Metro Bus Tunnel (Seattle)

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The Metro Bus Tunnel, also referred to as the Downtown Seattle Transit Tunnel, is a 1.3-mile (2.1km) public transit tunnel that runs the length of downtown Seattle, from 9th Avenue and Pike Street to 5th Avenue S. and S. Jackson Street. Approved by Metro Transit in 1983, construction began in 1987. It was completed and service began in 1990, at a total cost of $444 million.

The tunnel was closed on September 24, 2005 for modification to accommodate both buses and Sound Transit's Central Link Light Rail trains. Prior to closure, around two dozen bus routes ran through the tunnel. The buses were dual-powered, using electricity in the tunnel from an above wire connection and diesel on city streets. It is expected to reopen in September 2007. Due to the conversion to light rail, the dual-mode buses that are powered by the above electric connection can no longer operate in the tunnel. Those buses have already been replaced by Metro's current new fleet of hybrid buses that run on both diesel and electricity. These buses pollute significantly less than standard diesel buses and require no connection to overhead wires.

When buses operated through the tunnel, it was entirely within the Ride Free Zone, so no fare was required at any station during hours where the policy was in effect.

[edit] Route

The tunnel runs mostly northwest-southeast under 3rd Avenue, with its northern end running southwest-northeast under Pine Street. It has five stations. From north to south, they are:

• 

  

  Convention Place Station
  Convention Place Station, 9th Avenue and Pine Street

This is the northernmost entry to the tunnel. Busses enter from and exit to 9th and Olive, with another dual entry/exit ramp onto the Interstate 5 express lane.

For Washington State Convention and Trade Center, Paramount Theatre, Greyhound Lines terminal. Transfer or cross Interstate 5 to Capitol Hill

• 

  

  Westlake Center
  Westlake Station, Pine Street between 3rd and 6th Avenues

At this point, the tunnel makes a left, and follows Third Avenue.

For Westlake Mall, Seattle Center Monorail, Nordstrom, Macy's. Transfer to Belltown.

• 

  

  University Street Station
  University Street Station, 3rd Avenue between Union and Seneca Streets

For Benaroya Hall, Seattle Art Museum, Seattle Central Library, Main Post Office, Washington Mutual Tower. Transfer to First Hill

• 

  

  Pioneer Square Station mezzanine
  Pioneer Square Station, 3rd Avenue between Jefferson Street and Yesler Way

For Pioneer Square, King County Courthouse, King County and City of Seattle government offices, King County Jail

• 

  

  International District Station
  International District Station, 5th Avenue S. and S. Jackson Street

For International District, Safeco Field, Qwest Field, King Street Station, Uwajimaya, Waterfront Streetcar. Transfer to Rainier Valley, Beacon Hill, Industrial District, SoDo

Beyond this point, the tunnel has dual entry/exit onto the Interstate 90 busway, as well as a busway where 5th Ave. S would otherwise be; these points are currently closed in light of the current construction.

[edit] External links

• Metro Transit. Retrieved on October 28, 2005.
  • Metro Bus Tunnel. Retrieved on October 28, 2005.
• Downtown Seattle Transit Tunnel. Retrieved on October 28, 2005.
• Sound Transit. Retrieved on October 28, 2005.
  • Sound Transit Tunnel updates. Retrieved on October 28, 2005.
  • Link Light Rail. Retrieved on October 28, 2005.
• Puget Sound Transportation Projects - Downtown Seattle Transit Tunnel. Retrieved on August 8, 2006.

Bridges and Tunnels in and around Seattle
Road bridges:		Alaskan Way Viaduct | Ballard Bridge | Evergreen Point Floating Bridge | First Avenue South Bridge | Fremont Bridge | George Washington Memorial Bridge (Aurora Bridge) | Lacey V. Murrow Memorial Bridge (I-90 Floating Bridge) | Magnolia Bridge | Montlake Bridge | Ship Canal Bridge | South Park (14th/16th Ave) Bridge | Spokane Street Bridge | University Bridge | West Seattle Bridge
Rail bridges/trestles:		Salmon Bay Bridge | Wilburton Trestle
Tunnels:		Battery Street Tunnel | Great Northern Tunnel | Mercer Island Lid | Metro Bus Tunnel | Mount Baker Tunnel