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[Bruce]

Just a heads-up that the new SR 99 Tunnel should finally be open in October. I hope we can have a few of us locals (and perhaps those from further out) meet up for the opening ceremonies/walkabout/whatever WSDOT is planning, and perhaps a day-after drive through the new toll tunnel.

---

UPDATE: Reserve your free tickets at http://99stepforward.com/ and we'll try to coordinate on the day of. Let's walk the tunnel and viaduct all together as a group, and perhaps go on a tour of town afterwards.

[jakeroot]

I'll definitely be there!

[Max Rockatansky]

The funny thing is that I generally find 99 over the Viaduct to be a way more viable way of getting past downtown over I-5, especially southbound.  Hopefully the tunnel actually does something to improve traffic flow, granted it was built largely due to quake damage on the Viaduct. 

[jakeroot]

The funny thing is that I generally find 99 over the Viaduct to be a way more viable way of getting past downtown over I-5, especially southbound.  Hopefully the tunnel actually does something to improve traffic flow, granted it was built largely due to quake damage on the Viaduct.

Should be better than today's viaduct. No fewer lanes, but no downtown exits or entrances. Basically a giant bypass road.


Bruce, did WSDOT actually announce any intention to host a gathering? Even if they don't, I think it would be cool to have a get-together and ride thru for any and all interested.

[Max Rockatansky]

The funny thing is that I generally find 99 over the Viaduct to be a way more viable way of getting past downtown over I-5, especially southbound.  Hopefully the tunnel actually does something to improve traffic flow, granted it was built largely due to quake damage on the Viaduct.

Should be better than today's viaduct. No fewer lanes, but no downtown exits or entrances. Basically a giant bypass road.


Bruce, did WSDOT actually announce any intention to host a gathering? Even if they don't, I think it would be cool to have a get-together and ride thru for any and all interested.

That should help somewhat, those ramps on the Viaduct were worthless anyways.  When do demolition on the Viaduct start?  Any word if the US 99 BGS will be preserved?

[jakeroot]

The funny thing is that I generally find 99 over the Viaduct to be a way more viable way of getting past downtown over I-5, especially southbound.  Hopefully the tunnel actually does something to improve traffic flow, granted it was built largely due to quake damage on the Viaduct.

Should be better than today's viaduct. No fewer lanes, but no downtown exits or entrances. Basically a giant bypass road.

That should help somewhat, those ramps on the Viaduct were worthless anyways.  When do demolition on the Viaduct start?  Any word if the US 99 BGS will be preserved?

You may want to check out the dedicated thread: https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=12173.0 (especially some of the recent pages)

The viaduct removal will start very soon after the tunnel opens, and will take six months. Removal of the Battery Street tunnel, also starting after the tunnel opens, will take about 24 months.

According to Bruce, on the other (linked) thread, there are currently no plans to preserve the US-99 BGS. But, WSDOT is open to preserving it, just not on their dime. The space-age gantries on the north end of the viaduct are being preserved.

[cjk374]

The funny thing is that I generally find 99 over the Viaduct to be a way more viable way of getting past downtown over I-5, especially southbound.  Hopefully the tunnel actually does something to improve traffic flow, granted it was built largely due to quake damage on the Viaduct.

Should be better than today's viaduct. No fewer lanes, but no downtown exits or entrances. Basically a giant bypass road.

That should help somewhat, those ramps on the Viaduct were worthless anyways.  When do demolition on the Viaduct start?  Any word if the US 99 BGS will be preserved?

You may want to check out the dedicated thread: https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=12173.0 (especially some of the recent pages)

The viaduct removal will start very soon after the tunnel opens, and will take six months. Removal of the Battery Street tunnel, also starting after the tunnel opens, will take about 24 months.

According to Bruce, on the other (linked) thread, there are currently no plans to preserve the US-99 BGS. But, WSDOT is open to preserving it, just not on their dime. The space-age gantries on the north end of the viaduct are being preserved.

Why save the gantry and not the sign? Am I the only one confused about this? 

[Max Rockatansky]

The funny thing is that I generally find 99 over the Viaduct to be a way more viable way of getting past downtown over I-5, especially southbound.  Hopefully the tunnel actually does something to improve traffic flow, granted it was built largely due to quake damage on the Viaduct.

Should be better than today's viaduct. No fewer lanes, but no downtown exits or entrances. Basically a giant bypass road.

That should help somewhat, those ramps on the Viaduct were worthless anyways.  When do demolition on the Viaduct start?  Any word if the US 99 BGS will be preserved?

