Traffic In SR 99 Tunnel Now Similar To Viaduct

SEATTLE, WA — Traffic volumes in the new SR 99 tunnel under Seattle are about as high as the old Alaskan Way Viaduct during peak times. That's good news for WSDOT because it proves the tunnel is being used — but it's also bad news for commuters who have to sit in traffic.

According to WSDOT, about 5,300 cars are traveling through the tunnel at peak travel times: 6 to 9 a.m., and 3 to 6 p.m. The viaduct had about 5,200 cars traveling between Seneca Street and Western Avenue during those same times.

About 70,000 vehicles pass through the tunnel on a daily basis, according to WSDOT, with Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday being the busiest. That's up from the roughly 28,000 vehicles the first week the tunnel was open in early February. Severe snowstorms and off-ramp construction near the stadiums might have held totals down, according to WSDOT.

But the high volumes might drop again.

By late summer, tolling will be in place in the tunnel. That might cause commuters to detour to avoid the $1 to $2.25 tolls. Any drop in traffic might only be temporary. WSDOT said tolls on SR 520 caused a lull in traffic, but it has gradually increased over time.