattle, and is scheduled to begin service on February 15, 2014. The F Line between Burien and Renton will begin service on June 7, 2014.
Work along the corridors will upgrade traffic signal infrastructure to allow for transit signal priority at certain intersections, install new passenger amenities at each RapidRide stop, and make some roadway changes to improve bus operations.
In March, Metro began construction on the F Line Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) project, which will include installation of equipment cabinets, wireless access antennae, and fiber optic cables for real-time bus information signs, off-board ORCA readers, and transit signal priority. This work will continue through September, moving from Burien east through SeaTac, Tukwila, and Renton. When we finish this phase of the project, we can begin testing and fine-tuning transit signal priority equipment.
Similar work is also underway along the E Line route. Most of this construction is done near existing traffic lights, and it usually does not affect access to bus stops.
Construction of passenger facility upgrades began in Shoreline in May, and will proceed into other areas on both corridors as permits are approved. Metro will build foundations and electrical connections for the new RapidRide shelters and other passenger amenities, and will add or improve sidewalks in some areas to improve access to the stops.
Existing bus stops will be closed as needed while this work is being done. Metro will provide alternative stops nearby, and buses will continue normal operations during construction. Only a few bus stops will be under construction at any one time, and we will do everything in our power to minimize disruptions.
Look for rider alerts at affected bus stops with details about where to catch your bus during construction. As work progresses along the corridors, we’ll also post construction updates here.
If the shelter at the Southcenter Station westbound along the 140 is finished, do we immediately close down that notorious stop and switch to the new stop?