Date:
Friday, March 13, 2009
Contact:
KaDeena Lenz, Alaskan Way Viaduct and Seawall Replacement Program, 206-267-3836, 206-795-1876 (cell)
Amy Grotefendt, Alaskan Way Viaduct and Seawall Replacement Program, 206-295-9846 (cell)
SEATTLE – WSDOT maintenance crews will close the SR 99 Alaskan Way Viaduct for its semiannual inspection next weekend, March 21 and 22. Crews will close both decks of the viaduct from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, March 21 and Sunday, March 22. The viaduct will be closed between Spokane Street through the Battery Street Tunnel. The Battery Street Tunnel will be closed the entire weekend, starting at 11 p.m. on Friday, March 20 and reopening by 5 a.m. on Monday, March 23 to provide extra time for crews to inspect the fire suppression system.
Drivers should expect increased congestion on all major north-south routes during the closure and plan accordingly. Additional construction in the Puget Sound area over the weekend includes repairs to concrete panels on I-5 between Shoreline and Northgate and repaving of SR 520 between Bellevue and Redmond. 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:
- Searching for and removing loose concrete on the viaduct
- 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 and ventilation systems.
- Testing the fire suppression systems in the Battery Street Tunnel.
- Surveying the structure to check for settlement.
WSDOT will release preliminary inspection results on March 27, 2009.
For more information on the Alaskan Way Viaduct and Seawall Replacement Program, please go to http://www.alaskanwayviaduct.org.
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