WSDOT press release:

Drivers should plan for delays on southbound State Route 99 through downtown Seattle the next two weekends. Crews working for WSDOT will reduce SR 99 to one lane near the stadiums and close the southbound off-ramp to South Atlantic Street.

During the closures crews will drive more than 50 pilings to support construction of the new South Atlantic Street overpass.

“The pile-driving work will happen in a tight space just a few feet from the right lane of SR 99 and the off-ramp,” said Alaskan Way Viaduct Replacement Program Deputy Administrator Matt Preedy. “These closures keep drivers and crews safe while getting the work done each weekend.”

Lane and ramp closures

Dec. 14-17 weekend

Crews will close the right lane of southbound SR 99 between Columbia Street and South Royal Brougham Way and the southbound SR 99 off-ramp to South Atlantic Street from 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 14, to 5 a.m. Monday, Dec. 17.

Dec. 21-24 weekend

Crews will close the right lane of southbound SR 99 between Columbia Street and South Royal Brougham Way and the southbound off-ramp to South Atlantic Street from 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 21, to 5 a.m. Monday, Dec. 24.

Crews will reopen all lanes of SR 99 and the South Atlantic Street off-ramp two hours prior to the Sunday, Dec. 23, Seahawks game at CenturyLink Field. The ramp and southbound lane will close again an hour after kickoff, and reopen by 5 a.m. Monday, Dec. 24

Drivers should plan for increased congestion in and near downtown Seattle. WSDOT recommends leaving early, carpooling 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 voice-activated, 511 driver information line.

The South Atlantic Street overpass is part of the Alaskan Way Viaduct Replacement Program. Construction on the overpass started last summer and is scheduled for completion by the end of 2013. The overpass will improve mobility by allowing freight haulers and commuters to bypass the rail crossing near the entrance to the Port of Seattle’s Terminal 46.