Downtown Seattle Transit Tunnel
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The Downtown Seattle Transit Tunnel, also referred to as the Metro Bus Tunnel, is a 1.3-mile (2.1 km) public transit tunnel that runs the length of downtown Seattle, from 9th Avenue and Pike Street to 5th Avenue S. and S. Jackson Street. Approved by Metro Transit in 1983, construction began in 1987. It was completed and service began in 1990, at a total cost of $444 million.
The tunnel was closed on September 24, 2005 for modification to accommodate both buses and Sound Transit's Central Link Light Rail trains. Prior to closure, around two dozen bus routes ran through the tunnel. The buses were dual-powered, using electricity in the tunnel from an above wire connection and diesel on city streets. It reopened on Monday, September 24, 2007[1]. The two-year closure included retrofits for light rail as well as other operating system upgrades. Due to the conversion to light rail, the dual-mode buses that are powered by the above electric connection can no longer operate in the tunnel. Those buses have already been replaced by Metro's current new fleet of hybrid buses. These buses pollute significantly less than standard diesel buses and require no connection to overhead wires.
The tunnel is entirely within the Ride Free Zone, so no fare is required at any station during hours when the policy is in effect.
Since the floor of the tunnel was lowered for the light rail, there have been concerns that the bus mirrors are now at head height and may strike those who are waiting on the platform. To prevent this, the mirrors are equipped with flashing lights. As well, the speed of the buses has been lowered from 15 miles per hour (24 km/h) to 10 miles per hour (16 km/h).[2]
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[edit] Route
The tunnel runs mostly northwest-southeast under 3rd Avenue, with its northern end running southwest-northeast under Pine Street. It has five stations. From north to south, they are:
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Convention Place Station, 9th Avenue and Pine Street
Convention Place Station
- This is the northernmost entry to the tunnel. Buses enter from and exit to 9th and Olive, with another dual entry/exit ramp onto the Interstate 5 express lanes.
- For Washington State Convention and Trade Center, Paramount Theatre, Greyhound Lines terminal. Transfer or cross Interstate 5 to Capitol Hill
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Westlake Station, Pine Street between 3rd and 6th Avenues
Westlake Center
- At this point, the tunnel makes a left, and follows Third Avenue.
- For Westlake Mall, Seattle Center Monorail, Nordstrom, Macy's. Transfer to Belltown.
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University Street Station, 3rd Avenue between Union and Seneca Streets
University Street Station
- For Benaroya Hall, Seattle Art Museum, Seattle Central Library, Main Post Office, Washington Mutual Tower. Transfer to First Hill
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Pioneer Square Station, 3rd Avenue between Cherry Street and Yesler Way
Pioneer Square Station mezzanine
- For Pioneer Square, King County Courthouse, King County and City of Seattle government offices, King County Jail, Washington State Ferries Coleman Dock
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International District Station, 5th Avenue S. and S. Jackson Street
International District Station
- For International District, Safeco Field, Qwest Field, King Street Station, Uwajimaya, Waterfront Streetcar. Transfer to Rainier Valley, Beacon Hill, Industrial District, SoDo
Beyond this point, the tunnel has dual entry/exit onto the Interstate 90 busway, or a busway where 5th Ave. S would otherwise be, which continues to S Spokane St.
[edit] See also
[edit] References
[edit] External links
- Metro Transit. Retrieved on October 28, 2005.
- Metro Bus Tunnel. Retrieved on October 28, 2005.
- Tunnel reopen page. Retrieved on August 6.
- Downtown Seattle Transit Tunnel. Retrieved on October 28, 2005.
- Sound Transit. Retrieved on October 28, 2005.
- Keep Downtown Seattle Moving. Retrieved on 2007-07-18.
- Link Light Rail. Retrieved on 2007-07-18.
- Puget Sound Transportation Projects - Downtown Seattle Transit Tunnel. Retrieved on August 8, 2006.
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