Viaduct-closure countdown: Friday afternoon notes

And now some quick updates, as the 7:30 pm shutdown, and start of south-end demolition, approach…

(Note: That’s the latest image from the NORTH end, not the end that’s coming down)
AND THE WINNERS ARE ... WSDOT just announced that the Rat City Rollergirls and motorcycle stunt team Seattle Cossacks have won the contest to do something unusual with 30 minutes alone on the downtown section of The Viaduct tomorrow (that’s NOT the section being demolished). Meantime, everyone’s invited to the commemorative walk 9:30 am-12:30 pm Saturday, accessing The Viaduct from the construction area north of 1051 First Avenue South.

EXTRA WATER TAXI RUN TOMORROW NIGHT: For the big WSU game on Saturday, the West Seattle Water Taxi is adding an 11 pm run from downtown to WS (and then heading back from Seacrest to downtown at 11:10 pm before docking for the night).

NO FLASHING ‘VIADUCT CLOSED’ SIGNS: SDOT spokesperson Rick Sheridan just sent word of this:

SDOT will not be activating the flashing beacons on the “Alaskan Way Viaduct Closed – When Flashing” signs during the upcoming nine-day closure.

These beacons are battery powered and designed for short term use. A closure of this length would deplete the batteries after several days and, if the lights were not functioning, give the impression the viaduct was open.

We have both permanent and temporary dynamic message signs positioned near these beacon sites. Those dynamic reader boards will have accurate info about the viaduct’s status..

PORT TO PARTIALLY OPEN NEW TRAIN-TRACKS BYPASS: If you drive the West Seattle Bridge, you’ve seen this construction project under way off to the south side of the 99 exit for months. Just in time for the Viaduct closure, it’s being opened partway, says Port of Seattle spokesperson Charla Skaggs:

The Port of Seattle will open the south-bound portion of the East Marginal Way Grade Separation Project to ease congestion during the nine-day closure of the Alaskan Way Viaduct. This new connection will provide access to southbound SR-99 from both southbound East Marginal Way and eastbound lower Spokane Street. The attached graphic provides a visual aid for how the grade separation will facilitate smoother traffic flow.

In addition, a traffic signal has been installed at the intersection of lower Spokane Street and East Marginal Way.

WHERE POLICE WILL BE: Speaking of traffic signals – during the live chat we co-hosted with KING 5 traffic reporter Tracy Taylor earlier this afternoon (you can read the archived chat here), she answered a question about which intersections police planned to staff with officers, at least for starters:

Am Commute 6a-10a
4th and Spokane
1st and Spokane
1st and Atlantic
Denny and Queen Anne
99 and Denny
Atlantic and Alaskan way

Pm Commute 3p-7p
Hanford and east marginal
Atlantic and Alaskan
Alaskan and Yesler
Alaskan and Marion
5th and spring

The city promises that if new trouble spots emerge during the weekdays, they’ll move resources.

BICYCLE RIDE: Just announced by Stu Hennessey of Alki Bike and Board – he’s leading a ride on Monday, designed for those who are NOT regular bicycle commuters:

This ride is provided to assist new riders and riders that have not ridden to downtown from West Seattle recently. Safety in numbers and route selection. Hopefully this experience will convince more commuters that the bicycle always is the healthier and more convenient choice. Ride meets at Alki Bike and Board 2606 California Ave. S.W. in the Admiral District at 7 am and will go into Pioneer Square. Information and route help to further destinations will be available. More information 206 938 3322

For all our previous Via-closure (and other matters Viaduct) coverage, here’s the archive.

10 Replies to "Viaduct-closure countdown: Friday afternoon notes"

  • KD October 21, 2011 (3:01 pm)

    Congrats to RatCityRollergirls! I look forward to watching on the T.V. News Saturday what fun ‘homegirls’ will have. Have fun making history!!!

    • WSB October 21, 2011 (3:58 pm)

      KD, you probably won’t have to wait for the TV news. We expect to be up there shooting video too :)
      .
      (added) And … crises prevented that. Including a bridge crash. Well, luckily lots of folks ARE up there photographing. :)

  • Bill at Duwamish Head October 21, 2011 (4:11 pm)

    I did not find the attached graphic for the E. Marginal grade separation on the Port website. I am wondering if this will help me at all in this upcoming traffic adventure.

  • austin October 21, 2011 (4:11 pm)

    The bike ride from west seattle to various points downtown is really pleasant, a great way to start the morning.

  • new2ws October 21, 2011 (4:12 pm)

    Uggg. I wish I didn’t have to drive…I go to 3-4 locals each day……just moved to the area in time for this:( Uggg

  • Bill at Duwamish Head October 21, 2011 (4:34 pm)

    thanks for the link, but I do not get how this alleviates congestion at the Spokane/E. Marginal intersection. It looks like east bound may go more smoothly, but if you are trying to get back to W. Seattle, the turn onto Spokane St has not changed.

  • WSB October 21, 2011 (4:42 pm)

    To the commenter who sent us a message not intended for publication, via the comment system: All our contact info is on the CONTACT page – see the row of tabs atop every WSB page? Those are all links to inside pages. CONTACT has our e-mail, phone number, text, Facebook, Twitter, etc. …

  • West Seattleite October 21, 2011 (6:44 pm)

    THANK YOU for the continuous updates to the viaduct progress, it is very valuable to West Seattle residents!

  • DM October 21, 2011 (9:30 pm)

    Looking forward to watching YOUR “doing something unusual alone” footage! GO Rat Girls!

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