Updated Monday 11 a.m.: Washington State Department of Transportation is postponing the lane closures on Highway 99 that were supposed to start Wednesday. Here’s WSDOT’s announcement:
The Washington State Department of Transportation is postponing plans for long-term lane closures on State Route 99 originally scheduled to begin on Wednesday, March 11.
These closures were needed to install several large sign foundations for the SR 99 North Access project. While this work must occur, it will be rescheduled to a later date in an effort to minimize impacts to the traveling public. The public will be alerted in advance of any future lane closures.
Full closure of northbound SR 99 tonight —Â Contractor crews still plan to close northbound SR 99 to straighten the curve in the highway near Mercer Street.
Tonight, SR 99 will be closed from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. between the Battery Street Tunnel and Valley Street. All lanes will open at 6 a.m. in time for the morning commute.
Earlier: Washington Department of Transportation crews will be working on the future north portal of the State Route 99 tunnel and will need to close one lane in both directions of SR 99/Aurora Avenue North between Valley Street and the Aurora Bridge. The closures begin March 7 11 and will last about 12 weeks.
Two lanes will be open in each direction while crews install foundations for four large sign structures in the median and curb areas.
Work is planned in two phases. View a map of the work locations.
- Phase 1 (approximately 8 weeks): one lane closed in both directions for median work —Â One lane in the northbound and southbound directions will be closed around-the-clock while crews install four sign foundations in the median
- Phase 2 (approximately 4 weeks): one lane closed in southbound direction for curb work —Â One southbound lane will be closed around-the-clock while crews install two sign foundations in the southbound curb area
Because northbound and southbound buses will travel – and stop – in the outside lanes with other vehicle traffic, trips may take longer than normal. During both phases the southbound bus-only lane restriction will be lifted.
In an effort to balance the needs of drivers and residents, some work will occur during nighttime and weekend hours. An additional lane may close at night and during some weekend days.
The long-term lane closures are expected to cause additional backups on SR 99 for vehicles and buses, particularly during peak commute times. WSDOT is encouraging drivers and bus riders to:
- Allow plenty of extra time and expect additional congestion, especially during peak commute times, on SR 99 between the Aurora Bridge and downtown.
- If possible, consider leaving early, delaying your trip or telecommuting to avoid traveling during peak commute times in the morning and afternoon.
- If you must drive, know before you go and use WSDOT’s travel tools or visit SDOT’s travelers information page.
- Share a ride with King County Metro or in a car- or vanpool, or walk or ride a bicycle.
Questions? Contact us at [email protected] or 1-888-AWV-LINE (298-5463) or visit us at www.AlaskanWayViaduct.org.
