Many people only think of the viaduct along the waterfront, but the double-deck structure extends to S. Holgate Street past Safeco Field. This south end section accounts for almost half of the entire structure.
With the S. Holgate Street to S. King Street Viaduct Replacement Project, we will replace the southern mile of the viaduct with a new side-by-side roadway that includes new on- and off-ramps near the stadiums and new bicycle/pedestrian paths along SR 99.
This project will also include a new grade-separated crossing at S. Atlantic Street so freight coming to and from the Port of Seattle can bypass the railroad track when it's in use. Currently, we are evaluating a proposal that would change this connection from a below-grade crossing to an above-grade (pdf 339 kb) one at the same location.
The new section of SR 99 between S. Holgate and S. King streets could connect to any future replacement of the viaduct's central waterfront section, including the proposed bored tunnel.
Construction
Visit current work for a list of construction activities for the viaduct replacement. Our construction closures page has weekly updates on how WSDOT projects are affecting vehicle or pedestrian traffic in downtown Seattle.
How will construction affect SR 99 and city streets?
We will spend 2009 relocating utilities throughout the south end project area. This work will result in some temporary detours and lane closures on Railroad Way S., S. Dearborn Street, S. Royal Brougham Way, S. Atlantic Street, Colorado Avenue S., Alaskan Way S. and East Marginal Way.
Road and bridge construction is expected to begin in spring 2010. During construction, at least two lanes of SR 99 will remain open in each direction, with the exception of occasional night and weekend 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 is closed for our electrical line relocation project. It will remain closed during south end construction.
Roughly 1,300 parking spaces in the south of downtown (SODO) neighborhood will be permanently removed during this project. Of those, about 820 are in off-street pay lots that research has shown are generally underused.
What is WSDOT doing?
- WSDOT, King County and the City of Seattle are closely coordinating various projects that are underway or planned in the SODO area. In addition to minimizing traffic detours, we are working together to inform neighbors and the region about potential impacts. E-mail construction.coordination@seattle.gov to sign up for weekly updates about south downtown traffic detours.
- We are working closely with the stadiums, local businesses and neighbors to coordinate construction around events and other busy times.
- Safe pedestrian and bicycle access will be maintained in the neighborhood for the duration of the project.
- Starting in February 2010, King County Metro, with funding assistance from WSDOT, will add to and improve transit service south of downtown. Doing so will ensure that service is adequate and reliable during construction. Transit investments will be greatest during the height of construction in 2010 and 2011.
Project benefits
- Safety. The new roadway will meet current earthquake design standards. Wider lanes and shoulders will provide better emergency access and give drivers more room to maneuver.
- Mobility. The new roadway will have three lanes in each direction and new on- and off-ramps near the stadiums. A new grade-separated crossing at S. Atlantic Street will improve connections between the Port of Seattle and major freeways by allowing traffic to bypass passing trains. A new bicycle and pedestrian path along SR 99 will connect to existing downtown trails.
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.
- 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:
Chad Schuster, WSDOT Communications
E-mail: SchustC@consultant.wsdot.wa.gov
Program hotline: 1 – 888 – A W V - LINE
Updated November 2009