Date:  Monday, March 22, 2010

Contact: Travis Phelps, Alaskan Way Viaduct and Seawall Replacement Program, 206-267-6004; 206-462-0554 (cell)
Kristy Van Ness, Alaskan Way Viaduct and Seawall Replacement Program, 206-382-6361; 206-300-4312 (cell)

SEATTLE –WSDOT maintenance crews will close the SR 99 Alaskan Way Viaduct for its semiannual inspection on March 27 and 28 to ensure the structure remains safe for drivers. Both decks of the viaduct will be closed between Spokane Street through the Battery Street Tunnel from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days.

Drivers should expect increased congestion on all major north-south routes during the closure and plan accordingly. WSDOT recommends leaving early, carpooling, vanpooling 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 driver information line, 511.

In addition to structural inspections, WSDOT and the City of Seattle will coordinate maintenance and preservation work during this closure. Work will include:

• Surveying the structure to check for settlement.
• Searching for and removing loose concrete.
• Repairing expansion joints and damaged bridge rails.
• Applying a protective covering to exposed rebar.
• Servicing drainage systems and traffic cameras.
• Washing the walls of the Battery Street Tunnel and inspecting its lighting and ventilation systems.
• Restriping the roadway.

WSDOT will release preliminary inspection results by Friday, April 2.

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

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