#REALIGN99: Updates from construction progress to celebration plans

“One more week to go!” That was the theme of today’s media-briefing conference call, with the focus starting to shift one week ahead to the tunnel/viaduct celebration. But first:

CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS: Dave Sowers says WSDOT is doing two concrete pours today – the biggest is for the south embankment to the Dearborn offramp, the last major pour for roadway surfaces in #Realign99. They had hoped to finish the “dip repair” south of the tunnel yesterday but wet weather kept them from finishing that; they’ll do it Tuesday instead. North portal electrical work, signage, and “loop ramps” continue, along with “commissioning work” on both ends. Striping work is continuing on the main line, too. We asked when they’ll be able to estimate how long past the tunnel opening it’ll take to open the Dearborn exit ramp; he says there’s still a lot of work to do and they’re still on track for the “extra week to 10 days” but might have a better estimate by midweek.

WATER TAXI FOR SATURDAY 2/2 ONLY: Jeff Switzer from Metro clarified that the West Seattle Water Taxi will run from West Seattle on the Saturday of tunnel/viaduct celebration day only – the day with the biggest events – and said that day’s schedule will be available soon. The WS Water Taxi is still running triple the usual ridership, 18,844 riders through Thursday (Vashon is up 14 percent). One bus note: “Today was a reminder we’re not quite out of the woods yet” – because of train delays they’re looking at changing the paths for some south-end routes such as 113. So far “standby buses” have carried 33,572 riders, he said.

BACK TO THE CELEBRATION WEEKEND: Steve Peer from WSDOT noted that the 520 bridge party had 50,000 guests and the tunnel/viaduct weekend is trending for twice that. The Sunday 2/3 bicycle ride (fee) is sold out with 12,000 registered; the Saturday fun run (fee) has 23,000 registered; 66,000 free tickets already have been claimed for Saturday’s viaduct/tunnel access. WSDOT has published an update here with “what you should know before you come.” One big thing – take public transportation! We asked Peer a reader question about difficulty finding a remaining free-event slot to sign up for; he said there will be SOME room for walk-ups. Go to 99stepforward.com for more on the Feb. 2-3 events.

9 Replies to "#REALIGN99: Updates from construction progress to celebration plans"

  • Mj January 25, 2019 (12:47 pm)

    Expect more traffic Monday, presuming the government opens up fully.

  • Lisa January 25, 2019 (1:25 pm)

    On Saturday 2/2  – Will the water taxi shuttles (parking lots, pickup, etc) also be available?

    • WSB January 25, 2019 (1:40 pm)

      Good question! I’m guessing that’ll be part of the schedule announcement but will ask right now just in case it’s not..

  • Maggie January 25, 2019 (5:46 pm)

    I’m not stoked about the reroute of the 113. I could be wrong because I don’t drive a ton (as a bus rider) but I’m pretty sure that was the route they took in 2016 when the Viaduct closed for tunneling, and I’m pretty sure Marginal Way was where my bus got trapped for more than an hour by semi-trucks going into the port, and I’m pretty sure that’s where I got off my bus after 90 minutes and took an Uber home so I could work from home and salvage the day.  The SODO busway seemed way better! I guess I’ve been lucky, I haven’t run into train issues yet. 

  • Angelo Portomene January 28, 2019 (2:29 pm)

    It is still going on (celebration) on Sunday, February 3rd 2019? If so are there still tickets? 

  • lisa January 28, 2019 (6:17 pm)

    Also – the King County water taxi doesn’t have any posted weekend schedules any more.  What will the schedule be on Saturday 2/2/19?Thanks Tracy!

    • WSB January 28, 2019 (6:57 pm)

      I got the special schedule for that day this evening and am writing about it as we speak.

      • Lisa January 28, 2019 (7:53 pm)

        Thanks much Tracy!

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