Colman Dock ferry riders about to be tossed a U-turn
SEATTLE -- Big changes are coming to how you get around the Seattle waterfront as Alaskan Way is about to move, leaving ferry commuters with an unexpected U-turn.
The Department of Transportation says it needs to make the changes to make way for the big boring machines for the new waterfront tunnel.
The changes comes to the road under the viaduct from King Street all the way to Madison.
"To continue building our bored tunnel launch pit and our launch box, clearly we have to get the traffic out of where Alaskan Way is now," said Matt Preedy with WSDOT. "That's where the construction zone will be."
But ferry commuters beware. From the south, you will now have to pass the old entrance at Yesler Avenue and go all the way north to Madison Street before switching back.
"Basically doing a U-turn in order to get back to the dock," Preedy said.
The WSDOT does expect back ups from the confusion as drivers get used to the new twists and turns.
The construction has left some local businesses feeling the pain. Sales have been a bear at Sarah Israel's The Clothing Company store.
"With road being closed just haven't had anybody coming through this way," Israel said.
But she is about to get a break with the new set up.
Drivers getting off the ferry will now be able to drive straight up Yesler, right by her store.
"Anytime we can get people to drive past, walk past -- anything like that it's free advertising," she said. "Hopefully, fingers crossed, we'll see an increase."
The changes begin Wednesday night at 7 p.m. and should be complete by Thursday morning's commute. The configuration is expected to last for two years.
The Department of Transportation says it needs to make the changes to make way for the big boring machines for the new waterfront tunnel.
The changes comes to the road under the viaduct from King Street all the way to Madison.
"To continue building our bored tunnel launch pit and our launch box, clearly we have to get the traffic out of where Alaskan Way is now," said Matt Preedy with WSDOT. "That's where the construction zone will be."
But ferry commuters beware. From the south, you will now have to pass the old entrance at Yesler Avenue and go all the way north to Madison Street before switching back.
"Basically doing a U-turn in order to get back to the dock," Preedy said.
The WSDOT does expect back ups from the confusion as drivers get used to the new twists and turns.
The construction has left some local businesses feeling the pain. Sales have been a bear at Sarah Israel's The Clothing Company store.
"With road being closed just haven't had anybody coming through this way," Israel said.
But she is about to get a break with the new set up.
Drivers getting off the ferry will now be able to drive straight up Yesler, right by her store.
"Anytime we can get people to drive past, walk past -- anything like that it's free advertising," she said. "Hopefully, fingers crossed, we'll see an increase."
The changes begin Wednesday night at 7 p.m. and should be complete by Thursday morning's commute. The configuration is expected to last for two years.
