Date:  Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Contact:
Travis Phelps, Alaskan Way Viaduct and Seawall Replacement Program, 206-462-0554 (cell)
Kristy Van Ness, Alaskan Way Viaduct and Seawall Replacement Program, 206-382-6361 (Seattle), 206-300-4312 (cell)

SEATTLE – In just a few months, WSDOT will begin work on one of its biggest construction projects in decades. Today, WSDOT opened bids and announced the apparent low bidder to replace the southern mile of the aging SR 99 Alaskan Way Viaduct. A newly painted orange column identifies the northern limits of this project, which replaces about half of the structure.

“Without a doubt, delay is the number one cause that would drive up the costs to replace the aging Alaskan Way Viaduct. We have the benefit of being in one of the most favorable environments for affordable, low cost construction bids and we need to take advantage of them now,” said Gov. Gregoire. “The fact that today’s bids for the south mile of the project came in millions below our estimates is proof of that. Combined with the recent completion of state route 519 coming in on budget and a year ahead of schedule, we are keeping our promise of replacing the viaduct on time and on budget.”

The SR 99 S. Holgate Street to S. King Street: Stage 2 contract apparent low bidder is Skanska USA Civil from Riverside, California for $114,569,194.25, which is 25 percent below the WSDOT engineer's estimate of $152,620,104.46. The formal bid opening was hosted today, at 11 a.m., April 14 in Olympia. Six bids were received, all of which were below the WSDOT engineer’s estimate. WSDOT will conduct a complete review of bids prior to award of the contract. This stage of the project will put more than 600 people to work beginning this summer.

“While we are thrilled with today’s bids, we must remember that safety remains our greatest concern,” said Washington Transportation Secretary Paula Hammond. “Today’s bid opening clears the way for us to begin construction this summer, taking down and replacing one of the most seismically vulnerable sections of the viaduct.”

“Most of the construction activities this year will not disrupt traffic,” said Ron Paananen, WSDOT’s Alaskan Way Viaduct and Seawall Replacement Program Administrator. “The public will begin to see detours and lane closures early next year.”

When complete in late 2013, the south end of the Alaskan Way Viaduct will be replaced with a new side-by-side roadway that meets current earthquake standards, has wider lanes and improves mobility for people and goods in the Seattle area. This project could connect to the existing viaduct or any future replacement of the viaduct’s central waterfront section, including the proposed bored tunnel.

For more information on the Alaskan Way Viaduct and Seawall Replacement program, visit http://www.alaskanwayviaduct.org/.

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