The SR 519 EA comment period runs from Feb. 5 to March 7, 2008.
A major goal of the project is to increase mobility by helping to minimize freight and local traffic conflicts in the project corridor.
The SR 519 Phase 2 work will permanently close the surface street rail crossing at South Royal Brougham Way and Third Avenue South.
Wider sidewalks will make traveling safer for pedestrians crossing the South Atlantic Street intersection.
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South Atlantic Street off-ramp.
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South Royal Brougham Way channelization plan.
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An artist’s rendering of urban design features at South Royal Brougham Way.
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The 519 improvements will assist in keeping freight efficiently moving in the South of Downtown (SODO) area during south end viaduct construction.
Mud rotary trucks were used to perform geotechnical borings in the corridor.
January 2008
In this issue:
Project Update
Since the June 2007 environmental scoping meeting, the SR 519 project team has been busy refining the Phase 2 design, and incorporating stakeholder comments into the environmental assessment. During this time, the team has also decided on a design-build construction method and has brought on a new project manager, Roland Benito. The SR 519 project is advancing steadily and the project team is moving forward with plans to select a contractor to construct the project.
February 2008 Environmental Assessment Public Hearing
The June scoping process gathered a number of good comments and the team will present their findings at the environmental assessment (EA) public hearing on Feb. 20, 2008 between 4 to 7 p.m. at the Sound Transit Boardroom in Union Station. We invite you to attend the meeting, learn more about the project and give us your feedback on the EA. Look for more information about the EA hearing on our Web site in early February.
The EA will be released to the public and made available on the project Web site on Feb. 5, 2008. The SR 519 EA comment period runs from Feb. 5 to March 7, 2008. You can email comments to SR519@wsdot.wa.gov. Comments must be postmarked or received by March 7, 2008 to ensure inclusion in the formal record.
Project Overview
What is the Atlantic Corridor design?
The Atlantic Corridor design calls for connecting westbound traffic from I-5 and I-90 to the current South Atlantic Street overpass. South Atlantic Street’s (Edgar Martinez Way) current eastbound lanes will remain in service. Improvements at the intersections of First Avenue South and South Atlantic Street and Occidental Avenue South and South Atlantic Street will be made. Additionally, a grade-separated crossing at South Royal Brougham Way will be built which will eliminate vehicle, freight and pedestrian conflicts with trains at South Royal Brougham Way and Third Avenue South.
SR 519 Project Benefits
Currently, there is a gap between the I-5/I-90 interstate system and destinations along the Seattle Waterfront, including the Port of Seattle and Colman Dock. Westbound travel is particularly hampered in this area as nearly half of the westbound interstate travel is destined for the waterfront and is constrained by the BNSF mainline. Phase 2 of the SR 519 project will address this and a number of other issues of concern in the corridor. Below are a number of mobility and safety benefits that will be realized in the corridor upon completion of construction.
- SR 519 Corridor Use Changes
The uses of the project corridor are changing due to the multitude and variety of travelers frequenting the area. Conflicts between regional long distance travel and shorter pedestrian, non-motorized and local trips are occurring. The SR 519 project will define the “regional” corridor as SR 519 South Atlantic Street and the “local” corridor as South Royal Brougham Way. Both of these corridors will provide grade-separated access across the BNSF mainline.
- Safety
Safety will be improved by eliminating conflicts between pedestrians, bikes and autos from the BNSF mainline by constructing a grade-separation at South Royal Brougham Way and Third Avenue South. In addition, freeway safety will be improved by spreading in-bound travel to two locations (Fourth Avenue South and South Atlantic Street). The improved dispersal of vehicles in the corridor will result in reduced queues on the higher speed freeway system.
- Fourth Avenue South and South Royal Brougham Way Improvements
Queues are also expected to be reduced at the intersection of Fourth Avenue South and South Royal Brougham Way – which will help reduce collisions in the intersection. Phase 2 construction at this location will reduce the number of vehicles that need to go through the intersection, allowing the intersection to be reduced in footprint to accommodate more room for pedestrians.
Mobility and Urban Design Progress
Throughout the creation of the Atlantic Corridor design, the project team has worked closely with project stakeholders to ensure the Phase 2 design best fits the needs of the evolving corridor. Since the June environmental scoping meeting, the project team has continued gathering stakeholder comments on roadway, sidewalk and bike lane design. By incorporating these ideas into the overall design, the project engineers have been able to create a more comprehensive SR 519 roadway system. The team has also been incorporating urban design elements that compliment the aesthetic feel of the area, including those suggested by the Seattle Design Commission. Below, by project area, is: 1) a description of new mobility design refinements; and 2) urban design elements to be integrated.
- First Avenue South and South Atlantic Street Intersection
In order to aid the flow of traffic at the First Avenue South and South Atlantic Street intersection, eastbound South Atlantic Street has been widened and will accommodate a double left-hand turn from southbound First Avenue South. Design is currently underway. As for urban design, some new pedestrian illumination will be added to aid in urban design aesthetics of the intersection. Additionally, the southern sidewalk on South Atlantic Street between First Avenue South and Occidental Avenue South will be widened to 12 feet.
- Westbound Off-Ramp From I-90/I-5
The westbound off-ramp’s mobility design has not changed significantly since the June scoping meeting. However, urban design features have been added, including ramp railings which will blend with the existing Atlantic street railings.
- South Royal Brougham Way Grade Separation
In order to make the South Royal Brougham Way grade separation safer for multi-modal users, bike lanes have been added in each direction along the grade separation, and along the Third Avenue South approach ramps. Pedestrian access has been improved by design of a pedestrian path along the southern side of South Royal Brougham Way.
Additionally, improvements to the interior of the loop ramp section of South Royal Brougham Way have been explored, with the intent of creating a pedestrian plaza. The western side of the pedestrian path will include stairs and a public elevator.
What are the Project Costs and Funding Sources?
We estimate the total project cost to be $74.4 million. Thus far, there is $62.4 million in-hand for the project. WSDOT is currently securing the remaining $12 million through local and state contributions.
What is the Project’s Schedule?
For the SR 519 Phase 2 project, WSDOT is planning to employ a design-build project delivery method for its 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 or early 2011. By pursuing a design-build model, the project would be delivered faster than with a traditional design-bid-build model. By completing the project earlier, it would improve mobility during south end viaduct construction. The Request for Qualifications (RFQ) is planned to be released at the end of February 2008 and the Request for Proposals (RFP) is planned to be released at the end of May 2008.
WSDOT is managing the SR 519 project and Alaskan Way Viaduct and Seawall Replacement Program within the same office so that construction and design issues can be closely coordinated. Ensuring quality during the construction process is important to WSDOT and the project team will be heavily involved in ensuring the project will be delivered on time and on budget. Throughout the design-build process, WSDOT will meet regularly with stakeholders to discuss the project and our progress.
Geotechnical Drilling
In October and November, crews working for WSDOT drilled test holes in South Royal Brougham Way, Third Avenue South and King County Metro's Ryerson Base. The soil samples were taken to provide the project team with vital geotechnical information needed to complete the design. The work was done with a truck-mounted drill rig, which bored between 50 and 100 feet into the ground. The work was completed on time and the technical team is currently evaluating the results.
Additional geotechnical borings have been scheduled for February. We will again notify adjacent organizations. You can also find visit the Web site for geotechnical work updates.