Completion of the flyover lanes affects bicyclists this weekend
from Genevieve Stokes, Communications Officer, Alaskan Way Viaduct Replacement Program
To complete the connections between the new South Atlantic Street overpass and nearby streets, crews must close South Atlantic Street and the State Route 99 off-ramp to Atlantic this weekend. Both closures will start at 4 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 25. The overpass and off-ramp will open to traffic by 5 a.m. Monday, Jan. 27.
During the closure, bicyclists will be able to travel from Alaskan Way South (south of South Atlantic Street) to the temporary bike path on the west side of the new overpass. However, bicyclists will not be able to use the bike lane north of South Massachusetts Street. Instead they will need to use the sidewalk on the west side of the street between South Massachusetts and South Atlantic streets, crossing in front of Terminal 46 via the crosswalk. In addition, flaggers will direct bicyclists riding east on South Atlantic Street.
When the new overpass opens, South Atlantic Street will remain closed to through traffic under SR 99. The crosswalks and sidewalks on the north side of South Atlantic Street will be open and bicyclists will also be able to use the overpass when a train is blocking the roadway. *Please note, the sidewalk on the overpass will not open until late in the week of Jan. 27. [WSBC note: the guardrail was not poured as of yesterday, Don’t try it!]
More changes coming soon to the shared-use path
Later this winter, crews will complete the link between the new path from South King Street and the on-street bike lanes south of South Atlantic Street. Until then, bicyclists will continue to use the temporary path between South Royal Brougham Way and South Atlantic Street. A map on our webpage highlights the temporary and future shared-use path and the bike routes in this area.
For the most up-to-date information on the viaduct program, visit www.alaskanwayviaduct.org.