The Seattle Squeeze is the period from now until 2024 when downtown Seattle will experience massive construction and redevelopment. With more than 60 public and private construction projects currently underway, and another 1,000 projects slated for development, our transportation system is becoming increasingly strained.
To keep people and goods moving safely and efficiently through Seattle, the City has invested in projects and programs to ease the constraint of our massive growth.
The main events.
Chapter three SR 99 Tolling & Connect 2020
The #SeattleSqueeze continues as construction in downtown Seattle impacts how we get around through 2024. What's happening in the next chapter of the Seattle Squeeze?
Learn more about SR 99 Tolling & Connect 2020አማርኛٱلْعَرَبِيَّة简体中文繁體中文한국어Afaan Oromooaf-SoomaaliEspañolTagalogትግርኛTiếng việt
Chapter two Why are buses coming out of the tunnel?
When King County first built the Downtown Seattle Transit Tunnel, the region's agencies always intended for an eventual transition to light-rail-only. There are two reasons that caused the buses to move permanently to the surface on March 23, 2019.
Chapter one #SeattleSqueeze Data
Approximately 250,000 people commute to and through downtown each day. With the new SR‐99 tunnel now open, we've been analyzing the data from the closure to understand what went well, how we could have done better, and how we can keep the good changes going during the next chapter of the #SeattleSqueeze.
Here’s how we’re preparing.
To keep people and goods moving safely and efficiently through Seattle, the City has invested in projects and programs to ease the constraint of our massive growth and redevelopment.
Reducing drive‐alone trips downtown.
Did you know that employees who occasionally work from home report greater work-life balance and are also more productive? And, if you’re working from home (or working longer days in a shorter week), then you’re not coming into downtown as often! This is just one of the strategies we’re working on that’s aimed at reducing the number of drive-alone trips into downtown.
Managing construction projects in the public right‐of‐way.
We’re working to sequence construction projects and mitigate impacts to increase accessibility and decrease traffic interruptions. Keeping the public right of way clear for people walking, biking, taking transit, or using other modes of transportation is important to maintaining safety and mobility during the Seattle Squeeze.
Learn more about Managing construction projects in the public right‐of‐way.
Transportation system monitoring and managing of real‐time traffic operations.
We’re continuing to monitor our transportation system closely during the Seattle Squeeze, and we’re making adjustments in real time to traffic signals and traffic lanes so we can safely get people and goods where they need to go.
Learn more about Transportation system monitoring and managing of real‐time traffic operations.
Investing in transit to meet demand and expand access.
We’re ensuring that there are more buses to downtown, that travel times for transit customers are maintained or improved, and that transit continues to be the most convenient and reliable way for local and regional commuters to arrive downtown.
Learn more about Investing in transit to meet demand and expand access.
We’re working together.
For you.
The City of Seattle, Washington State Department of Transportation, King County Metro, Sound Transit, and the Port of Seattle are working together to keep people and goods moving safely. We’re working around the clock to help you prepare and navigate the construction impacts while keeping you informed so you can plan accordingly.
Ready to make a plan?
Check out our latest blog posts.
If you want to read more, you can explore our blog.
Link Light Rail Riders + Bike Riders, get ready for Connect 2020 Link closures & detours.
We’re on the next track of the Chapter 3 Seattle Squeeze journey: Link light rail expansion to I-90. The Seattle Squeeze is the period from now until 2024 when private and public construction projects put pressure on our transportation system and change how we all travel through and around Seattle. Starting January 4, Sound Transit will build […]
Flex your commute during Connect 2020
This week was the start of Connect 2020 Link light rail disruptions. Two days down, 10 weeks to go. You’ve got this, Seattle. We appreciate everyone who has patiently navigated the downtown Link light rail stations and smoothly made the Pioneer Square station transfer. On Monday, a lot of you had the same idea and […]
NEW year = NEW commute!
Have you set any New Year’s resolutions for 2020? How about doing something good for yourself (stress-less), your city, & your planet. Pledge to commute car-free 1x a week. We’ve all set too-audacious New Year’s resolutions that we’ve given up on before we even start. Did you stress out a little too much in 2019? […]
Let’s work together. It’s time to prepare for Sound Transit’s Link light rail construction.
Our goal is to keep people moving during Sound Transit’s 10 weeks of light rail construction and reduced Link service. Our team is prepared with small changes to the system to help trains stay on schedule. Starting Jan. 4, Sound Transit will build new Link light rail tracks connecting International District/Chinatown Station across I-90 to […]