The Alaskan Way Viaduct will close down in a matter of days, and some Seattle companies are making some unorthodox changes to help employees cope with the extra traffic stress.
Some people who work downtown, such as Gary Volynski, are confident they’ll be able to get to work on time, despite the prediction of clogged streets thanks to the viaduct closure.
“I think people will find just different ways to get into the city,” said Volynski, who takes the bus to his downtown Seattle shoe repair store. “It shouldn’t affect me at all.”
But other workers aren’t so confident.
“It’s probably going to add another 20 to 30 minutes to our drive in,” said contractor Chad Thomas. “Everett down to south Seattle, then pick up gear, then head back up. It’s a considerable change in time.”
Experts say commuters should consider leaving early or staying later to avoid the rush. Derek Wing with Pemco Insurance says he will make some changes to adjust to the closure.
“We are talking about adjusting start times and end times for the work day, working from home, coming in a little bit later in the day, maybe working from home in the morning,” Wing said.
With 90,000 vehicles — including city buses — finding alternative routes, companies are countering with alternative work hours. The owners of nine of the largest skyscrapers are extending hours and leaving services like air conditioning on longer so the 12,000 to 15,000 workers can adjust their hours.
“In this case we wanted to remove that barrier and make it easier for everyone to be able to stagger their hours and not worry about the cost. We are absorbing that cost,” said Pat Callahan, CEO of Urban Renaissance Group.
Maybe what’s needed is a mental adjustment. Pemco is offering employees yoga to settle the closure chaos.
“We can’t always control what’s physically happening in our bodies and in our world, but we can control what’s happening in our minds and practice controlling our breath,” said yoga instructor Valerie Holt.
The viaduct will close Friday morning at 12:01 a.m. and reopen in approximately two weeks.
From: Komo News