South Access - Surface Street Connections Project

Project benefits

The South Access — Surface Street Connections Project completes final roadway work associated with the SR 99 tunnel and Alaskan Way Viaduct demolition projects, and builds new pedestrian and bicycle amenities that connect Seattle’s stadiums with the waterfront. This is the final project out of 30 in the Alaskan Way Viaduct Replacement Program. Much of this work could not be completed until the SR 99 tunnel and Alaskan Way Viaduct demolition projects were finished.

The work includes paving portions of First Avenue South and South Dearborn Street. Railroad Way South will become a plaza between Alaskan Way and Occidental Avenue South, creating a pedestrian corridor between the stadiums and the waterfront. A new east-west street, Charles Street, will provide local access between First Avenue South and Occidental Avenue South.

Project construction

Construction began in July 2021 and is expected to conclude in winter 2023. First Avenue South and Alaskan Way South will be kept open for the vast majority of the work, and the project is not expected to require much night work. People travelling along First Avenue South near Seattle's stadiums may encounter lane closures and reductions, and occasional sidewalk detours.

1051 Building Demolition SEPA process

In fall 2022, WSDOT discovered that the building it owns at 1051 First Avenue South, Seattle WA 98134 contained serious structural deficiencies. Subsequent inspections determined that the building was unsafe for occupancy. WSDOT demolished the building in 2023, replacing the existing sidewalk adjacent to the building along First Avenue South. 

WSDOT determined that this proposal will not have a probable significant adverse impact on the environment. An environmental impact statement (EIS) is not required under RCW 43.21C.030(2)(c). This determination was made based on review of the findings in the SEPA environmental checklist and supporting documents on file with the lead agency. 

• 1051 building demo SEPA checklist (PDF 2.2MB)
• 1051 building demo DNS (PDF 128KB)

This DNS is issued under WAC 197-11-340(2). The comment period ended on March 21, 2023.