Date:  Friday, April 23, 2010

Contact: Greg Phipps, Alaskan Way Viaduct and Seawall Replacement Program, 206-267-6019 or 206-949-8078 (cell) (Seattle)
Travis Phelps, Alaskan Way Viaduct and Seawall Replacement Program, 206-267-6004 (Seattle)

SEATTLE – Note to drivers and truckers: There’s a new ramp in town and it opens this Saturday.

By 5 a.m., Saturday, crews working for WSDOT will open the new I-5/I-90 off-ramp to the S. Atlantic Street/Edgar Martinez Drive S. overpass near Safeco Field. The ramp opening is the second major accomplishment for WSDOT’s SR 519 Intermodal Access project in less than two weeks.

“Last week we opened the S. Royal Brougham Way bridge and gave drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians a safe and convenient way to cross above the railroad tracks between the stadiums,” said WSDOT Project Manager David Sowers. “Just 12 days later we are opening an off-ramp that provides a faster, more direct and reliable route for trucks moving to and from the Port of Seattle, and for drivers heading to the waterfront and events at Seattle’s stadiums.”

“The ramp from I-90 to the Atlantic Street overpass gives Washington apples and wine an easy way to reach port terminals and from there, the world,” said Geraldine Poor, manager of regional transportation for the Port of Seattle. “This project shows that good transportation design benefits everyone – freight, pedestrians, cyclists and commuters. The port is proud to be a partner.”

WSDOT traffic analysis shows an average of more than 7000 vehicles will use the new ramp on weekdays. The expected traffic volume will result in a corresponding decrease in vehicles on the congested I-90/I-5 off-ramp to Fourth Avenue S. The analysis predicts weekday traffic volumes on the Fourth Avenue S. off-ramp will drop by nearly 50 percent to just under 8000 vehicles a day.

Ramp user’s guide

• From westbound I-90 follow the signs for Fourth Avenue S./S. Atlantic Street and merge into the left lane. The exit to the ramp will be on the left side.
• From southbound I-5 take exit 164 to eastbound I-90 and SODO exits. Take the Fourth Avenue S. exit and merge into the left lane. The exit to the ramp will be on the left side.
• From northbound I-5 take exit 164B. This was the exit to Fourth Avenue S. Starting Saturday, this exit will go directly to S. Atlantic Street/Edgar Martinez Drive. S. with no access to the Fourth Avenue S. off-ramp.
• At the bottom of the ramp drivers must turn right onto westbound S. Atlantic Street/Edgar Martinez Drive S.

The new off-ramp and S. Royal Brougham Way bridge will create a safer SR 519 for drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists, and move freight, daily commuters, sports fans and ferry travelers faster through the corridor. Opening the new bridge and ramp this spring meets WSDOT’s goal of completing the SR 519 project before major construction begins this summer to replace the southern mile of the Alaskan Way Viaduct. For more information, visit the SR 519 Web page.

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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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