Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is reporting that the Alaskan Way Viaduct will open Saturday, two days earlier than expected.
With the help of good yet cold weather, demolition crews have made more progress than expected. Gov. Christine Gregoire has said the project is six months ahead of schedule. The progress means that the Viaduct is expected to reopen midday Saturday between the West Seattle Bridge and the Battery Street Tunnel.
Drivers will use a temporary bypass that skirts the demolition area just north of Safeco Field.
SR 99 reopening information
- Northbound and southbound SR 99 are expected to open midday Saturday from the Battery Street Tunnel to the West Seattle Bridge.
- The on-ramp to northbound SR 99 from South Royal Brougham Way is expected to close at 6 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 29 and reopen once crews finalize roadway connections.
- The southbound SR 99 off-ramp to South Atlantic Street will remain closed until 5 a.m. Monday, Oct. 31.
- Drivers can expect a slower, 40 mph speed limit on much of the viaduct between the Battery Street Tunnel and the West Seattle Bridge.
- Drivers can expect a recommended 25 mph construction zone speed limit through the curving bypass in the SODO area.
- Metro Transit’s 11 bus routes that travel on SR 99 will begin using the new bypass at the start of service on Sunday morning, Oct. 30.
Construction on the state Route 99 tunnel is expected to continue through the end of 2015.