Highway 99 Tunnel in Seattle Will Open to Traffic This Fall, The State and Contractors Say

Seattle Times | Mike Lindblom | January 11

https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/highway-99-tunnel-in-seattle-will-open-to-traffic-this-fall-the-state-and-contractors-say/

“The Highway 99 tunnel could be ready for Seattle traffic by fall, according to a schedule update by contractors and the state. The builders’ forecast of Oct. 25 to finish construction and testing has been accelerated to Aug. 14, on a new Seattle Tunnel Partners (STP) schedule chart released Wednesday by the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT). However, the state needs an additional three to five weeks to connect ramps at the Sodo and South Lake Union entrances, resulting in a prospective fall grand opening for the $2.2 billion tunnel. Assuming an August finish, the WSDOT hasn’t yet determined how soon it will take over and start the ramps, said spokeswoman Laura Newborn.”

Univ. of Washington Opens Virtual and Augmented Reality Research Lab Funded by Tech Giants

GeekWire | Taylor Soper | January 8

https://www.geekwire.com/2018/univ-washington-opens-virtual-augmented-reality-research-lab-funded-tech-giants/

“Seattle’s virtual and augmented reality scene just got a boost, courtesy of the University of Washington and three tech giants. The UW announced today a new VR and AR research hub called UW Reality Lab, funded by Facebook, Google, and Huawei, which each contributed $2 million for the initiative. The center, located at the Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering, will serve home to a state-of-the-art lab that supports related research and education initiatives. The UW says it is “one of the world’s first academic centers dedicated to virtual and augmented reality.” ”

Lawmaker Wants to Study Olympia-Seattle Ferry Option

KING 5 | Ted Land | January 7

http://www.king5.com/article/news/local/lawmaker-wants-to-study-olympia-seattle-ferry-option/281-505884545

“A state lawmaker thinks Washington should look into starting a new ferry line between Olympia and Seattle as a way to avoid traffic jams on I-5. State Sen. Sam Hunt, an Olympia Democrat, proposes Washington study the feasibility and potential costs of the route. Hunt pre-filed a bill which would direct the state to dig into the idea of a passenger-only route, which could be fast-service or slow-service. Hunt’s office says a ferry could use existing docks at the Port of Olympia and could include stops in Steilacoom and Point Defiance, among other cities.”

Bainbridge, Bremerton Ferry Schedules to Shift for Colman Dock Renovation in Seattle

Seattle Times | David Gutman | January 6

https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/bainbridge-bremerton-ferry-schedules-to-shift-for-colman-dock-renovation-in-seattle/

“Beginning Sunday, Washington State Ferries will shift its schedules for sailings to and from Bainbridge Island and Bremerton, as it prepares to operate during a half-decade of renovations at its dock in Seattle. About 16 weekday sailings between Seattle and Bainbridge will shift, with afternoon and evening departure times generally moving back by five to 15 minutes. About 10 sailing times between Seattle and Bremerton will shift, with afternoon and evening departure times generally moving ahead by five to 15 minutes. The changes, which will last until 2023, are being made to accommodate the six-year, $350 million renovation of Seattle’s Colman Dock.”