This day marked the opening of the first stretch of the new SR 509 Expressway in SeaTac, expanding travel options for commuters in south King County. At the break of dawn, the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) unveiled the initial one-mile segment, running between Interstate 5 and 24th Avenue South. This represents a significant milestone in the broader SR 509 Completion Project, aimed at easing congestion and enhancing local trade routes.
The SR 509 Expressway is not just another road; it is envisaged as a critical artery for freight movement, supporting the bustling Port of Seattle and the surrounding industrial zones. Puget Sound Gateway Program Administrator John White, conveyed the team's enthusiasm, with the assertion that "Opening a new highway is an exciting moment for us." Additionally, State Rep. Jake Fey emphasized the road’s importance, telling Washington State Department of Transportation, “Approximately 40% of jobs in Washington are tied to trade, and our economy depends on reliable, efficient connections between farms, ports, manufacturers and markets."
These initial improvements go beyond the mere expansion of the highway. Commuters will notice a range of upgraded infrastructure, including a new fly-over ramp for northbound I-5 traffic, wider bridges, realigned exits, and better multimodal connections. Atkinson Construction, the contractor responsible for this phase of the project, has excavated and laid vast amounts of material to reshape this section of the expressway, with more than 20,000 trees and shrubs added for environmental integration.
While this road will start easing some traffic woes immediately, it will also see the implementation of tolls come fall. The toll system, which will vary based on the time of day to manage congestion effectively, looks to support the cost of the expressway’s construction and future maintenance. Nevertheless, the existing portion of SR 509 won't be affected by these tolls. Good To Go! accounts are being suggested for setup before tolling commences, ensuring a smooth transition for drivers.
The SR 509 Completion Project, a component of the broader Puget Sound Gateway Program that includes the SR 167 Completion Project in Pierce County, seeks to fill critical gaps in Washington's transportation and freight network. With two more miles of the expressway under construction heading for a 2029 finish line, travelers can look forward to continued enhancements in the region's traffic flow and economic connectivity. Comprehensive updates, including photos and 3D video tours, provide a closer look at the ongoing construction and the future of the expressway on Washington State Department of Transportation’s platforms.
