ORIGINAL REPORT, 9:34 PM: One quick topline from tonight’s West Seattle Transportation Coalition meeting: One of the WSDOT reps there to brief the WSTC on plans for the two-weeks-or-so tunneling-related Alaskan Way Viaduct shutdown had word of a shorter closure that’ll happen sooner. Chris Brown said the Viaduct will close on March 5th – one week from Saturday – for its next semi-annual structural inspection. As you’ll see on the Construction Lookahead, it’s listed as both days that weekend, but as Brown said, they usually hold the second day in reserve but generally don’t need it unless “there’s an issue.” But you can plan on no Viaduct 6 am-6 pm March 5th. As for the “big” closure – no date set yet but Brown said it won’t be a last-minute decision. Our full report will have details of the detour and bus-reroute plans, as well as video of tonight’s meeting.

P.S. As noted in comments, even if the inspection closure doesn’t go into Sunday, the Hot Chocolate run will close 99 north of the Battery Street Tunnel that morning.

ADDED FEBRUARY 29th: The official advisory from WSDOT:

Both directions of the Alaskan Way Viaduct will close between South Spokane Street and the north end of the Battery Street Tunnel. Drivers should plan ahead and be prepared for additional congestion as a result of this closure.

In addition to the inspection closure, the annual Hot Chocolate 15k/5k Run will require a closure of SR 99/Aurora Avenue North on Sunday morning.

Closure Details
6 a.m. to 6 p.m. both Saturday, March 5, and Sunday, March 6
Alaskan Way Viaduct closed between South Spokane Street and the Battery Street Tunnel

6 a.m. to noon, Sunday, March 6
SR 99/Aurora Avenue North will close in both directions.
Northbound lanes will be closed between the Battery Street Tunnel and N. 47th Street.
Southbound lanes will be closed between the Battery Street Tunnel and N. 38th Street.