Viaduct update: SDOT says all lanes now open

Latest update from SDOT:

The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) crew installing the temporary flex-rail on the Alaskan Way Viaduct northbound between Cherry and Main Streets has completed the work early. An overnight vehicle accident which damaged the guardrail forced the closure of the far left lane while Seattle Police investigated the accident and the SDOT crew worked to install a temporary guardrail. All lanes are now open and flowing smoothly on the Viaduct.

1:12 PM UPDATE: SDOT spokesperson Peg Nielsen tells WSB they should know tomorrow when the permanent repairs will be done, and says that they always try to get that sort of work done during the “non-peak” hours of 9 am-3 pm.

5 Replies to "Viaduct update: SDOT says all lanes now open"

  • Oliver March 3, 2008 (6:50 pm)

    That’s the second time I have driven by a huge gap of missing rail following an accident. It’s very scary to know those rails are so fragile. I hope no one was injured.

  • Bill March 3, 2008 (7:34 pm)

    Hey…i was up early when the bridge was closed and the new nifty lights weren’t working! WSB did you asked SDOT why the new lights (warning that the viaduct is closed) weren’t working?

  • WSB March 3, 2008 (7:50 pm)

    It wasn’t a complete closure (both directions) at any time. Does seem, however, like there should be some sort of halfway warning. By the time I headed onto the bridge for the second time this morning (we usually only have to make one trip), at 8:30 am, a flashing signboard had been brought in along Fauntleroy just before 35th, blinking “ONE LANE CLOSED.” It was still there at 1:50, more than two hours after SDOT announced all lanes were open again.

  • Al March 4, 2008 (9:21 am)

    What? Those signs are for two-way traffic only? What are they THINKING? We can’t even access southbound from the West Seattle Bridge, northbound is the key interchange. So if all the northbound lanes are closed, but southbound is open those signs “viaduct closed” will not be on, warning of the problem??!!! It does not help. Letter writing to be in progess shortly…

  • WSB March 4, 2008 (9:31 am)

    Let me quadruple-confirm that with SDOT to make sure I wasn’t hearing things (which has been known to happen) – hold your fire for a short while :)

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