Traffic Changes May 16: Viaduct Reduced To 2 Lanes Through 2013 -Seattle Homes-Real Estate in Seattle-WSDOT-Http;//www.ThachRealEstateGroup.com

SEATTLE — For thousands of commuters, the flow of Seattle traffic is about to see a major change.

In two weeks, the state Route 99 Alaskan Way Viaduct will be reduced from three to two lanes in both directions between the West Seattle Bridge and Seattle’s sports stadiums.

The Washington State Department of Transportation said the southern mile of the viaduct, which is most vulnerable to earthquakes, will remain two lanes in each direction through 2013 and possibly longer, until the central waterfront portion of the viaduct is replaced.

The lane reduction will give crews space needed to continue construction of the new southbound lanes.

About 87,000 vehicles use the stretch of SR 99 each day, with the heaviest volumes during the morning and afternoon commutes. Drivers can expect increased congestion and delays and spillover traffic could also affect alternate routes, including I-5, the West Seattle Bridge and city streets, WSDOT said.

“These long-term lane closures will enable us to take down the seismically vulnerable southern half of the viaduct within the next year,” said Ron Paananen, WSDOT Administrator for the Alaskan Way Viaduct and Seawall Replacement Program. “We ask drivers to plan ahead and make use of the investments we’ve made in transit, alternative routes, and traveler information to prepare for this construction.”

WSDOT will close SR 99 between the West Seattle Bridge and Battery Street Tunnel the weekend of May 14 and 15. During the closure, crews will set up the new lane configuration and test the new automated viaduct closure system.

Friday, May 13 through Saturday, May 14
All lanes of SR 99 between the West Seattle Bridge and the Battery Street Tunnel will close from 11 p.m., Friday to at least noon Saturday.

Northbound SR 99 will reopen between S. Royal Brougham Way and the Battery Street Tunnel at noon Saturday, May 14
The remaining sections of SR 99 between the West Seattle Bridge and the Battery Street Tunnel will reopen by 5 a.m. Monday.

Lane reductions: May 16 through 2013
SR 99 will be reduced to two general purpose lanes in each direction through SODO. Northbound SR 99 will have a dedicated transit-only lane between Spokane Street and S. Lander Street. Information to help drivers plan for the lane reduction and learn about commute alternatives is available at http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/SR99/HolgateToKing/99LaneReduction.htm.