Seattle transportation officials told CHS last week a federal inquiry won’t delay Bus Rapid Transit on E Madison. But a federal consultant’s recommendations will.

Friday, it was announced that the RapidRide G’s planned start is now being pushed back to 2023:

We made significant advances in 2019 in the process to secure a Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Small Starts grant. As a regular part of the Small Starts grant process, FTA hired an independent consultant to review project scope, schedule, and risk. The consultant recommended an additional $6.2 million in funds to cover unexpected events or circumstances that could arise during construction. They also recommended including additional time in the construction schedule as a buffer for unexpected events.

With city and county officials now planning for the extra cash and added year for the project, the $120 million, 2.3 mile, 10-station route is now a $127.5 million, 2.3 mile, 10-station route.

The planned start of construction is only being moved back a bit — officials are now saying to be ready for the changes on E Madison to begin this fall:

WHAT TO EXPECT DURING CONSTRUCTION?

Construction will be disruptive. You can expect to see and hear construction activities throughout the corridor during the duration of work. Construction impacts will include: Noise, dust, and vibration

Nighttime and weekend work, as needed

Pedestrian detours

Temporary utility shut-offs

Disruptions to daily commute, including traffic detours and temporary driveway, road, and lane closures ANTICIPATED CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES Repaving the street and building new bus platforms in the roadway

Placing new bus shelters and other station amenities

See our website for more information about additional improvements www.seattle.gov/ Transportation/MadisonBRT.htm

CHS reported on the project as it moved into the “90%” design phase and decisions were being finalized on features and changes along the route from the Waterfront to Madison Valley including what planners hope are improved crossings for pedestrians and the decision to focus on a new diesel-hybrid bus fleet for the line.

Half of the project’s budget is expected to come from the Federal Transit Authority. In an update to its nationwide Current Capital Investment Grant Projects, the FTA listed the Madison BRT project in the first phase of the Small Starts Project Development grant process. In November 2018, the FTA gave the project a “high” value rating.

King County Metro will operate service on the line.

The large project has seen a series of adjusted schedules over the years. In 2018, the planned start of service was 2021.

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