Partnerships Help Make Progress on SR509 Project

Port of Seattle Commission President John Creighton announced today that the Port and regional partners agree in principle on a south-end land deal for the SR 509 highway that will slash the project's cost by $25 million.

The agreement by the Port is an important step forward for the project, which was in jeopardy because of construction-cost inflation that has hit all major transportation projects in the region. SR 509 is one of several key regional links contained in the proposed Regional Transportation Investment District (RTID) package slated for the fall ballot.

The Port will sell to Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) land needed for SR509 that the Port acquired years ago under its Noise Remedy Program. The two also will proceed with a recently negotiated land trade, and agreed to pursue other property trades or sales needed for the freeway construction. The value of this package is estimated to lower SR509 project costs by $25 million.

"SR 509 is a vital link for all south-end businesses, residents, and Sea-Tac Airport," said Creighton. I am happy to report that today's progress represents partners working together on this important transportation link," he said.

The SR 509 project will complete the highway between South 188th Street near Sea-Tac Airport and Interstate 5. This project will provide a speedy new connection for freight traffic between Seattle's industrial area, I-5 and south King County distribution centers. The project will help relieve overall congestion on I-5.

"This took the hard work and skills of many people," Creighton said. "I am very appreciative of the support from King County Councilmember Julia Patterson, who serves on the RTID board, as well as the Port staff and their counterparts at WSDOT and our neighboring cities."

"I welcome the partnership of the Port of Seattle on this critical transportation project," said King County Councilmember Patterson. "Completing the missing link between the dead end of SR 509 and Interstate 5 will take trucks off the Southcenter Hill, provide a new and improved way to get to Sea-Tac Airport from the south and help freight move more easily through our region. The partnership between the Port and RTID will ensure that this project remains a part of this November's Roads and Transit plan."

The Port of Seattle has supported the completion of the connection of SR509 to I-5 for more than fifteen years.

The full Port Commission and the Federal Aviation Administration must approve these agreements as well.

SR509 begins at the First Ave. South bridge in south Seattle and travels south about five miles where it ends as a limited access freeway near the airport. The cities of SeaTac, Des Moines, Kent, Federal Way and the Port of Seattle have sought funding for the completion of the connection of this important freeway to I-5 for years. Once SR509 construction is approved, the Port will begin work on its South Access roadway to create a direct route for travelers and freight traffic to the airport from the south.