RapidRide J Line

Image shows the pouring of new concrete to create new pedestrian ramps that will improve access to transit in the University District. 

University District Construction

Sidewalk demolition and electrical work on Roosevelt Way NE 

We expect to finish installing new electrical infrastructure on the west side of Roosevelt Way NE near NE 43rd St as soon as next week. Once completed, crews will restore the sidewalks. This work will also occur at the northwest corner of the Roosevelt Way NE and NE 43rd St intersection. On the southwest corner, we will upgrade the sidewalks and pour fresh concrete. We will close NE 43rd St between 9th Ave NE and Roosevelt Way NE to complete this work. 

We are also working at the intersection of Roosevelt Way NE and NE 42nd St. Crews will begin removing sidewalks and digging trenches for new electrical linesover the next few weeks. 

The map above shows pick-up and drop-off locations, along with pedestrian detours, for accessing the UW Clinic during sidewalk construction. Click here to download a PDF of this map.

At least one southbound lane on Roosevelt Way NE will remain open during construction. However, as seen in the map above, we will need to close part of the sidewalk near the UW Clinic. A mixed-use path will be provided on the west side of Roosevelt Way NE for pedestrians to use. People riding bikes will be asked to dismount and walk through the construction area using the mixed-use path. The UW Clinic shuttle drop-off and pick-up area will be located on the north side of NE 42nd St. A non-shuttle pick-up and drop-off area will be located on the south side of the street. Please follow all signs and directions from crews. We have coordinated with nearby businesses and residences to maintain access.

Electrical work on NE 43rd St 

Throughout next week, crews will finish installing underground electrical wires on the south side of NE 43rd St between 11th Ave NE and 12th Ave NE. Afterward, they will pour concrete for the new sidewalk. 

Electrical work at 11th Ave NE and NE 42nd St intersection  
 
Crews will dig trenches and install new electrical wires at the northwest corner of 11th Ave NE and NE 42nd St throughout next week. They will then restore the sidewalk. Traffic will be directed around the work area, and if you are using the sidewalk, our signage will guide you safely through the construction zone. 

Pole installation in the University District 

We will continue to build foundations and install poles on 11th Ave NE and Eastlake Ave NE.  To complete these activities safely, we will need to temporarily close sections of sidewalk and f you are using sidewalks in the area you'll be directed around the work areas or to the opposite side of the street. Please follow all signs and directions from crews. 

Electrical work on NE Campus Pkwy 

Image shows a map of detour onto NE 41St for people who normally make a left turn from Roosevelt Way NE onto NE Campus Parkway. Click here for a PDF of this map.

We will continue installing new electrical wires on the east side of the intersection at NE Campus Pkwy and Eastlake Ave NE throughout next week. This work will include digging deep trenches. As shown in the map above, you will not be able to make a left turn from southbound Roosevelt Way NE onto NE Campus Pwky. Advanced signage will alert you before the detour onto NE 41st St to access NE Campus Pwky.   

Eastlake Construction

The map above shows where we are currently working in the Eastlake neighborhood. Click here to download a larger PDF of this map.

Nighttime electrical work at E Roanoke St and Eastlake Ave E 
 
During the next two weeks, crews will work overnight to install underground electrical utilities at the intersection of E Roanoke St and Eastlake Ave E. This work is taking place at night, from 7 PM to 6 AM, to minimize impacts on daytime traffic and TOPS K-8. You can expect some nighttime construction noise as crews demolish the road, place new wires, and restore the area with temporary pavement. When crews are working at night, officers will alternate northbound and southbound traffic through a single lane on Eastlake Ave E. They will also alternate eastbound and westbound traffic using a single lane on E Roanoke St. During the day, we will cover the work area with steel plates to provide access to traffic.   

Paving work along Eastlake Ave E  

We are making great progress building a new, smooth, long-lasting road along Eastlake Ave E. Our crews are actively demolishing, preparing, and pouring new concrete in many areas: 

• Between Harvard Ave E and E Shelby St: We expect to start pouring new concrete on the west side of Eastlake Ave E as early as next week.
• Between E Boston St and E Howe St: We expect to finish paving the east side of Eastlake Ave E as early as January 20. Crews may pour temporary pavement in some areas as they continue to work on the street.
• Between E Howe St and E Garfield St: As early as January 20, we will begin demolishing the street on the west side of Eastlake Ave E. This will require us to shift traffic to the east side of the street. Please pay attention to all signage and flaggers when traveling on Eastlake Ave E. You can expect increased noise, dust, and vibrations during this work.

We are coordinating with property owners and residents to maintain driveway access. Traffic will be shifted to the opposite side of the street from where crews are working. 

Fairview Ave N Construction 

Sidewalk and electrical wiring on Fairview Ave N 

Image shows the removal of  the old sidewalk along Fairview Ave N. New electircal wires will be installed  for the future RapidRide bus stop.

Crews are working in several places along Fairview Ave N to install new electrical infrastructure and sidewalks. Starting mid-next week, we will install new electrical lines on the northeast corner of Yale St and Fairview Ave N. During the week of January 26, crews will remove the sidewalk and begin trenching for electrical lines on the southeast corner of Valley St and Fairview Ave N. On both corners, we will direct pedestrians to the other side of Fairview Ave N or around the work area.  

Storm drainage work on Aloha St

On the southeast corner of Aloha St and Fairview Ave N, we will install drainage for rainwater. This work will begin as early as January 21, with crews demolishing the sidewalk and part of the street next to it. Pedestrians and traffic will be directed around the work area.  

Sidewalk and electrical wiring on Harrison St 

Our crews are working on the north side of Harrison St and Fairview Ave N to prepare for the RapidRide J Line bus shelters. Before the shelters can be installed later this year, crews must add new power supplies and then build sidewalks. 

We will finish installing electrical lines and pouring the concrete pad for the bus shelter on the northeast corner near Fairview Market Hall throughout next week. Afterwards, we will restore the sidewalk. To maintain access to the building’s southern entrance, a temporary ramp will be installed on the north side of Harrison St.  
Crews also plan to repave the street on the north side of Harrison St during the weekend of January 24. Crews expect to demolish the street on Saturday, pave on Sunday, and reopen the street by the afternoon of Monday, January 26. Please follow all signs and directions from crews when traveling near the work zone. 

Weekly Online Open House

Every Thursday from 2 to 3 PM, residents and business owners have joined our online open house to connect with the project team and have their questions answered. You can join these meetings to share your thoughts, ask questions, or simply listen. We encourage everyone to join us and be part of the conversation. Your input truly makes a difference!  

If you haven't used Microsoft Teams to engage with the project team, please view this tutorial. There is information available about how to use your camera, mute and unmute yourself, and chat with other meeting participants. We are also available to offer technical support during our drop-in session if you encounter any issues as well. We look forward to connecting with you! 

You can access the online meetings with the details below:
Meeting link 
Meeting ID: 237 305 138 093 
Passcode: mBSfNf

You can download a PDF that shows the upgrades this project will make by clicking this link.

We plan to upgrade from the existing Route 70 to the RapidRide service in 2027.

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