Aurora Ave N Bus Lane Changes Coming

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We are reaching out to share updates about changes to the bus lanes on Aurora Ave (SR 99). In the next month, we’re changing the existing bus/parking lanes on Aurora to be bus-only lanes and prohibiting parking to support reliable transit trips throughout the day.

These changes are taking place in preparation for increased traffic expected during upcoming construction on I-5 as part of the Washington State Department of Transportation’s (WSDOT) Revive I-5 program.

The Aurora bus-only lanes are currently in effect during morning and evening peak commute times. They will change to be in effect all day, every day as new signage is installed this spring. This will help ensure a reliable trip for people on the RapidRide E Line, while managing extra traffic on Aurora Ave during the upcoming I-5 lane closures. The expanded bus lane hours are expected to take effect before the start of Revive I-5 construction. We have been working together with businesses and the community along Aurora Ave to prepare for these changes.

What’s changing with Aurora Ave bus lanes?  

• Southbound: One lane from N 115th St to N 38th St will become a 24/7 bus lane.
• Northbound: One lane from N 38th St to N 59th St, and from Winona Ave to N 115th St, will become a 24/7 bus lane.  

       What to Expect:

• Starting as soon as late May, bus-only lane signs will be installed along Aurora Ave.
• As the new bus-only lane signs are installed the new 24/7 bus lanes will go into effect. These lanes will operate all day, every day, instead of only during peak travel times.

What does this mean for parking and loading?

• In general, the expanded hours of the bus lane mean there will no longer be parking or loading on Aurora as the new bus-only lane signs are installed. A few additional signs are being installed in locations where there will be parking and loading exceptions.
• We recognize this is a change from your current routines. We encourage you to take transit to get to destinations on Aurora. For more information on ORCA transit passes, please visit Home | ORCA.
• King County Metro offers discounted transit passes for employees and multifamily residents.  Please visit their websites for more information: ORCA Business Passport. and ORCA Multifamily Development Passport

If you have questions about the Aurora Ave bus lanes, please reach out to aurorabuslanes@seattle.gov

To stay up to date with the overall Aurora Ave project updates, please visit www.seattle.gov/transportation/auroraproject

To learn more about the Revive I-5 schedule and other details, please visit WSDOT’s Revive I-5 project page.  

Thanks,

Christa Dumpys

Public Engagement Lead

City of Seattle, Seattle Department of Transportation

aurorabuslanes@seattle.gov