Seattle's South Lake Union receives transit system upgrade

In March 2016, improvements to the transit system in Seattle's South Lake Union (SLU) neighborhood will begin, making travel to, from and within the neighborhood easier.

“The neighborhood has been calling for more travel options and we welcome this change,” Mike McQuaid, president of the SLU Community Council, said. “Adding bus service and fixing our streets to keep it moving means hundreds of people can easily work, shop and play in South Lake Union.”

Some of the changes being implemented by the Seattle Department of Transportation and King County Metro improve conditions as the transit stops, such as displays of accurate transit arrival times, new shelters and wider sidewalks.

The King County Metro system will add service to some routes, including from Route 70 to the U district downtown and along Routes 40 and 70. Westlake Avenue North will receive dedicated transit lines.

Construction has already begun with sidewalk improvements at Fairview Avenue near Valley Street and may call for temporary sidewalk, traffic lane and bus stop closures.