Date:  Thursday, June 18, 2009

Contact: Noel Brady, WSDOT communications – 206-464-1183, Seattle
Marlys St. Laurent, Port of Seattle communications – 206-433-4604, Seattle
Bruce Gray, Sound Transit communications – 206-398-5069, Seattle

Agencies work together to add capacity on SR 518, improve airport commutes

TUKWILA – The Washington State Department of Transportation has completed a major road project by adding a new eastbound lane on SR 518 from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport to interstates 405 and 5. It is the latest of several airport access improvements that WSDOT, the Port of Seattle and Sound Transit are combining resources to complete.

With all three lanes on SR 518 now open, air travelers and commuters can enjoy easier access and less congestion.

“After a long flight, the last thing you want to do is sit in heavy traffic,” said Secretary of Transportation Paula Hammond. “Adding a new lane to SR 518 relieves a major south King County chokepoint and makes traffic smoother and more reliable through this busy and important gateway.

“By working with other agencies, WSDOT is easing commutes for air travelers and other drivers and offering more transportation choices for getting to where they need to be on time.”

The Port of Seattle, which owns and operates Sea-Tac Airport, contributed about $10 million to the project. WSDOT funded the project with $20 million from the 2005 gas tax and the Federal Highway Administration contributed another $5.6 million.

In addition to building a third eastbound lane on SR 518, crews rebuilt and separated two closely situated on-ramps from North Airport Expressway and International Boulevard (Highway 99) to improve safety and reduce delays for traffic merging onto SR 518.

While the Port worked with WSDOT to widen SR 518, it also is making other improvements on North Airport Expressway and partnering with Sound Transit to bring Link light rail to the airport.

Port Managing Director Mark M. Reis pointed out how the SR 518 project improves both the travel experience for air passengers and supports trade.

“This upgrade makes it easier for motorists leaving the airport,” he said, “and it facilitates freight moving between the airport and our industrial centers—including the Duwamish waterfront, and distribution centers in the Green River Valley or north on the I-405 corridor.”.

Link light rail is expected to further relieve traffic congestion and offer commuters more transportation choices when it begins service from Seattle to Tukwila and opens its Tukwila Station overlooking SR 518 next month. The line will extend to the

“These roadway improvements combined with the addition of Link light rail service means better options for the traveling public to get to and from the airport,” said Sound Transit CEO Joni Earl.

Together, WSDOT, Sound Transit and The Port of Seattle are making it easier for travelers taking trains, planes and automobiles.

For more information visit the project Web page at: www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/SR518/SeaTac_I5_I405/

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