Changes are coming to the Alaskan Way Viaduct this weekend and consequently to the route Ballardites might take to get to the airport or West Seattle.

As part of the ongoing effort to replace the aging structure, WSDOT will close the Alaskan Way Viaduct starting at 11 p.m. on Friday, May 13, and reduce the number of lanes between the West Seattle Bridge and the Seattle stadiums from three to two in each direction.

SR 99 will remain a four-lane highway through SODO through 2013 and possibly longer, until the central waterfront portion of the viaduct is replaced.

During the closure WSDOT will conduct a second full-system test of the Automated Viaduct Closure System, which is expected to be fully operational by the end of May.

WSDOT has invested $125 million to help drivers avoid congestion in alternative routes, transit service and traveler information to prepare for this work.

“We ask drivers to plan ahead and make use of the investments we’ve made in transit, alternative routes, and traveler information to prepare for this construction.”  said Ron Paananen, WSDOT Administrator for the Alaskan Way Viaduct and Seawall Replacement Program

"WSDOT is delivering its commitment to keep SR 99 open during construction; however, lane closures have always been a key part of the plan. The lane reduction provides crews working for WSDOT with the space they need to continue construction of the new southbound lanes," according to WSDOT.

Approximately 87,000 vehicles use this stretch of SR 99 each day, with the heaviest volumes during the morning and afternoon commutes. If traffic volumes in the SODO area remain at current levels, drivers can expect increased congestion and delays on SR 99 during the morning and afternoon commutes. Spillover traffic could also affect alternate routes, including I-5, the West Seattle Bridge and city streets.

“Seattle drivers have pitched in during previous short-term WSDOT closures by using transit, carpooling and vanpooling, and working from home,” said Matt Preedy, WSDOT’s S. Holgate to S. King Street Viaduct Replacement Project Director. “We’re asking for a long-term commitment this time from those who are able to change their routine.”

Information to help drivers plan for the lane reduction and learn about commute alternatives is available at www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/SR99/HolgateToKing/ConstructionTraffic.

Upcoming schedule:

· Friday, May 13 through Saturday, May 14: 
All lanes of SR 99 between the West Seattle Bridge and the Battery Street Tunnel will close from 11 p.m., Friday to at least noon Saturday.
· Northbound SR 99 will reopen between S. Royal Brougham Way and the Battery Street Tunnel at noon Saturday, May 14, to accommodate Sounders fans
· The remaining sections of SR 99 between the West Seattle Bridge and the Batter Street Tunnel will reopen by 5 a.m. Monday.
· Lane reductions: May 16 through 2013