GENERAL
What is RapidRide H Line?
RapidRide H Line, previously known as Route 120, is one of our 10 busiest routes. It will provide connections from neighborhoods in Burien, White Center, Delridge and downtown Seattle along Third Avenue. RapidRide H Line will also provide needed connections to other bus routes and Link light rail. The RapidRide H Line project is funded by the City of Burien, City of Seattle, and King County.
How is RapidRide H Line different from Route 120?
RapidRide H Line buses will operate more reliably, and riders will have access to more peak commute trips operating in the reverse direction and more trips operating at night on weekends. Bus stops will be upgraded with new shelters, lighting, and real-time arrival information to improve your experience. Sidewalks, street crossings, and signals will be improved around stations for pedestrians, bikes, and those with limited mobility. Additionally, new business access and transit (BAT) lanes will be added to improve travel times for transit and provide better access to businesses for drivers.
What are the construction hours and how long will construction last?
Typical work hours for the RapidRide H Line project are Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with some nighttime and weekend work. Majority of construction is expected to last through March 2023 with some construction to last beyond 2023.
Will access to businesses be maintained throughout construction?
Access to businesses will be maintained throughout construction. We are reaching out to neighbors, businesses, and local community organizations in advance of construction near them to share when and where work will happen, as well as what impacts to expect.
What work will be done over the winter months?
Crews will focus on shelter installations, excavation, concrete pours, and landscaping over the winter months. See the construction map for more details. Low temperatures and consistent rain will require that paving work will shift into early this year when warmer temperatures return. In locations where work is paused, we will be securing equipment, consolidating traffic control, and covering open holes to ensure safe traveling conditions.
Why was construction delayed previously?
Construction on RapidRide H Line was previously delayed due to a region-wide concrete driver worker strike, supply chain issues, and limited availability of materials. Visit our website to read more about how King County is managing delays due to concrete supply issues.
Why does construction start at new locations without others being completed?
The limited and unpredictable availability of concrete resulted in crews balancing the work they can do with what materials are available to continue that work. In order to maintain the overall project schedule, we have begun several new locations where crews have the resources and materials to complete the work, while also pausing some work at other locations, as necessary. Crews are continuing to make swift progress on work throughout the project area and we look forward to being able to wrap up work at some sites throughout the project area later this summer.
Where is construction happening now?
Where crews are doing construction varies week by week. For more details about the locations where work is ongoing, see the “What’s Happening Now” section on our project website or visit our blog for more information. You can also sign up for project updates here.
BURIEN
How do I access my property with a new centerline curb installed? (i.e., how do I get into addresses between SW 130th St and SW 134th St).
Northbound drivers are permitted to make a U-turn at the intersection of Ambaum Boulevard SW and SW 128th Street to access properties and southbound side of the Ambaum Boulevard SW. Southbound drivers are permitted to make a U-turn at SW 136th Street to access properties on the northbound side of Ambaum Boulevard SW. Signage is posted where U-turns are allowed.
What does the red striping mean?
The red striping on Ambaum Boulevard denotes Business Access and Transit (BAT) lanes which allow buses to travel more efficiently through the corridor. This minimizes delays and increases transit speed and reliability while maintaining access to local businesses and residents. For transit riders, a designated bus lane, or BAT lane, allows buses to move more freely, leading to greater opportunity for on-time arrivals. Similarly, for drivers, BAT lanes enhance the capacity of general-purpose lanes by removing buses from general traffic. Finally, access to driveways is improved through added visibility and opportunities to turn into driveways.
 When can I use the right lane?
While BAT lanes are for transit only, other drivers may use them long enough to turn right at the next intersection. Signage is posted where right turns are allowed.
Only buses may travel in the BAT lanes, but drivers may use them to access businesses' driveways.
How will I know if I am travelling on a BAT lane?
Posted signs and pavement markings indicate where Bus Only or BAT lanes begin. Drivers should merge into general purpose lanes or make a right turn at the next intersection. Drivers may use Bus Only or BAT lanes to enter driveways and alleys throughout the corridor.
Why did we do this project?
Public transit is an important part of how we will meet the diverse needs and priorities of our rapidly growing region. Our current demand for transit and future needs identified in our cities’ growth plans require access to expanded public transportation that is fast and reliable.
When the RapidRide H Line launches, it will come more often and be more reliable than Route 120 is today. It will provide connections from neighborhoods in Burien, White Center, and West Seattle to downtown Seattle. RapidRide H Line will also provide needed connections to other bus service and Link light rail.
Won’t my commute time increase?
Riders will experience a decrease in travel time with the RapidRide upgrades, including more frequent buses – operating weekdays every 10 minutes most of the day (view the timetable on the H line webpage).
King County Metro conducted a traffic analysis in 2018 before the pandemic that travel times would only be marginally affected since the lanes on Ambaum were under utilized. This traffic information was presented to the City of Burien City Council and approved prior to the project proceeding. As our region grows, public transit is a key part of the solution to moving people from their homes to jobs and other destinations. Transit helps maximize the use of the region’s existing infrastructure by moving more people in less space than by personal vehicles.
Who paid for the project?
The RapidRide H Line project is funded by the City of Burien, City of Seattle, and King County.
What improvements did Burien get (sidewalks, improved crossings, etc)?
The following improvements are being added along the future RapidRide H Line route in Burien:
- New pedestrian crossing signals and crosswalks
- New sidewalks, sidewalk repairs and ADA-compliant ramps
- Increased accessibility and safety features
- RapidRide upgrades will make it easier and safer to walk and roll onto the bus.
Operational characteristics of the several new HAWK signals included on the project.
HAWK (High-Intensity Activated crossWalK) signals – also referred to as Rapid Flashing Beacons - are pedestrian-activated traffic signals designed to increase safety at mid-block crosswalks.
To improve pedestrian safety, the project team installed Rapid Flashing Beacons at several pedestrian crossings along the future RapidRide H Line route. Rapid Flashing Beacons increase pedestrian safety by raising awareness for motorists.
These signals improve safety by providing a clear indication to drivers that they must stop when a pedestrian is crossing the street. This reduces the likelihood of pedestrian-vehicle collisions, particularly at mid-block crosswalks where pedestrians may not have the protection of traffic signals at intersections. Rapid Flashing Beacons also improve safety by reducing the likelihood of pedestrian dart-outs, which occur when pedestrians attempt to cross the street without using a crosswalk or crossing at an intersection. By providing a dedicated signal for pedestrians, these signals make it easier for pedestrians to cross the street safely and with confidence.
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