SR 99 - Alaskan Way Viaduct and Seawall Replacement

Quarterly Project Report Update for Quarter Ending June 2005

Project Title & Location

SR 99 - Alaskan Way Viaduct and Seawall Replacement Project - Environmental Impact Statement/Right of Way/Design

Project Description
The existing seismically vulnerable Alaskan Way Viaduct and Seawall are both at the end of their useful life and at risk of sudden and catastrophic failure in an earthquake. The cost to replace in-kind this seismically vulnerable structure is between $2.0 and $2.4 billion. (This figure does not include the cost of replacing the seawall or work north of Battery Street tunnel. Necessary to protect public safety and maintain the transportation corridor.

Contractor/Consultant
Parsons Brinckerhoff Quade & Douglas is the prime design consultant.

Recent Progress
The decision to develop a supplemental draft EIS was made this quarter to address construction traffic options and new scope through and north of the Battery St. Tunnel.  A value engineering study was conducted to evaluate a range of tunnel configurations with a goal of reducing construction time and costs.  Early design work continues on the tunnel and rebuild alternatives, with the expectation for both options to be brought to the 15% design level in the 05-07 biennium.   Two right of way parcels have been purchased and another is in negotiations.

Design Construction Impacts

The start of major construction is currently set for mid-2009.  This date is under evaluation to insure construction traffic impacts are considered across the other major regional projects including I-5, I-405, SR 520, I-90, the Monorail and Link Light Rail.

Environmental Impacts / Compliance

The environmental team has begun work on the supplemental draft EIS, and has continued to address comments received during the DEIS comment period.  Work has begun on developing a mitigation strategy for the FEIS.

Impacts to Traffic
During early preliminary engineering,  construction contract packages and staging will be studied, and traffic detour strategies will be investigated. 

Project Milestones Scheduled Attained Milestone Outlook
Start Project June 2001 June 2001 Nickel funding began July 1, 2003.
Draft Environmental Document Spring 2004  March 2004 Completed on time and on budget.
Right of Way (early) June 2005 Two of the three parcels have been acquired for the 2003-05 biennium to date.   The third parcel is on track for acquisition by June 2005.
 Determination of Preferred Alternative  Fall 2004  Dec. 2004

The preferred alternative decision was made December 6, 2004.

Record of Decision August 2007 The record of decision has now been delayed from mid 2006 to mid 2007 due to delays in selection of the preferred alternative. 
Project Cost Summary: Dollars in
millions
Percent
of Total

Planned vs. Actual Expenditures
(Total Project Cost)
Project Expenditure Chart

Preliminary Engineering 175.6 85.4%
Right-of-Way 30.0 14.6%
Construction 0.0 0.0%
Funded Project Costs 205.6 100.0%

Nickel funds included in above costs

177.0 86.1%

2005 Transportation Partnership Account

  For more information, go to www.wsdot.wa.gov/projects

Alec Williamson, WSDOT Project Engineer @ (206) 382-6366 Or E-mail: viaduct@wsdot.wa.gov