The state now says the Alaskan Way Viaduct/Highway 99 between the West Seattle Bridge and Battery St. Tunnel isn’t just closing this weekend, it has a second weekend closure agead. Just announced:
Crews will close the State Route 99 Alaskan Way Viaduct for two of the next three weekends to inspect the structure and reinforce a two-block section located above the path of the future SR 99 tunnel.
Both directions of SR 99 between the Battery Street Tunnel and the West Seattle Bridge will close from 6 a.m. Saturday, Marcoh 24, to 5 a.m. Monday, March 26. Crews will use the closure to inspect the viaduct and ensure it remains safe for drivers. WSDOT will release preliminary inspection results on Tuesday, April 10.
In addition to structural inspections and routine maintenance, crews building the SR 99 tunnel will begin reinforcing the viaduct between South Washington and Columbia streets in Pioneer Square. An additional full-weekend closure in April will be necessary to complete their work, which must occur before the world’s largest diameter tunnel boring machine passes beneath the structure in late 2013.
Viaduct closure details
· Both directions of SR 99 between the Battery Street Tunnel and the West Seattle Bridge will close from 6 a.m. Saturday, March 24, through 5 a.m. Monday, March 26.
· Both directions of SR 99 between the Battery Street Tunnel and the West Seattle Bridge will close from 11 p.m. Friday, April 6, through 5 a.m. Monday, April 9.
Drivers should expect increased congestion in and near downtown Seattle during these closures and plan accordingly. WSDOT recommends leaving early, carpooling or taking transit. Drivers can check traffic conditions before they leave at www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic. Up-to-the-minute traffic information is also available via the voice-activated driver information line, 511.
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