Date:
Friday, October 06, 2006
Contact:
Joy Carpine, WSDOT Communications, (206) 464-1186
Emily Fishkin, Alaskan Way Viaduct & Seawall Replacement Project, (206) 267-6821
SEATTLE – WSDOT maintenance crews will close the Alaskan Way Viaduct for its semiannual inspections on October 14 and October 15. Crews will close both decks of the viaduct Saturday, October 14 from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, October 15 from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. from Spokane Street through the Battery Street Tunnel.
Drivers should expect increased congestion on all major north-south routes during the closure and plan accordingly. WSDOT recommends drivers leave early, carpool, vanpool or take transit. Drivers can check traffic conditions before they leave at www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic. Drivers can also get up-to-the minute traffic information on the road via the voice-activated driver information line, 511.
In addition to structural inspections, WSDOT and the City of Seattle have also coordinated preservation work during this closure to lessen the likelihood of other closures during the year. This will include:
- Searching for and removing loose concrete on the viaduct
- Repairing potholes, expansion joints and bridge rails
- Inspecting lighting, fire prevention and ventilation systems in the Battery Street Tunnel
- Conducting preventative maintenance and wall washing in the Battery Street Tunnel
- Surveying work for the Alaskan Way Viaduct and Seawall Replacement Project
WSDOT will release preliminary inspection results on Wednesday, October 18, 2006.
For more information, please go to www.wsdot.wa.gov/projects/viaduct.
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