Date:  Monday, October 19, 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

SEATTLE – WSDOT maintenance crews will close the SR 99 Alaskan Way Viaduct for its semiannual inspection this weekend, Oct. 24 and 25. The viaduct will be closed between Spokane Street in the south through the Battery Street Tunnel in the north.

Crews will close both decks of the viaduct from 6 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 24 and 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 25. The viaduct will be reopened earlier than normal on Oct. 24 to accommodate event traffic for the Sounders game.
 
Drivers should expect increased congestion on all major north-south routes during the closure and plan accordingly. WSDOT recommends leaving early, carpooling, 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 will include:

• Surveying the structure to check for settlement.
• Searching for and removing loose concrete.
• 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 its lighting and ventilation systems.

WSDOT will release preliminary inspection results on Oct. 30, 2009.

For more information on the Alaskan Way Viaduct and Seawall Replacement program, visit www.alaskanwayviaduct.org.
                                                
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WSDOT keeps people, businesses and the economy moving by operating and improving the state's transportation systems. To learn more about what we're doing, go to www.wsdot.wa.gov/news
for pictures, videos, news and blogs. Real time traffic information is available at www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic or by dialing 5-1-1.

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