CHOKEPOINTS

Tour the SR 99 tunnel: Crews finish roadways inside the passage

Mar 27, 2018, 1:09 PM | Updated: 1:42 pm

Crews working under Seattle have hit a milestone as the SR 99 tunnel takes shape.

The final panel of the lower deck was installed this month (northbound lanes). The northbound stretch is constructed of 1,152 panels. Both levels — north and southbound — are now finished inside the SR 99 tunnel.

RELATED: Seattle council say goodbye to Battery Street Tunnel

Crews are not finished, however. There are still 300 traffic-monitoring cameras to test; ventilation systems to get up and running; and automated sprinkler systems to put out fires inside the tunnel. WSDOT says that “together, these systems will make the SR 99 tunnel one of the ‘smartest’ tunnels ever built.” The tunnel will be a living, breathing machine once it is finished. The two minute drive under Seattle will require an operation with control centers and mechanical systems for air, water, communication, power supply, and more.

Here’s a video from WSDOT showing the final piece of roadway being installed.

Tour the SR 99 tunnel

KIRO Radio’s Traffic Reporter Chris Sullivan toured the SR 99 tunnel. See his findings below.

Chokepoints

restricted parking zones...

Chris Sullivan

Sullivan: A guide to Restricted Parking Zones for any confused drivers

Deciphering the language on some parking signs can be difficult, and I am here to answer any questions regarding Restricted Parking Zones.

2 days ago

Photo: A driver uses a phone while behind the wheel of a car on April 30, 2016 in New York City....

Micki Gamez

AAA: Washington is one of the worst states for distracted driving

April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month and to to shine a light on the subject, AAA Washington has teamed up with Safe Drive Club.

2 days ago

Image: The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) closed part of Interstate 90 on Fr...

Steve Coogan

I-90 reopens after a closure due to an emergency tree removal

I-90 reopened after needing to close Friday afternoon due to an emergency tree removal, the Washington State of Transportation said Friday.

6 days ago

I-405 expansion...

Chris Sullivan

Sullivan: I-405 expansion to widen freeway in Bothell is underway

We've all seen I-405 expanding between Bellevue and Redmond, but construction to widen the freeway north of Bothell is now underway as well.

9 days ago

revive i-5 seattle...

Nate Connors

I-5 repair work to slow spring breakers, baseball fans this weekend

Beginning Friday night, three lanes of I-5 north between Albro Place and the West Seattle Bridge through Monday morning at 5 a.m.

12 days ago

Photo: April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month. Washington drivers can face higher insurance ra...

Nate Connors

Has your insurance gone up? Rates can take a hike for distracted drivers

April is Distracted Drivers Awareness Month. The President of NW Insurance Council says it has been working on prevention for years.

14 days ago

Tour the SR 99 tunnel: Crews finish roadways inside the passage