Pavement demolition on NE 43rd St at 11th Ave NE.

Our RapidRide J Line project will make it easier and more convenient for you to get around the University District, Eastlake, South Lake Union, and Belltown. Whether you’re commuting to work, heading to class at the University of Washington, visiting the doctor, or shopping at local businesses, these upgrades will help you travel faster and more reliably.

As part of the project, we’ll upgrade streets, sidewalks, pedestrian ramps, streetlights, and traffic signals. We’ll also add protected bike lanes and replace the water main on Eastlake Ave E. These upgrades will support our local businesses, make it easier for you to get to housing, and help create safer, more connected neighborhoods for everyone.

RapidRide J Line

Major Milestone Reached as Paving Begins in University District

Crews will begin paving on NE 43rd St. One lane on Roosevelt Way NE and 11th Ave NE will be maintained.

We’re thrilled to announce an exciting milestone in the RapidRide J Line project – the first section of road paving work is officially underway! This marks a significant step forward in enhancing infrastructure and bringing improved transit options to our community.

The first sections of paving have begun on NE 43rd St in the University District between Roosevelt Way NE and 12th Ave NE. Work is expected to take about 2 months and will occur in phases. First, crews will demolish and replace NE 43rd St between Roosevelt Way NE and 11th Ave NE with concrete (see map above). Roosevelt Way NE and 11th Ave NE will have one lane reduced during work at the intersection, with traffic shifting to the west side while the east side is paved. Once done, traffic will move to the east side as the west side is paved. Crews will repeat this process on NE 43rd St between 11th Ave NE and 12th Ave NE later in May.  

You can expect typical construction impacts such as noise, dust, and vibrations. Pedestrian and cyclist access will remain throughout construction. Those biking southbound on Roosevelt Way NE will need to merge onto the sidewalk at the intersection of NE 43rd St and Roosevelt Way NE.  

Upcoming Closure on Eastlake Ave E and Harvard Ave E

A map of the southbound closure on Harvard Ave E between Eastlake Ave E and E Allison St, and the northbound closure on Eastlake Ave E between Harvard Ave E and E Allison St. 

Starting on Saturday, May 10, we will close northbound Eastlake Ave E between E Allison St and Harvard Ave E to install a new water main. We will reopen northbound Harvard Ave E to detour traffic during this time. Southbound Eastlake Ave E will remain open, as well as both directions of E Allison St. Local access to driveways, parking lots, and residential buildings will still be available. 

For more information on bus stop relocations during these closures, please visit King County Metro’s website. 

Where Work is Busiest

RapidRide J Line crews are active in various locations throughout the University District and Eastlake neighborhoods. Below is a brief overview of our current construction activities. For more information, please email us at RapidRide@seattle.gov or call (206) 257-2202.

Installing Electrical Cables in the University District

Underground electrical cable installation continues at several locations south of NE 43rd St, between Roosevelt Way NE and 11th Ave NE. Periodic sidewalk detours may be needed for this work.

Drainage Work on E Boston St, E Newton St, and E Howe St

Map of closures on E Boston St and E Newton St.

Water main work from E Galer St to E Blaine St  

We continue to work on replacing Seattle Public Utilities’ 100-year-old water main on Eastlake Ave E from E Galer St to E Blaine St. Crews will dig trenches to remove the old water main and install a new one. Please expect lane closures as we direct traffic around the work zone.

Utility work between Yale Ave N and E Aloha St

We are upgrading the drainage system on Fairview Ave E, between Yale Ave N and E Aloha St. To do this work, we will close the southbound right lane along Fairview Ave N as well as the road running alongside it. Please remain safe during these closures and follow all detour signs.

Business Spotlight: The Victor Tavern - 1600 Eastlake Ave E

The Victor Tavern at 1600 Eastlake Ave E.

The Victor Tavern in Eastlake is a welcoming, neighborhood modern tavern from Chef Ethan Stowell. Fans of their original South Lake Union location will be happy to find all the crowd-favorite burgers, craft cocktails, and local beers they’re known for.

Whether you’re winding down with a burger and beer after work, catching a game with friends, or enjoying cocktails and dinner while exploring Eastlake, The Victor Tavern Eastlake is your go-to local spot. They serve lunch and dinner daily, and brunch on weekends.

Conveniently located on Eastlake Ave E near Fairview Ave N and Chandler's Cove, The Victor features a spacious dining room, lively bar, open-air patio, and plenty of TVs to watch a game. They can’t wait to welcome you!

Hours:

• Open Monday through Saturday 11 AM – 9 PM and Sunday 11 AM – 8 PM
• Brunch Saturday and Sunday 11 AM – 3 PM
• Happy Hour is daily from 3 – 6 PM and 3 PM to close on Sundays and Mondays

Are you a business owner in the University District, Eastlake, or South Lake Union neighborhoods? We’d love to spotlight your business in a future email update! Connect with our team at RapidRide@seattle.gov to learn more about this opportunity.

Access to all businesses will be maintained and prioritized throughout the construction of the RapidRide J Line. We encourage everyone to continue visiting and supporting their favorite neighborhood businesses during this time. 

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