Drivers and buses need locations to “layover,” places where operators can take a necessary break to help them stay alert behind the wheel, and where buses stay out of the flow of traffic between trips.
King County Metro is building a layover facility along Eastlake Avenue. It will consist of 11 bus layover spaces and provide a place for operators to take breaks and access safe restroom facilities.
The location, between Roy and Republican streets on state-owned land near Interstate 5, is a focal point for transportation: people driving vehicles, walking, or riding bicycles
while interacting with buses on layover. The facility will take coaches out of the flow of traffic within this busy corridor.
Community input played a role in the design of the layover facility. Public outreach led to the location having a metal and wood panel exterior, colorful accents and native plants evoking the landscape of the Pacific Northwest.
Construction is underway and is slated to be completed by summer of 2024.
Construction impacts
Typical work hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Some nighttime and weekend work may be required.
Impacts will include:
- Typical construction disruptions such as noise, truck activity and dust and debris
- Temporary parking restrictions
- Periodic lane closures
- Flaggers to direct traffic around the work areas
- Detours for people walking, rolling and biking
- Construction staging and parking impacts near the construction site
- Some sidewalk, intersection and lane closures
The construction will transform the layover location, improving pedestrian access with the creation of new pedestrian crossings and updating some of the current crossings. There will be dedicated bike lanes that will allow cyclists to travel on the east and west side of Eastlake Ave E between Fairview Ave N and Stewart St. There will also be a shared-use path on the east side of Eastlake Avenue East between Roy and Mercer streets for pedestrians and cyclists.
How will this project change Eastlake Ave East?
Once the layover facility is completed, there will be roadway changes to Eastlake Ave East. Some of these changes include:
- New traffic signal at Eastlake Ave E and Republican St
- Reduced and restricted parking in some areas
- Removed bus stop at Mercer St and Eastlake Ave E
You can follow the construction of the Eastlake Layover Facility and learn more about the changes around the project by visiting the project website at kingcounty.gov/metro/EastlakeLayover or calling 206-257-2234
What routes?
I think that building a feasible place and don’t let me forget, safe place for the bus drivers to take breaks and things is an excellent way to help them and the riders for a safer more effective bus ride for all.
My husband and I ride the F line