February 2010
Program information:
- In January WSDOT released an updated cost estimate and tolling study (pdf 2.4 Mb) for the Alaskan Way Viaduct replacement. This report, requested by the Legislature, shows that the cost estimate to replace the viaduct remains within its $3.1 billion budget, and that it is feasible to generate $400 million in toll funding for the replacement.
- Recent value engineering efforts have led us to evaluate new north and south portal locations and a new alignment for the proposed SR 99 bored tunnel. More information is available on the project page.
- Presentations and handouts for our north portal and south portal working groups are available under meeting materials.
- Learn more about current construction for the viaduct replacement.
Contracting opportunities:
- WSDOT is seeking bids for stage 2 of the S. Holgate Street to S. King Street viaduct replacement. Visit contracting for more information.
- On Dec. 18 we announced the design-build teams that are qualified to submit proposals for the SR 99 bored tunnel project. The list of companies for the four teams is available on the design-build project page.
Traffic alerts:
Overview
The Alaskan Way Viaduct replacement is a program that includes components led by WSDOT, King County and the City of Seattle. WSDOT is responsible for replacing the double-deck bridge structure, which is part of State Route 99.
S. Holgate Street to S. King Street (aka south end) viaduct replacement
We will replace the viaduct's south end, between S. Holgate and S. King streets, with a new side-by-side roadway that has wider lanes, meets current earthquake standards and improves mobility for people and goods in the south of downtown area.
The environmental assessment for this project was released in June 2008, and the Finding of No Significant Impact was signed by the Federal Highway Administration in February 2009.
S. King Street to Battery Street (aka central waterfront) viaduct replacement
For the central waterfront section, between S. King Street and the Battery Street Tunnel, there is an ongoing environmental process that is reviewing three alternatives – a bored tunnel, cut-and-cover tunnel and an elevated structure. The bored tunnel alternative, recommended by the Governor, King County Executive, Seattle Mayor and Port of Seattle CEO in January 2009, would move SR 99 into a bored tunnel beneath downtown, reconnect the street grid at the ends of the tunnel and remove the viaduct along the waterfront.
A second Supplemental Draft Environmental Impact Statement, which analyzes the bored tunnel alternative and builds upon the previous review of the other alternatives, will be published for public review in fall 2010.
Other program improvements
As we prepare to replace the viaduct, we are moving forward with other safety and mobility projects in the corridor. These include:
Along with the bored tunnel recommendation, the County and City envision other improvements as part of the viaduct replacement program. The City would build a new roadway (funded by the State) and new public open space along the waterfront once the viaduct is removed, improve other city streets and replace the central waterfront seawall, and the County would seek new funding sources to invest in expanded transit service. The City and County are responsible for managing these projects, including their environmental review.
Why is WSDOT
pursuing this program?
The Alaskan Way Viaduct plays a major role in sustaining our economy and maintaining our citizens' ability to travel to and through Seattle. However, the viaduct, along with the seawall, is at risk of failure from earthquakes (with unacceptable risk to lives as well as property) and irreversible loss of use from age and deterioration. The structure must be replaced.
View a simulation (YouTube) of what could happen to the viaduct if a strong earthquake were to shake the Puget Sound region (or watch non-YouTube version - requires Windows Media Player).
We continue to monitor and inspect the viaduct as we move forward with its replacement. In 2010 we will install a system designed to automatically close the structure in the event of a moderate to severe earthquake.
Our Partners
This program is led by the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) in partnership with the Federal Highway Administration, King County, the City of Seattle and the Port of Seattle.
The End Result
The end result for this program will be the replacement of the viaduct and the central waterfront seawall.
Project Benefits
- Safety. We will create safe, seismically sound replacement structures for the viaduct and seawall.
- Traffic. Improvements to SR 99, city streets and transit would provide capacity in the transportation system for today and the future and improve access and mobility to and through downtown Seattle.
What is the project timeline?
We completed our first project - column safety repairs - in 2008, and crews moved electrical lines off of the south end of the viaduct in 2009.
Road and bridge construction to replace the viaduct's south end will begin this year. Construction on the replacement of the viaduct's central waterfront section is expected to begin in 2011. Visit the program timeline for more information.
Financial Information
The information below reflects program funding from the State of Washington. Other funding sources (pdf 393 kb) include the City of Seattle, King County, and the Port of Seattle.
- 2005 Gas Tax (Partnership Funding) - $1.6 billion
- 2003 Gas Tax (Nickel Funding) - $253.1 million
- Other State Funds - $247.4 million
- Federal Earmark Funds - $341.8 million
- Toll Funding - $400 million
- Local Funding - $6.5 million
Total state funding available - $2.8 billion
How can I get more information?
Contact:
KaDeena Lenz, Communications Officer
WSDOT
999 Third Ave., Suite 2424
Seattle, WA 98104
Phone: 206-267-3836
Email: viaduct@wsdot.wa.gov
Program Hotline: 1 - 888 - A W V - LINE (298-5463)
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