The Alaskan Way Viaduct and Seawall are old, deteriorating facilities, at risk of failure in the event of a strong earthquake. We know this and we are preparing. While not all scenarios can be anticipated, the brochure below outlines basic strategies contained in the Emergency Closure Plan. The Washington State Department of Transportation and Seattle Department of Transportation's immediate priorities will be the protection of lives and speedy restoration of our transportation system.
In the event of a sizable earthquake and its aftershocks, drastic actions will be necessary to respond and restore services. Priority will be given to moving emergency response personnel through the city. Traffic will be re-directed away from downtown Seattle. Key bridges and structures will be inspected. Temporary detours will be put in place and emergency public information systems will be activated.
In the days and weeks after an earthquake, the real difference will be made by Seattle travelers' decisions to change routes, limit travel and alter travel modes. This will determine how well people and goods move during a closure. |
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Read the Emergency Closure Plan:
Emergency Traffic Management and Closure Plan Overview (pdf 427 kb)
Emergency Closure Plan Strategy (pdf 346 kb)
Emergency Closure Plan Presentation (pdf 508 kb)
Emergency Closure Plan - City of Seattle