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The blue lines indicate routes on which
crews will install new traffic technology. |
To improve safety and keep cars, buses, goods and services moving during construction to replace the Alaskan Way Viaduct, WSDOT is expanding its use of traffic technology – known as
Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) – on SR 99 and major routes leading to SR 99. Tools such as electronic information signs and improved signal timing make our highways smarter and keep drivers better informed about what is on the road ahead.
Expanding technology and installing new traffic tools are key elements of WSDOT’s congestion relief program, Moving Washington, to make our roads more responsive to changing traffic conditions and more efficient at getting people and goods where they need to be on time.
Project area
As part of the SR 99 ITS project, crews will install new smarter highway traffic technology along the following routes (see map to the right):
- SR 99 (Aurora Avenue N.) from N. 145th Street to Ward Street.
- East Marginal Way S. from S. Lander Street to Ellis Avenue S.
- SR 509 from the First Ave S. Bridge to S. 112th Street.
- SR 599 from the First Ave S. Bridge to I-5.
ITS improvements
- New overhead electronic message signs to display traffic information, letting drivers know about backups and construction or maintenance closures, and travel times.
- New traffic cameras to allow drivers to check their commutes online or on the news and to give traffic engineers a bird’s eye view for pinpointing collisions and verifying current traffic conditions.
- Signal timing on SR 99 and cross streets. Improvements will allow longer green lights to let more traffic through during busy times.
Construction
Crews will begin construction in December 2009, and the ITS improvements will be operational by fall 2010.
Visit current work for a list of current construction activities for the viaduct replacement. The downtown Seattle construction closures page has weekly updates on how WSDOT projects are affecting vehicle or pedestrian traffic.
How will this project affect city streets and highways?
Occasional one-lane closures will be needed to install equipment on the routes listed above. Occasional nighttime closures will be needed to install sign bridges, electronic message signs and cameras and traffic signal sensors.
What is WSDOT doing?
- Coordinating with the Seattle Department of Transportation and King County Metro to plan and implement these improvements.
- Communicating with property owners near these improvements to ensure construction disruptions are minimized.
- Scheduling construction-related closures during non-peak travel times to limit traffic disruptions.
What other work are we doing?
The Alaskan Way Viaduct and Seawall Replacement Program includes several other projects:
- Central waterfront viaduct replacement – This project is in the early design phase and is under environmental review.
- Electrical line relocation – Crews are moving electrical lines off of the viaduct between S. Massachusetts Street and Railroad Way S., to make way for future demolition and construction.
- South end viaduct replacement – With this project we will replace the southern mile of the viaduct. Construction began in 2009.
- Transit enhancements and other improvements – Learn about our plans for keeping people and goods moving during south end viaduct construction.
Contact:
Eric Balliet, WSDOT Communications
E-mail: BallieE@consultant.wsdot.wa.gov
Program hotline: 1 – 888 – A W V - LINE