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.
Beginning in summer 2010, we will replace the southern mile of the viaduct, between S. Holgate and S. King streets, with a side-by-side roadway that meets current earthquake design standards and includes:
- Wider lanes with shoulders.
- Three lanes in each direction and new on- and off-ramps near the stadiums.
- A grade-separated railroad crossing at S. Atlantic Street.
- New bicycle and pedestrian paths.
This new section of SR 99 could connect to any future replacement of the viaduct's central waterfront section, including the proposed bored tunnel.
Construction
Visit the construction closures page for weekly updates on projects affecting vehicle or pedestrian traffic in downtown Seattle.
How will construction affect SR 99 and city streets?
We spent 2009 relocating utilities throughout the south end project area. This work, expected to be complete in the spring, requires 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 S.
In mid-2010, crews will begin road and bridge construction for the south end replacement. 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?
Most of the parking affected by construction is on state property west of First Avenue S. between S. Dearborn Street and S. Atlantic Street. This parking was closed in 2009.
During road and bridge construction, parking will also be removed beneath this section of the viaduct and along First Avenue S. between S. Royal Brougham Way and Railroad Way S.
What is WSDOT doing to keep people and goods moving during construction?
- WSDOT, King County and the City of Seattle are improving roadways, adding transit service and installing real-time information systems to help minimize traffic impacts. Many of these improvements will be in place beginning in 2010.
- We are closely coordinating this work with other state, county, city and port 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.
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. New on- and off-ramps near the stadiums and a new grade-separated crossing at S. Atlantic Street will improve connections for people and goods. A new bicycle and pedestrian path along SR 99 will extend existing downtown trails.
Contact:
Chad Schuster, WSDOT Communications
E-mail: SchustC@consultant.wsdot.wa.gov
Program hotline: 1 – 888 – A W V - LINE
Updated February 2010