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Project overview
Project history
Budget and design-build contract
Construction
SR 519 Project and the Alaskan Way Viaduct
What is SR 519?
SR 519 is the east-west corridor that connects I-5 and I-90 to the SODO neighborhood, the Port of Seattle and the Seattle waterfront. Currently, the corridor includes both S. Atlantic Street/Edgar Martinez Drive S. and S. Royal Brougham Way. When the project is complete the SR 519 will include just S. Atlantic Street/Edgar Martinez Drive S., while S. Royal Brougham Way will be turned over to the city of Seattle and serve as a local street.
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Why are we improving SR 519?
Whether you work, live or play or haul freight south of downtown, you know that something needs to be done to smooth traffic flow and improve pedestrian and traffic safety in this heavily traveled area. back to top
What is WSDOT building?
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 S. Atlantic Street overpass – current S. Atlantic Street eastbound lanes will remain. Crews also will improve traffic flow at the intersection of First Avenue S. and S. Atlantic Street by adding turn and travel lanes. Also, crews will build a vehicle, bike and pedestrian bridge will be built on S. 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 sports teams, 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 since 2004 when the Atlantic Street overpass and ramps were 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 S. Royal Brougham Way due to train crossing, and limiting access from Fourth Avenue S. to the Qwest Field Event Center Garage.
- Access to and from the waterfront 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.back to top
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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 $84.35 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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What are you doing to get the project done faster?
We are using the design-build contracting method for this project to complete the project faster than with a traditional design-bid-build model. As a result, we expect to open the new bridge and ramp in spring 2010, before major traffic revisions begin for the south end viaduct replacement project.began work in November 2008. back to top
What is a design-build contract and how does it result in a shorter schedule?
In a design-build construction method, WSDOT awards a contract to a construction/design team based on cost and technical qualifications. The selected contractor, Kiewit Pacific Co. is responsible for completing the design and constructing the project. Kiewit earned the contract by submitting the best value proposal of the three pre-qualified bidders. WSDOT, along with the City of Seattle, determined the best value proposal using a formula that combines bid price and design requirements. For this project, special consideration was given to the construction schedule, coordination with nearby businesses and residents, and context-sensitive design.
Kiewit was able to increase its technical score by submitting a construction plan that shaves off about a year of the original schedule determined by project engineers. While they were about $2 million above the lowest bidder, the project will be completed in 40 percent less time for only 3 percent in additional cost.
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What is the construction schedule?
Crews began construction at the First Avenue S. and S. Atlantic Street intersection in October 2008. Crews completed the intersection widening in early April 2009. Once work at the intersection was done, crews shifted over to work on the new bridge over the railroad tracks on S. Royal Brougham Way and the new I-90 off-ramp to the S. Atlantic Street. We expect to open the Royal Brougham Way bridge and the I-90 off-ramp before the start of the 2010 Mariners season. The pedestrian portion of the Royal Brougham bridge and the pedestrian plaza are scheduled to open in June 2010.
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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:
- Providing timely closure and construction information to local businesses, freight haulers, partner agencies, commuters, event goers and sports fans.
- 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 is SR 519 related to the Alaskan Way Viaduct Program?
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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