King County Metro has begun construction on a layover facility along Eastlake Avenue. The facility will consist of 11 bus layover spaces and provide a place for operators to take breaks and access safe restroom facilities.
The location, between Roy and Republican streets on state-owned land near Interstate 5, is a focal point for transportation: People driving vehicles, walking or riding bicycles while interacting with buses on layover. The facility will take coaches out of the flow of traffic within this busy corridor.
Community input played a role in the design of the layover facility. Public outreach led to the location having a metal and wood panel exterior, colorful accents and native plants evoking the landscape of the pacific northwest.
Construction is underway and is slated to be completed by summer of 2024.
Construction impacts
Typical work hours are Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Some night and weekend work may be required throughout the duration of construction.
Impacts will include:
- Typical construction disruptions such as noise, truck activity and dust and debris
- Temporary parking restrictions
- Periodic lane closures
- Flaggers to direct traffic around the work areas
- Detours for people walking, rolling and biking
- Construction staging and parking impacts near the construction site
- Some sidewalk, intersection and lane closures
The construction will transform the layover location, improving pedestrian access with the creation of new pedestrian crossings and updating some of the current crossings. There will be dedicated bike lanes that will allow cyclists to travel on the east and west side of Eastlake Ave East between Fairview Ave North and Stewart Street. There will also be a shared-use path on the east side of Eastlake Avenue East between Roy and Mercer streets for pedestrians and cyclists.
How will the project change Eastlake Ave East?
Once the layover facility is completed, there will be roadway changes to Eastlake Ave East. Some of the changes include:
- New traffic signal at Eastlake Ave East and Republican Street
- Reduced and restricted parking in some areas
- Removed bus stop at Mercer Street and Eastlake Ave East
