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Project Overview
Project History
Budget and Design-Build Schedule
Upcoming Construction
SR 519 Project and the Alaskan Way Viaduct
Why does SR 519 have so many names?
SR 519 is known by many names – State Route 519 (this is the designated name for it as a state route in Washington), South Atlantic Street (this was the street’s name east of First Avenue South prior to 2004) and Edgar Martinez Drive South (this is the street’s current name east of First Avenue South in honor of Seattle Mariners baseball player Edgar Martinez) – no matter what name you call it, it will be under going a facelift beginning in the fall of 2008.
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Why are we improving SR 519?
Whether you work, live or play near south of downtown, you know that something needs to be done to smooth traffic flow and improve pedestrian and traffic safety in the heavily traveled area. As part of the SR 519 Intermodal Access Project, crews will build improved connections for freight traveling to the Port of Seattle and ferry passengers traveling to the waterfront. Crews also plan to build a bridge to separate pedestrians and bicyclists from vehicles and trains, reducing the risk of collisions and delays. So whether you drive freight, tailgate to games, walk in the neighborhood, or need to catch the ferry, the SR 519 improvements should benefit your travel.
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What will WSDOT build?
WSDOT completed the first part of this project in 2003 after building a bridge and extending SR 519 to I-90 and I-5. Now we are back to complete the final phase. Crews will construct a new westbound exit ramp from I-90 and I-5 connecting to the existing South Atlantic Street overpass – current South Atlantic Street eastbound lanes will remain. Improvements, such as widening lanes, will occur at the intersection of First Avenue South and South Atlantic Street so vehicles can move with greater ease. Also, a car, bike and pedestrian bridge will be built on South Royal Brougham Way over the railroad tracks.
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Who are the partners and players involved in this project?
There are several partners who have been involved in designing this project. WSDOT, the City of Seattle and the Port of Seattle, in coordination with the freight community, SODO businesses and the local ballparks, worked together to develop the solution that best fits the area.
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What key safety and traffic elements were critical in the design?
The area around SR 519 has changed dramatically since 2004 when the first bridge was completed. When we designed the final solution for the second bridge, many essential safety and traffic elements were evaluated to make sure we were improving SR 519 for the future. We considered that:
- Amtrak is increasing the number of lines serving King Street Station, taking more room at South Royal Brougham Way due to train crossing, and limiting access from Fourth Avenue South to the Qwest Field Event Center Garage. This continued street blockage will require the eventual closure of South Royal Brougham Way.
- Access to and from the terminals to I-90 and I-5 and the rail yards has become increasingly important.
- The new Link Light Rail Stadium Station will increase pedestrian traffic, especially on game days, making improvements to pedestrian safety essential.
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Didn’t you just finish work in the SR 519 corridor area?
We opened the new overpass and on-ramps to I-5 and I-90 in 2003 and completed the project in 2004. The plan has always been to build the SR 519 improvement in two phases – we will be back this fall to begin building the second bridge to improve traffic flow and safety in the area.
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How much will the project cost? Who is paying for it?
The total project cost for Phase 2 is estimated to be $84.4 million. Project contributors include:
- State Transportation 2003 Account (Nickel Funding)
- State Freight Mobility Funds
- Federal Highway Administration
- Port of Seattle
- Public Facilities District
- Seattle Mariners
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When will the project start?
We expect crews to begin work in October 2008. We are using the design-build contracting method for this project in order to complete the project faster than with a traditional design-bid-build model. It is important to finish the project ahead of major traffic revisions on the south end viaduct replacement project.
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What is a design-build contract?
In a design-build construction method, WSDOT awards a contract to a construction/design team based on cost and technical qualifications. The selected contractor is responsible for completing the design and constructing the project.
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What will SR 519 crews work on first?
Crews will begin construction at the First Avenue South and South Atlantic Street intersection. Completing this section first is an important step to keeping people and goods moving during south end viaduct construction.
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Will it be safe for me to walk, bike and drive in this area during construction?
During construction, the SR 519 project area will be a safe place for people to walk, bicycle, and drive. The project team recognizes that in the future, the neighborhood will see more pedestrian and vehicle activity and the Atlantic Corridor design is planning for that future.
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What are you doing to help lessen the construction effects on SODO residents, businesses and visitors?
WSDOT is developing several strategies to help lessen SR 519 construction effects on the community, including:
- Meeting with multiple agencies and stakeholders to gather their concerns and ideas on how to keep people and freight moving during construction.
- Allowing the selected design and construction contractor to use best practices to lessen construction effects on the community.
- Allowing the contractor flexibility in scheduling and encouraging innovative ideas to get in, get the job done, and get out.
- Coordinating with other area construction projects.
- Taking event schedules and traffic patterns into consideration when determining lane closures and detours.
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How will SR 519 crews work with Alaskan Way Viaduct crews during construction?
WSDOT is managing the SR 519 project and Alaskan Way Viaduct and Seawall Replacement Program together to better coordinate construction timing, scheduling and design decisions. By completing the SR 519 project earlier, traffic will move with greater ease during south end viaduct construction.
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Will the proposed SR 519 improvements match future viaduct design solutions?
Yes, the SR 519 improvements will work with any solution that is selected for the viaduct’s central waterfront section.
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