Skip to Content
Streetsblog USA home
Streetsblog USA home
Log In

Biking has almost doubled along major corridors in Seattle as the city enters the fourth day of "Viadoom" -- the highly publicized closure of State Route 99.

Viadoom -- or the "period of maximum constraint," as city officials have called it was billed as a potentially paralyzing traffic nightmare. Monday began the three week period when the Alaskan Way Viaduct (SR 99) is closed, but the city's replacement -- a $3 billion underground highway -- has not opened.

For months, local leaders have been warning residents -- especially drivers -- that the need to change their routines.

So far, people seem to be responding. The city's lead traffic engineer, Dongho Chang, reports many people are also availing themselves of other means -- including bikes.

Bike advocates like Gleason say what is happening this week with the surge in biking, is what it could be like everyday if the city hadn't delayed created a comprehensive protected bike network.

"Really much more could be done to encourage people to walk and bike in Seattle and that’s through needed improvements to the infrastructure," she said.

It's still too soon to say whether Viadoom will live up to some of the harrowing predictions. Many employers have let workers work from home this week or for the first few days. And many people believe that's the reason we haven't seen crushing gridlock yet.

But even when the three week time period is up, Seattle is still going to be dealing with traffic issue for many more years resulting from construction of a new convention center, which will force buses out of a transit tunnel and onto surface streets.

One thing the early experience of Viadoom shows is how malleable people's commuting behavior can be.

"I think that it’s an inspiring situation that’s having .. more people be interested in biking and walking and taking transit and seeing that as a viable and enjoyable option," said Gleason.

Correction: The original post incorrectly identified who said biking in January was "a pretty heavy lift." It was City Council Member Mike O’Brien. 

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog USA

No, Washington Post, Driver’s Ed Isn’t The ‘Main Cause’ of Our Road Violence Crisis

A recent Washington Post article blamed bad driver's ed for America's dismal roadway safety stats — and gets a lot of facts wildly wrong.

August 14, 2025

Thursday’s Headlines Cross That Bridge

But you shouldn't have to if you're on foot. Plus, Amtrak's 2021 expansion plan faces grim prospects under President Trump.

August 14, 2025

Four Policies Progressives Are Backing for the Next Big Transportation Bill

Progressives are refusing to water down their ambitions in the face of a deeply divided Washington.

August 13, 2025

Wednesday’s Headlines on a Hot Tin Roof

We're talking about streetcars, but are really tired of "desire" puns.

August 13, 2025

Femmes + Thems Bike Offers a Safe Space For Chicagoans to Ride Together

Women, femme, nb, and trans Chicagoans are gathering together to enjoy life on two wheels.

August 12, 2025

Vital ‘Lifeline’ or Blatant Ripoff? Instacart Makes NYC Groceries 75% More Expensive

Instacart is arguing that its services are a lifeline to low income New Yorkers, but the app makes groceries 75 percent more expensive.

August 12, 2025
See all posts