WSDOT and Seattle City Light are relocating electrical lines from the viaduct to underground locations east of the viaduct between S. Massachusetts Street and Railroad Way S.
The viaduct was built in the 1950s, and as the city has grown, so has the web of utility lines that weave around and under the structure. Relocating these utility lines now will better protect downtown’s power supply in the event of an earthquake. The lines must also be removed before we take down the viaduct south of S. King Street.
Construction
Construction began in September 2008 and is expected to take approximately one year to complete. You can follow our progress on Flickr.
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 construction affect city streets?
Occasional one-lane closures will be needed under the viaduct and on Railroad Way S., S. Dearborn Street, S. Atlantic Street, S. Royal Brougham Way and Colorado Avenue S. Drivers should expect minor delays during these lane closures.
How will construction affect parking?
Some private parking on state property west of First Avenue S. between S. Dearborn Street and S. Atlantic Street will be closed during construction. These lots will remain closed during construction for the south end viaduct replacement.
There will be two-week closures of some on-street parking spaces under the viaduct between S. Dearborn Street and S. Atlantic Street, and short-term (one to two days) closures of some parking spaces throughout the construction site from Colorado Avenue S. to Railroad Way S.
What is WSDOT doing?
- Coordinating lane closures to avoid peak travel times and major events where possible. Every effort will be made to keep traffic moving during construction.
- Reaching out to nearby residents and businesses to build awareness of the closures.
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.
- South end viaduct replacement – With this project we will replace the southern mile of the viaduct. Construction began in 2009.
- SR 99 ITS - Crews will install new traffic technology on SR 99 and major routes leading to SR 99 to keep people and goods moving during the viaduct replacement.
- Transit enhancements and other improvements – Learn about our plans for keeping people and goods moving during south end viaduct construction.
Contact:
Ryan Bianchi, WSDOT Communications
E-mail: BianchR@consultant.wsdot.wa.gov
Program hotline: 1 – 888 – A W V - LINE
Updated September 2009