January 29, 2010
In this issue:
- Crews begin to install real-time traffic technology along SR 99.
- Additional bus service will provide travel options during south end construction.
- Working group meetings discuss tolling analysis and updated cost estimate.
Crews begin to install real-time traffic technology along SR 99
New technology is being installed north and south of downtown along SR 99 to help keep people and goods moving during construction to replace the Alaskan Way Viaduct. WSDOT, in partnership with the Seattle Department of Transportation, will install new electronic overhead information signs, traffic cameras and new equipment to improve signal timing along SR 99.
The SR 99 Intelligent Transportation System Project starts at SR 599 just south of S. Boeing Access Road and ends at SR 99 and N. 145th Street in Shoreline. All work will be complete by December 2010, before significant construction begins to replace the viaduct.
If you are traveling along SR 99 during the upcoming months, you can expect to see some lane closures and detours during this work. Crews will minimize construction impacts by working mostly during daytime hours between the morning and evening commutes, but may close up to two of three lanes at a time. Some full overnight closures along SR 99 may be necessary to install the sign bridges.
The latest detour and closure information will be announced on our Web site.
Additional bus service will provide travel options during south end construction
In February, King County Metro, with funding assistance from WSDOT, will introduce additional bus service on routes that will be affected by upcoming construction during the S. Holgate Street to S. King Street Viaduct Replacement Project. Riders will see more than 30 additional daily trips between downtown and southwest Seattle on routes 21 Express, 54, 56 Express and 121. The added bus service in February will provide 1,700 more seats each day between downtown and West Seattle, and will help keep bus schedules reliable.
We will also provide incentives to encourage the use of transit and carpool programs, as well as telecommuting, employer outreach, and educational programs. More information about our construction traffic management efforts is available on our Web site.
Working group meetings discuss tolling analysis and updated cost estimate
The north and south portal working groups met this week to discuss the recently released updated cost estimate and tolling study (pdf 2.4 Mb) for the Alaskan Way Viaduct replacement. This report, requested by the Washington State Legislature and completed by WSDOT, 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.
We examined five toll scenarios, with low, medium and high toll rates, that would toll the proposed bored tunnel and, potentially, the north and south SR 99 segments that would lead to it. All tolls would be collected electronically, without toll booths. Our study showed that it is feasible to toll only the tunnel at a medium toll rate and generate $400 million to fill the gap in funding for the viaduct replacement. More information is available in the study’s summary report (pdf 2.4 Mb).
The working groups, which represent neighborhoods, freight and business interests, help inform the design and environmental review process for the viaduct's central replacement. The public is welcome to attend working group meetings, listen to the presentations, and provide written comments. You can find presentations and other materials presented to these groups on our Web site. Future meeting dates and locations will be listed online.
About these updates
To subscribe or unsubscribe from this mailing list, visit the subscription page. You will be asked first to enter your e-mail address and set your preferences. Then you can subscribe or unsubscribe to the Alaskan Way Viaduct e-mail update from the Northwest updates section. For more information about the viaduct program, visit www.alaskanwayviaduct.org.
Know before you go
We have a new Web page that describes how WSDOT projects in downtown Seattle are affecting vehicle and pedestrian traffic. It covers projects on SR 99, including the Alaskan Way Viaduct replacement; SR 519 and city streets through downtown and SODO.
Alaskan Way Viaduct and Seawall Replacement Program links
Alaskan Way Viaduct and Seawall Replacement Program
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