Transportation notes: Viaduct groundbreaking; South Park Bridge $

VIADUCT GROUNDBREAKING: The date’s set tonight for ceremonial groundbreaking on the project to replace the Alaskan Way Viaduct‘s southern mile: 2 pm Tuesday, June 29 (one week from tomorrow), at 1st Avenue South/Royal Brougham Way. This work is expected to last into late 2013. If you’ve still got questions about any or all of what’s in store for The Viaduct, the state reminds us they’ll have reps at West Seattle Summer Fest (co-sponsored by WSB) on July 9, 10, 11 in The Junction, for in-person Q/A.

SOUTH PARK BRIDGE MONEY: We reported last week that the King County Council would vote today on authority for issuing bonds to finance a $30 million contribution toward the construction of a replacement for the South Park Bridge, which will close permanently one week from Wednesday. Linda Robson from Councilmember Jan Drago‘s staff tells us the vote was unanimously in favor, 8-0; Drago herself was absent because of an out-of-state family emergency. Robson confirms that a media event is still in the works for Wednesday to discuss bridge funding – which so far includes this contribution and the $15 million Seattle City Council pledge as major components. A multi-contributor strategy is considered vital to the county’s chances of getting a federal grant; letters of intent for the grant are due in about four weeks.

3 Replies to "Transportation notes: Viaduct groundbreaking; South Park Bridge $"

  • johnny Davies June 22, 2010 (10:23 am)

    Hmmm. I guess I didn’t realize this section of viaduct replacement was happening as part of the total plan. Why replace this mile of viaduct now, if a tunnel is coming? Doesn’t seem to make logical sense. Since construction is begining this summer, how will traffic on North/South 99 viaduct be affected? Has WSDOT posted any info on rerouting traffic?

    • WSB June 22, 2010 (11:34 am)

      Hi – We have been covering this through a couple years of meetings and announcements, click the Alaskan Way Viaduct link under the heading. There is everything you could possibly EVER want to know about how traffic will be affected by all the various projects over the next several years. This one is completely separate from the tunnel – assuming that really is built, it will be tied in on the north end of the project.
      .
      Here’s the WSDOT page with info on how traffic will be affected:
      http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/SR99/HolgateToKing/2010Construction.htm

  • johnny Davies June 22, 2010 (12:38 pm)

    Thanks for the link! that explains everything – I guess I was focusing more on the spokane street contruction & missed this. Sorry to get to the party so late.

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