Alaskan Way Viaduct Weekend Closure Canceled

SEATTLE, WA - WSDOT has called off a weekend-long closure of southbound SR 99 through downtown Seattle. But a weekend-long closure scheduled for Sept. 14 is still planned, according to WSDOT.

The new tunnel under Seattle is set to open sometime this fall. Construction crews are testing safety systems in the tunnel, according to the latest update from WSDOT:

Seattle Tunnel Partners continues their testing of the 90 safety and operations systems in the SR 99 tunnel and operations buildings. Yesterday evening, during one of those tests, pressurized air forced a door open and caused some drywall damage in the north operations building. No one was injured and there was no structural damage. This is precisely why the contractor has an extensive testing protocol in place. We are investigating the cause and will make adjustment to design and operations, as needed.

Once the tunnel opens, crews will begin demolishing the old viaduct - a delicate operation that will involve moving utilities and working around major streets, not to mention the ferry terminal. There will be a three-week closure of the viaduct sometime this fall, but WSDOT will give a month's notice before that happens.

Image courtesy WSDOT