Commuters frequenting the Capitol Campus area will soon need to reroute their daily trek. Starting April 8th, the Plaza Garage pedestrian tunnel, which serves as a key thoroughfare for individuals parking on Level E and heading towards buildings such as Office Building 2, the Natural Resources Building, and the Highway Licenses Building, will be shutting down temporarily. Both the path and nearby parking spots will be off-limits due to critical repair work to mend leaking skylights—a measure aimed at bolstering pedestrian safety.
The necessary construction work will focus on revamping the tunnel's integrity and will span across two weeks, concluding on April 19th, if the weather permits. During the closure period, which falls strictly on weekdays between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m., pedestrians are directed to use alternative routes. The department has indicated that the nearest accessible route for ADA-compliant passage is through the elevator in Stair Tower 4. According to the Washington State Department of Enterprise Services, parking services are on standby to guide anyone in need of information regarding ADA parking alternatives, which remain available on Level D.
Alongside the inconvenience posed to pedestrians, the project also requires temporarily commandeering a few parking spots for the construction crew's use. The department has confirmed that those with assigned parking have already received the necessary notifications. The state has brought in Tacoma-based Sabyr Contractors, Inc. as the chosen firm to carry out the much-needed improvements.
While this may cause temporary disruption to daily commutes, the enhancements aim to provide a more secure passage for the numerous individuals who pass through this section of the Capitol Campus. For further clarity or assistance, Parking Services is prepared to field inquiries and guide campus visitors toward available parking options. As all the work hinges on cooperative weather conditions, the department will keep the public updated with any changes to the project timeline.
