U-District
Updated August 5, 2021
What's happening now?
On October 2, 2021, the U District Link Light Rail Station will open. The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT), alongside King County Metro and Sound Transit, is working on a variety of improvements to transit, walking, and biking in the station areas to support access to the new station. The new light rail line to Northgate is expected to see 41,000 - 49,000 daily riders by 2022. SDOT is also planning to update curb parking regulations for the surrounding area to balance the needs of those who live in, work in, or visit the neighborhood with those who use the new station. SDOT has conducted a study on streets around the station and is planning updates to some on-street parking.
This past spring, we put out a survey and collected your comments by email and phone. Thank you to everyone who took the survey and submitted comments.
Most of the proposed changes have stayed the same. We are adding a few loading zones in the neighborhood in response to feedback (see map below). Expect to see new signs and pay stations being installed in the neighborhood soon, with changes going into effect at the beginning of October.
Check out our blog post about all the mobility improvements coming to new light rail station areas.
WHAT IS CHANGING?
In order to prevent all-day parking by station commuters, SDOT is planning to add paid parking to several blocks near the station that are currently unrestricted parking. Planned changes are shown on the map above. 12th Avenue NE will be part of the U District Core parking area, with a 2-hour time limit, 8 AM to 8 PM. All other blocks will be part of the U District Edge parking area, with a 4-hour time limit, 8 AM to 6 PM. Paid parking will be in effect Monday through Saturday and is unrestricted in the evenings and on Sundays. Paid parking is currently 50 cents per hour, but rates change depending on parking occupancy. Information on current parking rates in these areas is here: http://www.seattle.gov/transportation/projects-and-programs/programs/parking-program/paid-parking-information/street-parking-rates.
We realize this may impact residents who wish to park on the street in the areas where regulations are changing. We hope some can consider new light rail service, along with re-designed transit routes, as a primary mobility option. For others, we recommend residents explore off-street parking if they need a car.
WHAT ABOUT LOADING ZONES?
Existing loading zones will be reviewed and will be maintained unless otherwise notified. If you would like to request a new loading zone, please reach out to northgatelinkparking@seattle.gov.
Comments or questions?
Email northgatelinkparking@seattle.gov or call 1 (206) 305-8029" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">(206) 305-8029.
Click here to view the mailer from May 2021.