VIADUCT DEMOLITION: More traffic changes on south end of downtown

More changes to traffic flow in the south end of downtown as Alaskan Way Viaduct demolition continues. Since that area’s become an increasingly important pathway to/from here, here’s the newest WSDOT update:

The viaduct is shrinking along Seattle’s waterfront and the work zone is changing this week as the contractor Kiewit shifts their work zone. …

Alaskan Way in Pioneer Square: Yesler and King reopen, Jackson closes
Map showing traffic control changes on Alaskan WayCrews are removing the viaduct through Pioneer Square from both ends. See the map at right (click to enlarge). Here are traffic control changes to expect this week:

Today: South King Street reopens at Alaskan Way.
Tomorrow: Yesler Way reopens at Alaskan Way
Tomorrow: South Jackson Street closes at Alaskan Way.
Uniformed police officers will help direct traffic this week at key intersections during the evening commutes.

To reach Colman Dock: Vehicles can still enter the drive-on entrance at South Jackson Street by taking a left or right off Alaskan Way. Entering the holding area by driving straight west on South Jackson Street will be unavailable while viaduct demolition occurs overhead. Please allow extra time to reach your ferry as traffic congestion remains high on Alaskan Way.

People walking and biking: When South Jackson Street closes, your new east-west options between Alaskan Way and Pioneer Square will be South King Street and Yesler Way. South Dearborn Street and Columbia Street also remain open to bicycles and pedestrians.

Railroad Way South: This street will become northbound-only from South Dearborn Street, with northbound vehicles forced to take a right on South King Street. Vehicles can also turn onto southbound Railroad Way South from South King Street, but the southbound lane terminates mid-block at the 505 Western Avenue building parking garage.

7 Replies to "VIADUCT DEMOLITION: More traffic changes on south end of downtown"

  • Professor August 20, 2019 (10:50 pm)

    Thabk you for these maps.  I have been printing them out on posters and hanging them in my living room.  I keep the latest two near the door so that I can memorize them before heading to work.I hope there will be a coffee table book I can purchase with these materials once things settle down.  That way I can put my living room walls to other use and still fondly recall my favourite reroutes of 2019 with family and friends.

  • Toni Reineke August 21, 2019 (11:30 am)

     Adding my thanks for this info. Would have tried to come home this afternoon from downtown via Jackson. Now know I need to take an alternate route.

  • Kris August 21, 2019 (4:39 pm)

    Does anyone know when they will be taking down the little section of the viaduct still over Dearborn? 

    • BlairJ August 22, 2019 (10:47 am)

      wsdot.wa.gov/projects/viaduct/demolition/tracker says “Starting soon” for the section over Dearborn. 

  • BPK August 22, 2019 (2:27 pm)

    I tried tweeting WSDOT about the little section over Dearborn.  They haven’t responded.  That will be important info to know because it will be a big impact on traffic / bus commuting g traffic.

    • WSB August 23, 2019 (7:34 pm)

      This week’s SDOT “construction lookahead” has a tentative date for that (subject to change of course), with this line:

      “September 12 – 21: S. Dearborn St. closed at 1st Ave S. for viaduct demo, 24/7.”

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