The RapidRide J Line project will bring significant improvements to the University District, Eastlake, South Lake Union, and Belltown. These enhancements will make it easier to commute, attend classes at the University of Washington, access medical care, or visit local businesses by creating a more efficient and convenient travel experience across these key areas of the city.
Our focus is on modernizing and maintaining reliable transit connections for Seattle’s growing communities. Upgrades will include improvements to roads, sidewalks, curb ramps, lighting, drainage, and traffic signals. Additionally, we will install protected bike lanes and replace the water main on Eastlake Ave E. These enhancements are essential for supporting local businesses, improving access to housing, and fostering vibrant, connected communities.
RapidRide J Line
Here’s what is included in this email update:
- Upcoming University District Water Shutoffs
- Upcoming Eastlake Ave E Water Shutoffs
- Project Milestone: Mainline Stormwater Replacement on Eastlake Ave E between E Lynn St and E Hamlin St
- Work Beginning Downtown
- Ongoing Projects Nearby
- Construction and Online Drop-In Sessions
Upcoming University District Water Shutoffs
 The properties highlighted in red will experience the water shutoff on Friday, March 21.
We are nearly finished installing the new water main on NE 43rd St between Way NE and 12th Ave NE. To connect the new service Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) will shut off the water supply to several nearby properties on March 21, starting as early as 9 AM. Water will be off for up to two hours. The map above shows the affected properties in red. We plan to repave NE 43rd St with concrete and upgrade sidewalks soon after the water main work is complete.
Upcoming Eastlake Ave E Water Shutoffs
 The properties highlighted in red will experience the water shutoff on Sunday, March 16.
Your water main is being upgraded from the existing 100-year-old system to a newer, more earthquake resistant service. This work is happening between the University Bridge and Fairview Bridge and begins in the coming weeks. To maintain water service during construction we will install temporary services. SPU will shut off the water main on Eastlake between Fuhrman Ave E and E Allison St to test the valves on the evening of March 16. This work will begin after 10 pm and could last until 5 am. The map above highlights the affected properties in red.
Crews are testing these valves ahead of the scheduled shut off as early as 8:30 PM on Sunday, March 23. This water shut off is anticipated to end at 7 AM on Monday, March 24.
Relocating Fire Hydrant Lines – Upcoming Water Shutoff
The water lines feeding fire hydrants on Eastlake Ave E could be in the way as we build our new service lines. We may need to move some of these lines, and as we do this work there could be some temporary shut offs on the east side of Eastlake Ave E between E Allison St and E Hamlin St. Our partners at Seattle Public Utilities will notify businesses as these shut offs approach.
If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to reach out to us by calling our project hotline at (206) 257-2202 or emailing RapidRide@seattle.gov. We’re here to help!
If you operate an apartment, hotel, or business:
When managing a project of this size, we collaborate with SPU to inform properties affected by major water shutoffs. These notifications are sent before the work and include specific time frames. However, we may need to contact you immediately for smaller shutoffs, connections, or emergencies. email RapidRide@seattle.gov with the best contact person for your property, along with their contact information. This way, we can ensure you’re informed promptly. Thank you for your understanding and support as we work together to improve our community!
Project Milestone: Mainline Stormwater Replacement on Eastlake Ave E between E Lynn St and E Hamlin St
 Crews replacing stormwater lines on Eastlake Ave E.
We’re excited to share that the RapidRide J Line Project is reaching an important milestone! We expect to finish replacing stormwater lines beneath Eastlake Ave E between E Lynn Street and Fairview Ave E by the end of next week. These lines are an important part of our stormwater system, which prevents flooding and filters out pollution before the water is released.
As crews transition to the next phase of work, we will add temporary asphalt over the areas where we were working. In the coming months, crews will replace the water main on the east side of Eastlake Ave E. This work will continue to reduce traffic to one lane in each direction. Once all utility work is finished below the road, we’ll permanently repave the street and upgrade the sidewalks.
We genuinely appreciate the patience and understanding of our local businesses, residents, and commuters during the project. Thank you for being a part of this journey with us!
 Crews placing temporary asphalt along Eastlake Ave E.
Work Beginning Downtown
We are upgrading the stormwater system downtown, and crews will construct new catch basins and inlets near the U.S. District Courthouse at 7th Ave and Stewart St. Work is currently scheduled to happen overnight starting at 7 PM, Friday, March 21. No work involving high-impact noise will happen after 10 PM. Crews will be out of the street by 5 AM, Saturday, March 22. If additional work is required, we will work during the day on Monday, March 24. During this work, we will close one traffic lane and shift the existing bus stop slightly away from the construction area. Signage will direct transit riders to the nearby temporary bus stop. For more information on stop changes, please visit King County Metro’s website.
Ongoing Projects Nearby
There are a number of other public projects in the RapidRide J Line area. Our interactive Project and Construction Coordination Map displays up-to-date information on current and future construction projects in the right of way, as well as other events that may impact traffic.
Construction and Online Drop-In Sessions
Thank you for stopping by our online drop-in sessions! We enjoy connecting with business owners and community members on a weekly basis.
You can join us on Thursdays between 2 and 3 p.m. Feel free to join our discussion anytime during the hour-long session to ask your questions in the way that makes you most comfortable. You can leave your camera off, type your questions in the chat, or simply listen as others ask questions about the project.
You can access the online meetings with the details below:
Meeting link
Meeting ID: 237 305 138 093
Passcode: mBSfNf
How to Stay Informed
To ensure you're informed of the latest updates and developments on the RapidRide J Line project, we encourage you to sign up for our project emails. This will give you detailed information about construction activities, timelines, and any changes that may affect your neighborhood. Please feel free to share the details of our website and project emails with friends, family, or anyone who might be interested in knowing more about this exciting initiative. You can sign up for the emails and find more information on our project website. Thank you for your continued support and engagement!
Contact us
Communications and Outreach Lead
Need Translation?
For information on our work to upgrade the Route 70 bus route to a RapidRide bus line, in your language, please leave a voicemail in your preferred language at (206) 257-2202
Para obtener información en su idioma sobre nuestro trabajo para convertir la Ruta 70 del autobús a una línea RapidRide, llame al (206) 257-2202
若想通過您的語言了解有關 70 號公車路線升級為快速線 (RapidRide) 的工程資訊，請致電 (206) 257-2202
若想通过您的语言了解有关 70 号公交路线升级为快速线 (RapidRide) 的工程信息，请致电 (206) 257-2202
70번 버스 노선을 RapidRide 노선으로 업그레이드하기 위한 당국의 작업에 대한 정보를 귀하의 언어로 확인하려면 (206) 257‑2202로 전화하십시오
Route للحصول على المعلومات حول عملنا لتطوير مسار الحافلة 70
(206) 257-2022 بلغتك، اتصل بالرق م RapidRide إلى خ ط
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