Overview
Many people only think of the viaduct along the central waterfront, but the double-deck structure extends to S. Holgate Street past Safeco Field. This south end section of the viaduct accounts for about 40 percent of the entire structure.
With the S. Holgate Street to S. King Street Viaduct Replacement Project, we will:
- Replace the viaduct's south end with a new side-by-side surface roadway that connects to the existing viaduct.
- Provide new SR 99 on- and off-ramps near S. King Street, improving access to downtown.
- Create an underpass for freight coming to and from the Port of Seattle.
- Build new bicycle/pedestrian paths on the east and west sides of SR 99.
The new south end has been designed to work with whatever solution is chosen to replace the viaduct along the central waterfront. |
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The south end of the viaduct extends from S. King Street to S. Holgate Street. |
Why are we pursuing this project?
This project is a safety priority. The south end of the viaduct is vulnerable to earthquakes because its foundations sit in unstable fill soil that could liquefy in an earthquake. It must be replaced with a new roadway.
What will construction be like?
Construction is expected to begin in 2009 and last approximately three years. The construction fact sheet (pdf 161 kb) provides details about what to expect. We are working with commuters, downtown businesses and residents, and the freight community to minimize disruptions and provide direct detour routes when needed.
Environmental review
The environmental assessment for this project was released in June 2008. In July we held hearings so the public could comment on the report. Below are the display boards used at the hearings.
Public comments regarding the environmental assessment will be accepted until Aug. 11, 2008. You can use the comment form above or submit them via e-mail.
The end result
This work will remove approximately 40 percent of the existing viaduct, reducing the risk of failure in an earthquake. The new road will also provide better connections for commuters, transit, and freight, and will provide access from SR 99 directly to downtown.
Updated July 2008