WSDOT crews will close the Alaskan Way Viaduct on March 27 and 28 to complete the semiannual inspection of the structure. This closure will also allow WSDOT to perform routine maintenance such as repairing expansion joints and bridge rails; and checking drainage systems and traffic cameras. They will also inspect and conduct maintenance on the Battery Street Tunnel.

Both directions of SR 99 between the Battery Street Tunnel and S. Spokane Street will be closed from:

6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, March 27.
6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, March 28.

Drivers should expect increased congestion on all major north-south routes and plan accordingly. They recommend leaving early, carpooling, vanpooling or taking transit. Drivers can check traffic conditions before they leave at www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic. Up-to-the-minute traffic information is also available via the 511 driver information line.

WSDOT is coordinating closely with other construction projects in the area to help keep traffic moving during the viaduct inspection closure. For example, during the inspection weekend, the eastbound S. Spokane Street off-ramp to First Avenue S., along with northbound First Avenue S., will temporarily re-open to two lanes. This area has been restricted to one lane as crews working for the Seattle Department of Transportation widen the S. Spokane Street Viaduct. Additionally, Fourth Avenue will reopen to three travel lanes through downtown.

The public tours of the viaduct, scheduled for the morning of March 27, are full. Future public tours, meetings and other events will be announced.

New group led by Governor will provide oversight for Alaskan Way Viaduct program
Governor Gregoire recently announced the formation of an oversight committee to review the projects to replace the Alaskan Way Viaduct, including the proposed bored tunnel, and serve as a single point of accountability for cost, schedule and scope issues. The committee will receive updates from state, city and county departments of transportation, as well as Port of Seattle staff, on delivery of the projects, including major milestones, contracting approach, risk management and expenditures.

The bored tunnel recommendation for replacing the viaduct, which has been endorsed by the Washington State Legislature, Seattle City Council and Port of Seattle Commission, includes a bored tunnel beneath downtown Seattle, city street and waterfront improvements led by the City, and expanded transit service managed by King County.

Oversight committee meetings will be held quarterly, beginning this spring, and information provided to the committee will be made available to the public to ensure public accountability and transparency. The members of the committee include Governor Christine Gregoire, Sen. Mary Margaret Haugen, Rep. Judy Clibborn, Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn, Seattle Councilmember Tom Rasmussen, King County Executive Dow Constantine, King County Councilmember Larry Phillips, Port of Seattle Commissioner Bill Bryant, and Port of Seattle CEO Tay Yoshitani.

SR 519 bridge and ramp opening just around the corner
The long wait for trains at crossings on S. Royal Brougham Way near Fourth Avenue S. will soon be just a memory.

On Monday, April 12, WSDOT will open the S. Royal Brougham Way Bridge, which spans the railroad tracks just west of Fourth Avenue S. It will provide a faster and safer crossing for vehicles, bicyclists and pedestrians traveling through SODO or heading to an event at the stadiums.

Two to three weeks later, in late April or early May, crews will open the new I-5/I-90 off-ramp to the S. Atlantic Street overpass. The ramp will help move people and goods through the neighborhood by providing a direct connection between the freeways and the Port of Seattle, stadiums, state ferries and other waterfront attractions.

The new bridge and ramp are the signature elements of the SR 519 Intermodal Access Project. The project is managed and partially funded by the Alaskan Way Viaduct and Seawall Replacement Program. We are pleased to report that we are on budget and will finish work up to two years earlier than our original estimate. This early completion of the bridge and off-ramp is a key element in our comprehensive plan to keep traffic moving once major road construction to replace the viaduct starts this summer.

You can see the new S. Royal Brougham Way bridge and I-90 off-ramp taking shape in the SR 519 photo collection on the WSDOT flickr site.
www.alaskanwayviaduct.org.

Ever wonder what the underside of downtown Seattle looks like? Watch a new simulation in the YouTube video above that shows the bored tunnel’s proposed route and its proximity to other underground structures.

Know before you go
WSDOT has a new Web page that describes how projects in downtown Seattle are affecting vehicle and pedestrian traffic. It covers projects on SR 99, including the Alaskan Way Viaduct replacement; SR 519 and city streets through downtown and SODO.