Since Alaskan Way is part of the surface connection between here and downtown/points beyond, you might be interested in this WSDOT announcement about a reroute taking effect tomorrow (see the map here):

Drivers who use Alaskan Way South along Seattle’s waterfront can expect major changes beginning this week as crews make way for the SR 99 tunnel construction zone.

Washington State Department of Transportation crews will reroute Alaskan Way South between South Main and South King streets beginning at 5 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 5. Drivers will travel on a new temporary roadway located underneath the Alaskan Way Viaduct, while crews use the old roadway to relocate utilities and prepare for tunnel work.

The announcement continues:

Drivers using Alaskan Way South between South Main and South Atlantic streets, part of which was closed last year due to construction, will continue to be detoured through at least 2013. To keep traffic moving, WSDOT is building a two-way detour underneath the viaduct. The first section of the detour, between South Main and South King streets, opens Thursday.

“We are committed to maintaining access to businesses in Pioneer Square and along Alaskan Way during construction,” said Matt Preedy, WSDOT Alaskan Way Viaduct Replacement Program deputy administrator. “We are also working with businesses to provide reliable parking options in the areas affected by construction.”

Preparing for Thursday’s detour

Crews will close the roadway underneath the viaduct between South Jackson and South Main streets from 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 4, to 5 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 5, to stripe the detour for two-way traffic. Striping work is weather dependent. Visit downtown Seattle and SODO construction closures for more information.