This project is part of the Alaskan Way Viaduct Replacement Program. For an overview of program construction, visit www.alaskanwayviaduct.org.
If you have questions, call our hotline at 1-888-AWV-LINE (298-5463).
Driver information: Downtown/SODO closures | Seattle area traffic | City street traffic
Last updated: Week of May 21, 2012
Traffic, ferry access changes to downtown Seattle waterfront
Crews clearing space for tunnel construction have rerouted six blocks of waterfront traffic (pdf 596 kb) from Alaskan Way to a newly improved road beneath the viaduct. The traffic switch – which will last through at least early 2014 – changes the way drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians travel along the waterfront south of Spring Street. It also affects ferry access and parking. Below are resources to help you understand these changes.
- Ferry access video (on YouTube or download WMV file) shows changes in access to the ferry terminal.
- Detail map (pdf 446 kb) shows new holding lanes and other changes at the terminal.
- To maintain bus access along the waterfront, the bus stop that serves routes 16 and 66 has been relocated to temporary bus islands in front of the ferry terminal. Permanent bus islands will be completed later this month.
- There is no change to how pedestrians and cyclists access the King County Water Taxi.
This is a significant change for users of Alaskan Way and Colman Dock. We will continue to monitor traffic and adjust signal timing, signage and striping as needed.
Reinforcing the viaduct
Tunnel crews are reinforcing a two-block section of the structure located above the route of the future SR 99 tunnel. This work is occurring between South Washington and Columbia streets, in Pioneer Square, where the tunnel boring machine will pass beneath the structure.
Earlier this spring crews sandblasted a half-century of dirt and grime from damaged areas. Next, they smoothed corners of the bridge supports to prepare the surface for the next step -- wrapping damaged sections of the viaduct’s concrete in a protective reinforcing fiber.
In addition to the reinforcing fiber wrap, we are building underground walls beneath the viaduct’s foundations to limit ground movement during tunneling. The tunnel boring machine will be about 80 feet underground when it passes beneath the viaduct (view our underground tunnel simulation on YouTube or download WMV file).
Boring machine launch pit
Crews have started building underground walls that will form the exterior of the tunnel launch pit – essentially a large hole where the boring machine will begin its journey underground. This work occurs west of the stadiums. Click the photo to view images on Flickr.