The “other” road project: What you’re seeing near Highway 99 S.

We’ve received several notes asking about this in recent days – so in case you were wondering too: The project that is starting to resembling a ramp to connect The Bridge and Highway 99 southbound in this area is something entirely different: It’s the East Marginal Way Grade Separation Project, which is being handled by the Port of Seattle and hasn’t gotten nearly as much publicity as the Alaskan Way and Spokane Street Viaducts. (We mentioned the start of construction back in January.) Here’s a fact sheet explaining it, rendering included, and a little more info here. It’s supposed to be done in about a year.

Robert August 10, 2010 (9:45 pm)

I realize this is Port Money, but seems like the city, state, and Port could have got together and created an offramp from east bound West Seattle bridge to southbound 99 as part of this project. Anyone know why this wasn’t ever considered?

Kolea August 11, 2010 (1:21 am)

Because its too logical of an idea? :-)

Ken August 11, 2010 (4:02 am)

Port traffic destroys every road surface created for cars. They can use port and RR money to build this since it does not touch a state road.

Andrew August 12, 2010 (5:22 am)

it’s actually quicker to take West Marginal to get down to 99/599 or Hwy 509 South, given that are you headed that far. You just have to know how to get down there to W. Marginal.

Mc August 12, 2010 (2:25 pm)

right there with ya – Robert and Kolea – road/freeway design around here has me scratching my head. Seems like the DOT or whomever does the design loves to put “band-aids” over things rather than actually create something logical and useful.
I-5 is a joke through downtown. Can’t wait to see the viaduct replacement …

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