SEATTLE—Port of Seattle preparations for the closure of State Route (SR) 99 Viaduct date back to August of 2018. Port employees, customers, and stakeholders on both sides of the Cascades have been kept up to date on transportation and work options during the three-week closure which is expected to have significant impacts on commute times. Drayage fleet truck drivers have also been given regular notice since last summer to plan their routes accordingly.
“Since August we have also been communicating with truckers about the closure, and will also have earlier gate hours at Terminal 46. Most importantly, we are encouraging anyone driving a single occupancy vehicle to consider the great public transportation options available in our region,” said Port of Seattle Executive Director Steve Metruck. “Internally, we are encouraging Port employees to reduce viaduct closure anxiety by planning ahead and achieving greater mobility and sustainability by using marine or land public transportation, carpooling, or biking for their commutes.”
Terminal 46, located closest to SR 99, will open its queuing area several hours early at 5 a.m. during the closure. Trucks will be processed beginning at 7 a.m. Truck drivers coming from eastern Washington are encouraged to stay in touch with their dispatchers and keep informed of traffic patterns on their preferred transportation apps. Taking I-405 south and coming north through Tukwila, or taking I-5 south to the Michigan Avenue exit, and lining up south of Terminal 46 is also an option if the Atlantic Street entrance is congested.
For more information on the SR 99 Viaduct closure, visit www.99tunnel.com.
Contact
Peter McGraw | Corporate and Maritime Media Officer
(206) 787-3446 | mcgraw.p@portseattle.org