You may want to check out the dedicated thread: https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=12173.0 (especially some of the recent pages)

The viaduct removal will start very soon after the tunnel opens, and will take six months. Removal of the Battery Street tunnel, also starting after the tunnel opens, will take about 24 months.

According to Bruce, on the other (linked) thread, there are currently no plans to preserve the US-99 BGS. But, WSDOT is open to preserving it, just not on their dime. The space-age gantries on the north end of the viaduct are being preserved.

Why save the gantry and not the sign? Am I the only one confused about this? 

It’s a US 99 shield located on one of the ramps:

https://flic.kr/p/JTAuKJ

[cjk374]

I remember you posting that picture elsewhere. I live the sign. Seattle needs to try to save that small part of their history...both sign & gantry.

[Max Rockatansky]

I remember you posting that picture elsewhere. I live the sign. Seattle needs to try to save that small part of their history...both sign & gantry.

I did a whole series on the Gribblenation Facebook page on the Alaskan Way Viaduct and the previous roadways that led to it being built.  There was a little bit of speculation as to when US 99 proper was moved to the Viaduct that was never resolved, it’s all on the Northwest Board.

Hell I’d love to have the sign if I was local enough and had the means to remove it.  The Viaduct and US 99 had a huge role in the history of local transportation in Seattle, it would be a shame to see the sign go.

[jakeroot]

If I know WSDOT, they'll make it as difficult as possible to acquire the sign. They have a pretty strict "recycle" policy.

The gantry and the sign are separate installations.

[Bruce]

The funny thing is that I generally find 99 over the Viaduct to be a way more viable way of getting past downtown over I-5, especially southbound.  Hopefully the tunnel actually does something to improve traffic flow, granted it was built largely due to quake damage on the Viaduct. 

This trick only works outside of peak hours. The viaduct is heavily congested because it carries a big chunk of West Seattle's traffic (which will now be forced to divert onto other streets), so it may work  as a shortcut in the future.

As far as I'm aware, WSDOT plans to host a public celebration for the viaduct sometime in October. As soon as I learn of the date or details, I'll post in here.

[cl94]

I have a feeling WSDOT would be willing to sell the sign to someone if they're willing to pay current scrap value for it. Offer $1-200 and see if they're willing to part ways with it.

Wish I could make this thing, but sadly, I cannot. Was out there last month, though, and the tunnel looked nearly done from what I could see.

[jakeroot]

I have a feeling WSDOT would be willing to sell the sign to someone if they're willing to pay current scrap value for it. Offer $1-200 and see if they're willing to part ways with it.

Wish I could make this thing, but sadly, I cannot. Was out there last month, though, and the tunnel looked nearly done from what I could see.

That would be my expectation. Of course, we'd need to find a way to transport it, pay to have it removed, etc. At least as I understand it.

The tunnel is indeed very close to opening. Long time coming...

[Hurricane Rex]

Unless thia is delayed to Thanksgiving weekend, there is probably no way I can attend due to college obligations and cross country season starting soon.

LG-TP260

[Bruce]

WSDOT has announced that the viaduct will close on January 11, 2019, and the tunnel will open approximately three weeks later.

More time to plan if you want to head up here. Dates are not final, however, and are dependent on weather.

http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/Viaduct/library/advisories-and-updates/sr-99-tunnel-to-open-in-early-2019

[Bruce]

The grand opening for the tunnel will be February 2, 2019. Free sign up here: http://99stepforward.com/

So we should have a non-car (gasp) meetup on that day and a drive-thru shortly afterwards, if we're gonna do this. I plan to do the entire tunnel and viaduct (in that order).

[jakeroot]

Got my tickets for the event.

Happy to meet on-foot! My plan will be to park at one of the downtown garages (would park on street but...time restrictions) and then walk to wherever the festivities take me (apparently on a shuttle to the north at one point).

[compdude787]

I've got my tickets too. Looking forward to it!

[corco]

I should probably swing up for this- count me in!

[SSOWorld]

I'll just sit back - unfortunately, I won't get a chance at driving the viaduct.

[Alps]

I've put my tickets aside. Now to find the cheapest flights to the West Coast.

[jakeroot]

This is certainly shaping up to be quite the meetup. At least by PNW standards.

[Bruce]

This is certainly shaping up to be quite the meetup. At least by PNW standards.

Yeah, our isolated little corner of the country will get our time in the spotlight.

Anyone want to volunteer their cars for a driving tour of some highways, assuming that our out-of-town visitors are staying for the Sunday as well? I don't think we'd have time for anything more than a dinner together after the tunnel/viaduct walk.

[jakeroot]

I could probably arrange a vehicle.


Anyone else doing the bicycle ride on Sunday?