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New car restrictions on 3rd Avenue in downtown Seattle

Getting around downtown Seattle may become a bit more challenging for drivers starting today with new traffic restrictions now in place along 3rd Avenue.

Cars are now banned on 3rd from Stewart to just south of Yesler Way from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day.

Up until now, these restrictions were only enforced during the morning and afternoon rush hour.

City transportation officials hope the change will help speed up the bus flow with more construction downtown and more congestion on the streets.

King County Metro estimates buses pick up and drop off around 100,000 people on this route everyday.

Bus riders said this change is a good idea.

“I think there are other ways to get around,” said Christine LaSalle. “A little more inconvenient for cars but makes the buses a lot better.

There’s a lot of times when buses and cars are jockeying to get down to one lane but I feel there are other routes that car can take,” said Kirk Baruth who takes the bus on 3rd Avenue from downtown to Queen Anne daily.

Permitted commercial vehicles will be allowed to use 3rd Avenue from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and also from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m..

Cars can still cross 3rd Avenue going east to west.

According to SPD, drivers who don’t abide by the new restrictions could face a $136 ticket.

More changes are also expected next spring to speed up boarding along 3rd Avenue.

The city is adding Orca card readers to every bus stop on this route so passengers can pay their fares before even getting on the bus.