SEATTLE – With one month remaining until the nine-day closure of the State Route 99 Alaskan Way viaduct, the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) invites the media to learn more about the upcoming work, traffic impacts and what drivers can do to minimize congestion and delays.

Beginning Friday, Oct. 21, crews will demolish large sections of the viaduct’s south end and complete temporary connections to a new SR 99 bridge now under construction on the west side of the viaduct in SODO.
 
Media can get an up-close look at ongoing construction of the new bridge between South Holgate Street and South King Street. Officials from WSDOT, Sound Transit and King County Metro will be available for interviews.
 
When: 11:30 a.m., Tuesday, Sept. 20
           
Where: The project site next to WSDOT’s office at 1051 First Avenue South.
 
Who:

·         Matt Preedy, WSDOT director of south end projects
·         Geoff Patrick, Sound Transit media relations and public information manager
·         Christina O’Claire, King County Metro senior transportation planner
 
Directions:  

From downtown Seattle:
Head south on First Avenue South (or take the SR 99 exit to First Avenue South).
 
From north Seattle (I-5):
Take exit 165A toward James Street Merge onto Sixth Avenue. Turn right at Columbia Street. Turn left at First Avenue.
 
From south Seattle (I-5):
Take exit 164B for South Atlantic Street. Turn right at Alaskan Way South Turn right at South King Street. Turn right at First Avenue.
 
Equipment: Boots or sturdy shoes are required.
 
 
Hyperlinks in the advisory:
·         Construction photos www.flickr.com/photos/wsdot/6010150194/in/set-72157625852997731
·         Project website www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/SR99/HolgateToKing