Date:  Monday, October 13, 2008

Contact:
Emily Fishkin, Alaskan Way Viaduct and Seawall Replacement Program, 206-267-6821, 206-437-5061 (cell)
Victoria Tobin, WSDOT Urban Corridors Office, 206-464-1184

SEATTLE – WSDOT maintenance crews will close the Alaskan Way Viaduct for its semiannual inspection on Oct. 18 and 19 to ensure the structure remains safe for drivers. Crews will close both decks of the viaduct from 6 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 18 to 6 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 19. The viaduct will be closed between Spokane Street through the Battery Street Tunnel. The closure is extended overnight on Saturday to provide extra time for crews to repair damaged concrete roadway panels near Spokane Street.

Drivers should expect increased congestion on all major north-south routes during the closure and plan accordingly. WSDOT recommends leaving early, carpooling, vanpooling or taking transit. Drivers can check traffic conditions before they leave at www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic. Up-to-the minute traffic information is also available via the voice-activated driver information line, 511.

In addition to structural inspections, WSDOT and the City of Seattle will coordinate maintenance and preservation work during this closure. Work this weekend will include:

• Repairing expansion joints and damaged bridge rails.
• Applying a protective covering to exposed rebar.
• Servicing drainage systems and traffic cameras.
• Washing the walls of the Battery Street Tunnel, and inspecting the lighting, fire suppression and ventilation systems.
• Surveying hazardous materials in the Battery Street Tunnel.

WSDOT will release preliminary inspection results on Oct. 24, 2008.

WSDOT, King County and the City of Seattle are moving forward to take down the viaduct in 2012. For more information, please go to

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