 |
| This Transportation Focus Bulletin is made possible by contributions from Starbucks Coffee Company and other supporters. |
 |
 |
South Park Bridge Special Edition
The South Park Bridge is permanently closing to all traffic at 7:00pm June 30th. This is a blow for businesses, workers, and residents in South Park and surrounding neighborhoods and for freight mobility throughout Seattle.
In this special edition of Seattle Industry eBulletin we look at what's happening now in South Park, including funding a new bridge, getting around South Park, help for businesses, and a Bridge Wake June 30th.
For bridge closure details, visit King County's website.
Progress on Funding a New Bridge
After years
of fighting about who is responsible for the $130 million needed to build
a new bridge, King County, the state of Washington, City of Seattle, and
Port of Seattle have all pledged to contribute funding. Just yesterday
Governor Gregoire announced a $20 million pledge of state funds for the
project. On Monday the King County Council authorized $31 million in bonds
for the bridge; the Seattle City Council has pledged $15 million; and the
Port of Seattle has committed $5 million. King County will apply for a
federal grant for the remaining funds this August; if successful, a new
South Park Bridge could be completed in 3-4 years. Pictured at left: King County Executive Dow Constantine has
been instrumental in putting together a funding package for a new South
Park Bridge.
King County has produced a handy traffic routing map showing driving routes around South Park and changes in intersection signals and pavement markings. This can be a great resource for customers and inbound deliveries.
Seattle is making transportation improvements in South Park to prepare for the bridge closure, including spot repair of several arterial streets (Holden St, 5th Ave, Kenyon St, and 8th Ave), new signage and sharrows for bicycle routes, and changes to intersections near the bridge. And King County Metro is re-routing three bus routes to the First Ave S Bridge.
Help for South Park Businesses
Seattle's Office of Economic Development
is working with South Park businesses to try to mitigate the impacts of
the bridge closure. This includes surveying retail and industrial
businesses about their concerns and providing connections to marketing,
finance, and other resources. The city is also working with the
Environmental Coalition of South Seattle and the community to create a
street beautification plan and to market South Park as a unique
neighborhood to explore and enjoy a meal. The city's South Park Bridge
Closure Response Plan is available online.
Kris
Effertz with the Seattle Office of Economic Development is leading the
business assistance team for the city. "Preserving healthy retail and
industrial businesses in South Park is a top priority for the city," says
Kris. "We want to find out what the concerns are and how we can help
address them." For more information, contact Kris at (206) 684-7551,
kris.effertz@seattle.gov.
What You Can Do:
The South
Park Bridge has provided easy access to the growing business district on
14th Ave S, and community members are worried about the impact of the
bridge closure. How can you help? Make a point to visit South Park for
lunch of after work. Check out All
About South Park to learn more about the South Park community.
South Park Bridge Wake: June 30th, 6-10pm
As the South Park Bridge comes
to its untimely demise June 30th, the community will be there to say
farewell and hold a party, complete with great music, drinks, mural
painting, and mingling. Everyone is welcome to attend, especially
businesses and employees in and around South Park. Find more information
here.
Are Your Employees Stuck In Traffic? How to
Help
If your businesses is in the Duwamish Manufacturing
and Industrial Center, chances are traffic is a headache for your
employees. And it's likely to get worse. Construction projects in Sodo,
replacement of the Alaskan Way Viaduct, and now the closure of the South
Park Bridge all mean more delays.
What can a business manager do?
Why not remind employees about their options for getting to work - like
carpools, vanpools, transit, or biking? The Duwamish TMA can provide you
with a flyer for your employees; contact Melanie at (206) 762-2470,
Melanie@seattleindustry.org.
Visit our Website
Click to read.
Past eBulletins
- Clouds
Parting?
- Tick
Tock
- Duwamish
TMA Receives Bicycle Award
- Are
You Part of the Recovery?
- Bama
Bound
Subscribe to our eBulletin.
We Need
You
Do you
like what you are hearing from us? The Manufacturing Industrial Council is
a member based, non-profit organization that advocates for manufacturing
businesses, and we need you! To become a member click
here.
More
Info?
Questions, Comments, or suggestions about the Seattle Industry
eBulletin are always welcome. Your input will make the bulletin a more
successful product. Contact us at (206)762-2470 or fax
(206)762-2492.