SEATTLE -- Traffic was stop-and-go at the height of the Tuesday morning commute on the Aurora Bridge as WSDOT began a closure of lanes on Aurora Avenue North that are expected to last several weeks.
The single-lane closures in each direction are between the Aurora Bridge and just north of Mercer Street as part of the SR 99 tunnel project.
By 7:30 a.m. Tuesday, traffic was crawling across the bridge. Drivers are being warned to expect the same thing every day into March. Expect similar backups on the Alaskan Way Viaduct and through the Battery Street Tunnel in the afternoons.
WSDOT is urging drivers to find alternate routes.
During the lane closures, crews building the northern approach to the new SR 99 tunnel will install the foundations for overhead traffic signs that will communicate information to drivers.
Some work will be done at night and on the weekends.
SR 99 closures
Now through mid-February
- Median lanes close in both directions between the Aurora Bridge and just north of Mercer Street.
- An additional lane will close at night and during several weekends including Jan. 23-24.
- All traffic may use the southbound bus-only lane during the first phase of this work. Drivers should use caution since buses will travel – and stop – in the outside lane with other vehicle traffic.
Mid-February through early March
- Median lanes reopen. Northbound lanes reopen.
- The southbound right lane will be closed near Comstock Street.
- An additional southbound lane may close at night.
WSDOT is encouraging drivers and bus riders to:
- Allow plenty of extra time and expect additional congestion, especially during peak commute times, on SR 99 between the Aurora Bridge and downtown.
- If possible, consider leaving early, delaying your trip or telecommuting to avoid traveling during peak commute times in the morning and afternoon.
- If you must drive, know before you go and use WSDOT's travel tools or visit SDOT’s travelers information page.
- Share a ride with King County Metro or in a car- or vanpool, or walk or ride a bicycle. If you ride the bus, please check King County Metro’s rider alerts or trip planning tools before you travel.
