Press release:
Drivers and freight haulers headed to Seattle’s SODO neighborhood should expect to see a combination of transportation projects near the intersection of South Spokane Street and East Marginal Way South that will impact traffic and require detours.

The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT), Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) and the Port of Seattle urge drivers to map out routes in advance, allow extra time, and prepare for more congestion than usual.

SDOT, WSDOT and the Port of Seattle are coordinating to reduce traffic impacts. The three agencies reviewed the limited detour options in conjunction with planned special events, and have put together traffic plans, which include uniformed police officers at key intersections to keep traffic moving. See attached detour maps.

Timelines and information regarding the upcoming projects are as follows:

East Marginal Way Grade Separation – Beginning at 7 p.m. on June 3
This Port of Seattle project builds a bridge over the railroad tracks that cross East Marginal Way, separating cars and trucks from trains. It requires the closure of the intersection of lower Spokane Street and East Marginal Way through June 9 along with intermittent nighttime closures of eastbound lower Spokane between the East Duwamish Waterway and East Marginal Way.
Contact: Charla Skaggs, Port Communications, (206) 787-3235, skaggs.c@portseattle.org ,
Web site: http://www.portseattle.org/community/development/regionaltransport.shtml

East Marginal Way at Horton Bridge Rehabilitation – Beginning June 6
This SDOT project will replace the existing outdated bridge with a new asphalt roadway and begins with mobilization June 6th. First crews will build a bypass route adjacent to the construction area. Once the bypass detour route is in place and open to traffic, East Marginal Way between South Horton Street and South Hinds Street will be closed until approximately early September. The old structure will be demolished and the area will be filled to make way for the at-grade roadway.
Contact: Maribel Cruz, SDOT Communications, 206-684-7963, maribel.cruz@seattle.gov,
Web site: www.seattle.gov/transportation/bridge_rehab_marginal.htm

Spokane Viaduct Widening – Continuing until spring, 2012
This SDOT project expands the upper roadway 42 feet to the north and, among other things, builds a new First Avenue S on-/off-ramp (set to open the end of 2011). The project is more than halfway complete. Construction requires the ongoing closure of westbound South Spokane Street, until all work is finished next spring, as well as other closures in the area.
Contact: LeAnne Nelson, SDOT Communications, (206) 684-3897, leanne.nelson@seattle.gov,
Web site: www.seattle.gov/spokane

SR 99 S. Holgate to S. King Street Viaduct Replacement Project – On-going
For the next three weeks, drivers can expect closures on Alaskan Way South between South Hanford Street and South Royal Brougham Way from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m., Monday through Thursday nights. This closure will also be in place 7p.m., June 3 through 5a.m., June 6.

Friday, June 10 through Saturday, June 11, all lanes of SR 99 between the West Seattle Bridge and the Battery Street Tunnel will close. At 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 11, northbound SR 99 will reopen between South Royal Brougham Way and the Battery Street Tunnel. The remaining sections of SR 99 will remain closed until 5 a.m. Monday morning.
Contact: Travis Phelps, WSDOT Communications, (206) 462-0554, PhelpsT@wsdot.wa.gov,
Web site: www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/SR99/HolgateToKing/ConstructionTraffic

Check the Web for the latest information before leaving home.
SDOT’s Weekly Construction Update: http://www.seattle.gov/transportation/constructionlookahead.htm
Traveler’s Information: www.seattle.gov/travelers/