CHOKEPOINTS

SR 99 tunnel is built. Why can’t we use it yet?

Nov 1, 2018, 5:47 AM | Updated: 7:19 am

seattle tunnel toll, SR 99...

A graphic depicting the north end of the tunnel once completed. (WSDOT)

(WSDOT)

Primary construction for the SR 99 tunnel has finally finished, with the project reaching what the Washington Department of Transportation calls “substantial completion.”

The substantial completion phase is an important distinction for the project, marking the point at which Seattle Tunnel Partners (STP) can officially hand the facility over to the Washington State Department of Transportation. The lanes are built, ventilation is working, and crews have even practiced responding to emergency scenarios inside the tunnel. WSDOT noted in a press release that “the tunnel could be technically operated as designed.”

So, what’s the hold up, and why can’t we start using the tunnel now?

There are a pair of additional milestones WSDOT much reach before the new SR 99 tunnel is officially ready. In short, crews have to build the roads that actually go into the tunnel. While the tunnel works, there’s currently no pathway for cars to drive into it. Or as WSDOT puts it:

What comes next is a variety of wrap-up work elements that, once completed, will result in the tunnel reaching the second milestone, known as ‘physical completion.’ Meanwhile, as STP works toward physical completion, WSDOT will continue to train maintenance and operations staff to ensure the tunnel and those responsible for its operation are ready to go in early 2019.

If you thought substantial and physical completion was exciting, just wait. Because after all that comes “final completion.” That’s achieved when the last bit of paperwork and documentation is finished and submitted — so perhaps not as exciting.

That said, the tunnel will actually open before final completion.

The tunnel will officially open in early 2019. Before that happens, there will be a three-week closure of SR 99 through downtown Seattle to realign the highway. Both the viaduct and the tunnel will be closed during this period. Additional ramp closures could mean up to six weeks of traffic disruption.

RELATED: How traffic will work after Seattle’s SR 99 tunnel opens

Chokepoints

Photo: WSDOT crews pump concrete at new Veterans Drive tunnel....

Nate Connors

Late night I-5 closures coming up this week as WSDOT works on new tunnel

Contractors WSDOT are prepping for work on the new Veterans Drive Tunnel beneath I-5, adjacent to State Route 516.

11 hours ago

Image: A Pierce Transit Stream Bus can be seen in Pierce County....

Micki Gamez

South Sound travelers may opt for transit after major service change

It's been seven years since Pierce Transit announced a major service change. The change means more access to Tacoma and the region.

1 day ago

headphones windshield obstructions...

Chris Sullivan

Sullivan: Driving with headphones, windshield obstructions in Washington

It's another episode of "rules of the road," I'm tackling two driving questions: Using headphones or windshield obstructions while driving.

2 days ago

four-way stops...

Chris Sullivan

Sullivan: Why do so many people get freaked out at four-way stops?

There is no mystery to how four-way stops work, so why do so many people mess up this simple maneuver?

7 days ago

There's a right way and a wrong way to turn into traffic with a bus lane. (Graphic: Bill Kaczaraba,...

Chris Sullivan

Sullivan: Sweeping bus-only lanes, what’s the right move?

I received feedback from my story on lane sweeping last week. But what happens when you are turning and the closest lane is restricted?

9 days ago

lane sweeping...

Chris Sullivan

Sullivan: Lane sweeping is all too common and needs to stop

This is called lane sweeping and let me be crystal clear -- what that driver did to me is 100% illegal for multiple reasons.

14 days ago

SR 99 tunnel is built. Why can’t we use it yet?