Starting January 11, 2019, after the evening commute, SR 99 through downtown Seattle will close for approximately three weeks, and the SR 99 Viaduct will permanently close, so make sure you visit kingcounty.gov/getready to review your options and find out which routes are affected.

This week, we’re highlighting the King County Water Taxi for employees living in West Seattle, which provides a quick 10 minute sail from Seacrest Park to Downtown, departing every 20 minutes during commute periods. Metro is adding a second vessel at commute times during the closure to increase capacity. Shuttles are available from the West Seattle Junction and Alki Beach to Seacrest Park. Biking to the dock? Lock up your bike to a rack or bring it aboard. And remember, all of these services are free with your King County Employee ID/ORCA card!

Starting today, Dec. 17, West Seattle commuters will be able to use the new Ride2 Transit app offering on-demand rides to and from King County Metro bus routes and Water Taxi sailings. Ride2 is part of a package of new services including additional Water Taxi sailings, shuttles, and parking options during the Viaduct closure.

Here are some other tips to avoid congestion:

• Consider adjusting your schedule, working at an alternative location, or teleworking if these are options for your job. If you wish to make alternative work arrangements for any of this period, please discuss these beforehand with your supervisor. We have existing policies that address attendance and work schedules, and a website with our telework policy, forms and templates that can assist your planning
• You may wish to take vacation for some of this period. If so, please discuss with your supervisor
• Try to limit meetings with external partners and people coming from outside Seattle during this period, or conduct meetings using Skype for Business (formerly Lync)
• Stay and play: Explore downtown businesses, restaurants, shows, and more after work while you wait out the worst traffic
• Share the ride: Register for a Vanpool or Rideshare with King County Metro
• Walk or bike
• Set back-up plans for picking up and dropping off children at school, reaching appointments on time, and meeting commitments such as deliveries or event attendance
• Before heading out the door, get real-time traffic information about the SR99 closure on your phone with the WSDOT traffic app and by tracking #Realign99 on the WSDOT Traffic Twitter feed
• Visit King County’s Employee Transportation page and our Get Ready! page to check out the benefits offered to you and explore your options. Be sure to contact Hossein if you have any questions

Questions? Reach out to the Employee Transportation Program anytime, we are here to help!

This is a map of the SR 99 closure through downtown Seattle. For more information visit http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/Viaduct/realign99.

Crossposted from Tails from RASKC 

She’s fun for a girl or a boy – she’s Slinky, our Pet of the Week! This young black cat is an affectionate lovebug who likes getting attention on her own terms. She can get overstimulated with petting, so you just need to keep an eye out for signs she may need a break. Since she is so spirited, she’s one of our “Rambunctious Red” pets. 

Read more at Tails from RASKC 

Additionally, throughout the month of December, RASKC is offering 50% off dog and cat adoption fees at our Kent location. (Separate pet license fee may apply.) In addition, we are also proud to team up with our friends from Pawsitive Alliance to promote several of our favorite dogs and cats who just can’t wait to find a new home for the holidays. 

So what are you waiting for? Check out our special #Home4thePawlidays pets or visit our Pet Adoption Center in Kent to meet your new best friend today! See all of our adoptable pets at kingcounty.gov/AdoptAPet.