Three road projects with big impacts will be the subjects of updates Thursday, noon to 1:30 p.m., at the Mezza Café inside the Starbucks building at First and Lander. The meeting is open to the public and is cosponsored by the SODO Business Association and the Duwamish Transportation Management Association.

Updates will be provided by state and city transportation departments regarding the Alaskan Way Viaduct project. State Route 519, 1st Avenue South repaving and the widening of the Spokane Street Viaduct.

Lunch will be provided. Donations are accepted.

The Mezza Café is at 2401 Utah Ave, 3rd Floor.

Ballard Forum on Deep Bore Tunnel
The proposal to replace the Alaskan Way Viaduct with a deep bore tunnel is the subject of a community forum Monday, March 23, 7-9 pm at the Ballard High School Auditorium. The forum is, cosponsored by the district councils of Magnolia, Queen Ann and Ballard and the BINMIC Action Committee.

WSDOT Answers Your Question
The March question from you is: Will the bored tunnel be safe during an earthquake and other emergency situations?

Geotechnical and structural engineers agree that tunnels can be designed as one of the safest places to be during an earthquake. This is because ground movements below the surface are much smaller than the amplified movements above the surface. This tunnel will be designed and built to current seismic standards, which require structures to withstand a severe earthquake with a probability of occurring only once every thousand years.

Both levels of the tunnel will include outside shoulders to allow disabled vehicles to stop and to improve access for emergency vehicles. Inside shoulders will provide increased sight distances, and two 12-foot travel lanes will ensure adequate space for even the largest highway trucks of legal size.

Secure waiting areas between the tunnel's levels, known as safe refuge areas, and emergency exits will be provided by an enclosed walkway. Access to the refuge area and walkways will be provided at least every 650 feet. In the event of a fire or other emergency, travelers will walk along the shoulders to reach the doorways into the refuge area. Staircases inside the refuge area will provide access between the roadway levels. Signs will point travelers to the nearest exit where they will wait for assistance in a refuge area or walk out of the tunnel.

The SR 99 bored tunnel replacement will also include the latest technology in ventilation and fire protection systems. Smoke, fire, heat and exhaust gas monitoring systems coupled with video cameras will allow continuous detection of hazardous conditions in the tunnel and allow for rapid response of both sprinkler systems and emergency fan systems.

In addition to these features, we are developing emergency response plans that will be incorporated into the tunnel's design and operation as required.

More information about how the tunnel will be designed to withstand other emergencies and natural disasters, including the event of a tsunami or flooding, can be found on
WSDOT Website.

Viaduct will be closed next Weekend.
Crews to close viaduct for semi-annual inspection on March 21-22
WSDOT crews will close the Alaskan Way Viaduct on March 21 and 22 as part of their semi-annual viaduct inspection. They keep a close eye on the structure's condition by visually inspecting it every three months and conducting full inspections every six months to measure any new damage or movement. The March inspection results will be posted to their Web site.

The upcoming closure will also allow WSDOT to perform routine maintenance such as repairing potholes, expansion joints and bridge rails; and checking drainage systems and traffic cameras.

Both directions of the Alaskan Way Viaduct from the Battery Street Tunnel to Spokane Street will be closed from:
6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, March 21, and
6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, March 22.

The Battery Street Tunnel will be closed from:
11 p.m. on Friday, March 20 to 5 a.m. on Monday, March 23.

Visit our Website
Seattle Industry


Spring 2009 Issue
Coming Soon

More Info?
Questions, Comments, or suggestions about the Seattle Industry eBulletin are always welcome. Your input will make the bulletin a more successful product. Contact us at (206)762-2470 or fax (206)762-2492.