Upcoming Detour:
Beginning Sat, June 22, 11 AM until Mon, June 24 at 5 AM, the southbound lane of 12th will be closed to through traffic between Boren Ave S & S Jackson St in the Little Saigon neighborhood.  East and westbound traffic on Jackson will not be impacted, nor will NB traffic on 12th through Jackson.  Local access from Boren to Jackson will be permitted.  As such, access to local businesses will be maintained, as will pedestrian traffic.

Click here to view the detour map

Watch the time lapse video of the Madison St. closure

Overview

Click on map to view larger

COMING SOON! FIRST HILL STREETCAR
Construction started Spring 2012. Streetcar operations will begin in early 2014.

The City of Seattle is building a modern streetcar network that will provide new urban mobility options, support economic growth and strengthen connections among the places where people live, work and socialize.

The First Hill Streetcar Line will be an important link in the regional transit system. It will connect the diverse and vibrant residential neighborhoods and business districts of Capitol Hill, First Hill, Yesler Terrace, Central Area, Chinatown ID and Pioneer Square, while also serving major medical centers (Harborview, Swedish, and Virginia Mason), institutions of higher learning (Seattle Central Community College and Seattle University) and major sporting event venues (CenturyLink & Safeco Field).

To view before and after images, click here

First Hill Streetcar Project Scope
The construction of the First Hill Streetcar started in spring of 2012. This is a major construction project that is anticipated to be substantially complete in early 2014.

The primary elements of construction include:

• Removal of the existing roadway
• Installation and/or relocation of existing utilities
• Excavation of the streetcar trackway
• Installation of the streetcar tracks
• Replacement of the street and sections of sidewalk
• Overhead wires and traffic signal work
• Final street restoration and installation of permanent street markings
  

• Long-term parking and loading restrictions around work zones
• Lane restrictions
• Full intersection closures on weekends
• Bus stop closures and relocations (King County Metro will post rider alerts)
• Short-term utility interruptions (Seattle Public Utilities will provide advance notice)
• Nighttime and weekend work
• Sidewalk and pedestrian detours

Attention bicyclists: SDOT is taking a number of steps to maintain safe travel for bicyclists that includes posting bike-specific warning signs; establishing bike detour routes when street conditions are unsuitable for bike travel; phasing construction to minimize impacts; and conducting outreach to the bike community.

Click here to learn more about what bicyclists can expect during construction and how the First Hill Streetcar Project will benefit bike travel.

Construction coordination

The First Hill Streetcar project area is made up of many diverse and vibrant neighborhoods and business districts. In it are a number of large employers, medical centers, educational institutions, housing complexes, major stadiums and special event venues. In addition, several construction projects are underway or plan to break ground while streetcar construction is taking place.

SDOT is closely coordinating with area agencies, organizations, developers and event planners to ensure safe and efficient travel for all street users during the construction of the First Hill Streetcar.

Project Funding

In November 2008, voters in the Puget Sound area approved "ST2," the mass transit expansion plan for our region. This measure builds on the Sound Move plan approved in 1996 to expand light rail, commuter rail and express bus service in our region. The ST2 Plan includes funding for the First Hill Streetcar connector project, which links employment centers to the light rail system via connections on Capitol Hill and in the International District.

Project Contacts

• Project Hotline: (206) 257-2121
• Email: seattle.streetcar@seattle.gov
• Engage with us online
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/SeattleStreetcar
• Twitter: @TheStreetCar