Date:
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Contact:
Tom Madden, WSDOT Engineering Manager, 206-802-3942
Greg Phipps, WSDOT Communications, 206-464-1265
SEATTLE – WSDOT wants fans heading to this weekend’s Mariners games to have a plan so they can make it to the first pitch on time. That’s because major bridge construction next to Safeco Field’s left field bleachers could slow down the trip to the ballpark.
More than 30,000 fans are expected for each game of the weekend series with the Boston Red Sox (games are at 7:10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 1:10 p.m. Sunday). Here’s what fans can expect:
- Heavy equipment and lane closures on Royal Brougham Way between Occidental Avenue S. and Fourth Avenue S. for construction of a new bridge over the railroad tracks. Crews will open Royal Brougham Way to one lane in each direction starting at least two hours before each game. However, fans should consider avoiding Royal Brougham Way between First Avenue S. and Fourth Avenue S. unless they plan to park in the Qwest Field Event Center Garage.
- The continued closure of Third Avenue S. between Royal Brougham Way and Edgar Martinez Drive S.
- Reduced street parking near Safeco Field due to the closure of Third Avenue S. and construction on First Avenue S. between Horton and Stacy streets.
- Reduced private parking due to Alaskan Way Viaduct construction activity on the west side of First Avenue S. between S. Atlantic and S. Dearborn streets.
Fans can plan ahead and take these steps to arrive on time and enjoy the game:
- Allow extra time. Try leaving early and enjoying lunch or dinner downtown or near Safeco Field.
- Carpool or use transit. Try parking downtown and taking the bus to the stadiums.
- Know before you go:
Twenty-five companies are working on the $84.35 million SR 519 Intermodal Access project, which helps support an estimated 425 jobs.
The project’s improvements will make the corridor safer for drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists, and move freight, daily commuters, sports fans and ferry travelers faster through the corridor.
The new bridge on S. Royal Brougham Way will eliminate vehicle and pedestrian delays caused by passing trains. Crews also will build new westbound off-ramp from I-90 and I-5 to the existing S. Atlantic Street overpass that will provide a direct westbound route from the freeways to the waterfront. The recently completed widening of the First Avenue S. and S. Atlantic Street/Edgar Martinez Drive S. is already helping traffic move through the SODO neighborhood. For more information visit www.wsdot.wa.gov/projects/sr519. Track construction progress with our SR 519 photo collection on flickr.
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WSDOT keeps people, businesses and the economy moving by operating and improving the state's transportation systems. To learn more about what we're doing, go to http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/newsfor pictures, videos, news and blogs. Real time traffic information is available at www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic or by dialing 5-1-1.
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