information from WSDOT
It's that time again. On Saturday, March 24, and Sunday, March 25, inspectors for the Washington State Department of Transportation will close State Route 99 through Seattle for a scheduled semiannual inspection.
The aging viaduct was damaged in the 2001 Nisqually earthquake and was repaired and strengthened (pdf 2.97 mb). These inspections occur twice yearly in March and October to make sure the viaduct remains safe for everyday driving.
Closure Details
6 a.m. until 6p.m. Saturday, March 24 and Sunday, March 25
- SR 99/Alaskan Way Viaduct through Seattle closes between South Spokane Street and the north end of the Battery Street Tunnel.
- Travelers will need to use alternate routes during the closure and should plan for possible delays in the area.
- Travelers can check the Seattle Department of Transportation's traveler information page for updated information on the closure as well as WSDOT's travel tools for information about traffic in the Puget Sound region.
SR 99 Tunnel progress
The new SR 99 tunnel will replace the viaduct and is expected to open this fall. At this point, it is too early to know if an October 2018 inspection closure of the viaduct will be necessary.
You can follow tunnel progress and learn more about the entire program to replace the aging viaduct online.
