Seattle residents and visitors, mark your calendars and plan your routes. The State Route 99 tunnel will be out of commission for two weekends this October as crews embark on the first six-year inspection since its opening. While the SR 99 offers a modern conduit beneath the city, its closure suggests a test of patience and perhaps an impetus to rediscover surface streets.
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) has posted the schedule: 10 p.m. tomorrow until 6 a.m. Saturday, and then again from 10 p.m. Friday, October 11, until 6 a.m. Sunday, October 13. Lane reductions start at 9 p.m, the tunnel goes offline at 10 p.m. Detours are in place—southbound to the Harrison Street off-ramp, northbound to the Alaskan Way off-ramp. Two additional on-ramps, Sixth Avenue and Royal Brougham Way, will join the closures at 9 p.m.
Along with the tunnel closure, the Ballard Bridge will also shut down for traffic during the SR 99 inspections. Those traveling Interstate 5 will encounter blocked lanes between Fife and Federal Way. Additionally, the SR 520 bridge will close connections from I-5 in Seattle to Clyde Hill. With multiple closures, extended travel times are certain.
Travelers should anticipate increased congestion, simultaneous to the inspections, as several WSDOT and the Seattle Department of Transportation projects will limit the usual routes. It's advisable to seek out alternate routes or lean into patience as this infrastructure maintenance unfolds.
