Date:  Monday, October 26, 2009

Contact:
KaDeena Lenz, Alaskan Way Viaduct and Seawall Replacement Program, 206-267-3836 (Seattle), 206-795-1876 (cell)
Kristy Van Ness, Alaskan Way Viaduct and Seawall Replacement Program, 206-382-6361 (Seattle), 206-300-4312 (cell)

SEATTLE – WSDOT issued an advertisement for bids on Oct. 26 to replace the southern mile of the seismically vulnerable Alaskan Way Viaduct. The construction contract is expected to cost more than $200 million and sustain an estimated 1,017 jobs.

In addition to replacing nearly half of the Alaskan Way Viaduct, this project will improve nearby surface streets, sidewalks and bicycle routes. A new undercrossing at S. Atlantic Street will allow vehicles and freight to bypass frequent rail traffic west of the stadiums.

“After many years of analysis and debate, we know the risk of the loss of the corridor is great,” said Paula Hammond, Washington Transportation Secretary. “That is why this contract is so significant. We are replacing a mile of the seismically vulnerable Alaskan Way Viaduct structure and improving one of the state’s most heavily traveled freight and vehicle corridors.”

Set to break ground in March 2010, the project will replace the viaduct between S. Holgate and S. King streets with a new side-by-side roadway that has wider lanes, meets current earthquake standards and improves mobility for people and goods in the south of downtown area.

The project was designed to connect to any future replacement of the remaining viaduct along the waterfront, including the proposed bored tunnel. This new section of SR 99 will connect to the remaining viaduct near S. King Street, until that section is replaced. Doing so will allow SR 99 to remain open to traffic throughout construction.

Next year, state and local agencies will complete several nearby road improvements designed to bolster the transportation system and handle additional traffic during construction. King County will also begin more than $30 million of additional bus service during the next three years to ease construction-related congestion. 

For more information on the Alaskan Way Viaduct and Seawall Replacement Program, please visit http://www.alaskanwayviaduct.org/.

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