WSDOT Projects

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Project Facts

• The new overpass between Occidental Avenue South and I-90 takes trucks, cars and pedestrians over the railroad tracks near Safeco Field and connects travelers to I-5 and I-90.
  
  
•  Work started in November 2008 on phase 2 of the SR 519 project. 
• We are closely coordinating with the Alaskan Way Viaduct and Seawall Replacement Project.

WSDOT is improving connections for traffic heading to the Port of Seattle terminals, Colman Dock ferry terminal, central waterfront area and sports stadiums and destinations in Seattle's SODO neighborhood. SR 519 improvements will separate car, freight, pedestrian and rail traffic to help improve mobility, pedestrian safety and reduce the risk of collisions.

Why is WSDOT making improvements to State Route 519?
SR 519 in Seattle, known to most people as South Atlantic Street (Edgar Martinez Way), is an important thoroughfare for cars, trucks and pedestrians in Seattle's SODO district. In fall 2003, WSDOT opened the Atlantic Street on-ramp to I-5 and I-90. This on-ramp separates road and railway traffic and improves access from the Port of Seattle and Seattle Ferry Terminal to I-5 and I-90.

Now WSDOT and our project partners are starting to build the second phase of SR 519 improvements. These next improvements are necessary to eliminate the remaining safety issues related to surface-level rail crossings. The improvements will provide safe and efficient waterfront access for both freight and general traffic.

The End Result
In 2003, WSDOT opened the new Atlantic Street on-ramps to I-5 and I-90 and the Atlantic Street overpass. Upon opening, freight, ferry and event traffic saw immediate improvement in their connections to the Port of Seattle, waterfront and stadium areas.

In 2006 WSDOT, the City of Seattle, and the Port of Seattle agreed on a plan for the second and final phase of  construction.  In this phase crews will:

• Build a westbound off-ramp from I-90 and I-5 that connects to the existing S. Atlantic Street overpass.
• Build a bridge for vehicles, pedestrians and bicyclists along S. Royal Brougham Way.
• Widen and pave the intersection of S. Atlantic Street and First Avenue S. to add turn lanes and wider sidewalks.
  

Project Benefits

• Commuters: Those who wish to avoid train traffic can now use the Atlantic Street overpass to cross over trains and avoid delays. The remaining SR 519 improvements are intended to provide additional traffic capacity and further eliminate the delays and traffic safety issues related to the surface-level rail crossing on South Royal Brougham Way.

• Pedestrians: South Atlantic Street now has wide walking corridors and easy access sidewalks. The remaining SR 519 improvements are intended to ultimately eliminate the pedestrian safety issues related to the surface-level rail crossing on South Royal Brougham Way. WSDOT will accomplish this by adding a bridge.

• Port of Seattle: By reducing railroad and freight conflicts, the Port of Seattle will be able to move product quicker from the Port to market.

What is the project timeline?
Spring 2004 - Phase 1 opens to vehicles.

Summer 2006 - WSDOT works with the signatories and other interested groups to develop the next phase of project improvements. The intent of this additional work is to enhance access for freight and waterfront traffic, as well as improve pedestrian safety across the railroad tracks crossing South Royal Brougham Way. Phase 2 will also improve access between I-90 and First Avenue South, and improve traffic flow in the area. The Nickel Funding Package helps fund the second phase of this project.

Fall 2006 – WSDOT, City of Seattle and Port of Seattle share results of the 30-day review with the signatories, elected officials and interested parties. The tri-agency team holds a meeting with the interested parties to announce the unanimous agreement to move forward with the Atlantic Corridor option.

Winter 2007 – WSDOT begins advancing design and environmental work on the Atlantic Corridor option. The team continues to share the results of their efforts with agencies, elected officials and interested parties.

Summer 2007 – WSDOT holds agency and public scoping meetings for the SR 519 Intermodal Access Project Environmental Assessment (EA).

Fall 2007 – The environmental team analyzes the feedback it received at the agency and public scoping meetings and prepares discipline reports for the new EA.

Winter 2008 – WSDOT plans to employ a design-build project delivery method for construction. Design-build is a method whereby WSDOT engages in a single contract with one entity (the Design-Builder) for design and construction services to provide a finished product. By using this method, the likely completion date is late 2010. By pursuing a design-build model, the project would be delivered faster than with a traditional design-bid-build model.

In late February, the project team releases the Request for Qualifications and, on March 14, holds a Voluntary Submitters Meeting to discuss the Atlantic Corridor project. 

Spring 2008 – The SR 519 EA is released in early February 2008, and the Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) is released in late April 2008. On May 6, WSDOT accomplishes a key pre-construction milestone: shortlisting three contractors to submit design-build proposals for Phase 2. The three contractors are Guy F. Atkinson Construction LLC, Parsons/Kuney A Joint Venture and Kiewit Pacific Co. On May 30, WSDOT continues its advance by releasing the Request for Proposals.

Fall 2008 - The three contractors submitted proposals on Aug 18. WSDOT evaluated the proposals and awarded the contract to Kiewit Pacific Co. on Sept 26. Kiewit broke ground in November and plans to complete the project by June 2010.

Public Involvement
Your thoughts and opinions are important to us. We have met many times with community and other interest groups to provide updates on the project and seek feedback. We will continue to involve the public as we continue to develop the design and begin construction.

Environmental Protection
We are working to develop a design that blends with the existing environment, considers aesthetics and allows for multi-modal transportation, including pedestrian and bicycle access.
Please visit the WSDOT Environmental Services Web site for more information.

Increasing safety is one of our priorities

In addition to saving time for users, the separation of trains, drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians will improve safety in the stadium area.

Will this project impact tribal resources?
We have involved the tribes during the environmental process.

To learn more about Section 106 Tribal Consultation (also called government-to-government tribal consultation process), please visit WSDOT's Tribal Liaison page, where you'll find links to the WSDOT Centennial Accord Plan and WSDOT's Tribal Consultation Policy (Adopted by the Transportation Commission on Feb. 19, 2003).

Financial Information

This project is funded through the following fund sources:

Phase 1

• State Preexisting Funds and Freight Mobility Strategic Investment Board (FMSIB) Funds - $30.9 million
• Federal Highway Administration - $54.6 million
• Other Funds - $23.8 million
  These funds were provided by the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad City of Seattle, Port of Seattle, King County, Federal Transit Authority, Public Facilities District and others.
• Total funding from all sources - $109.3 million

Phase 2 -

• State Transportation 2003 Account (Nickel Funding) - $72.9 million
• State Freight Mobility Funds - $4.6 million
• Federal Highway Administration - $0.85 million
• Port of Seattle - $5.5 million
• Other Funds - $500,000
• Total funding from all sources - $84.35 million

The total funding for Phase 1 and Phase 2 is approximately $193.65 million.

How can I get more information?
Contact:
SR 519 Project Engineer David Sowers
WSDOT Project Design Office
999 Third Ave., Suite 2424
Seattle, WA 98104
Phone: 206-267-3820

WSDOT Communications, Greg Phipps
401 Second Ave. S.
Seattle, WA 98104
Phone: 206-464-1265

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