Thousands say goodbye to viaduct, hello to tunnel
Feb 1, 2019, 4:14 PM | Updated: Feb 2, 2019, 5:22 pm
With the new SR 99 tunnel opening on Monday morning, there are still a handful of events to look forward to through the weekend to herald its arrival.
PHOTOS from Saturday’s walk/run
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Friday, Feb, 1
The Battery Street Tunnel closes for good at 10 p.m., so get your last drive in through it while you still can.
Saturday, Feb. 2
On Saturday, Feb. 2 at 7:30 a.m., the Tunnel to Viaduct 8K race will give runners a chance to spend one last day on the Alaskan Way Viaduct (sign up here).
The route will first head south on the upper deck of the new SR 99 tunnel, before returning to the lower deck of the viaduct, and then heading north through the Battery Street Tunnel.
At 12:30 p.m., the top deck of the viaduct will open for for a “once in a lifetime arts festival featuring unique performances, activities, and site-specific art installations.”
Also beginning at 12:30 p.m. will be tunnel and viaduct walking tours. Free ticketing includes options for “tunnel only,” “viaduct only,” and “tunnel and viaduct.” Tickets are currently sold out for everything except for “tunnel only,” however there will be walk-up lines for access to the viaduct at the Seneca Street ramp and through the Battery Street tunnel.
WSDOT advises non-ticketed guests to arrive between 1:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.
And they’re off! 29,000 strong running through the SR 99 tunnel for the first time. #99tunnel #99StepForward #TunneltoViaduct8K pic.twitter.com/HGSnsyShR4
— Washington State DOT (@wsdot) February 2, 2019
Sunday, Feb. 3
This marks the last chance to get on the viaduct before it’s officially closed to all events, in the form of an organized bike ride.
The ride starts and ends on 6th Avenue North and Harrison Street, two blocks east of the Space Needle.
Things kick off at 8 a.m. sharp for the early risers, and at 10 a.m. for the “family friendly start time.” The route runs 12.5 miles total, running across both levels of the new SR 99 tunnel as well the Alaskan Way Viaduct.
The bike ride is currently sold out.
Monday, Feb. 4
WSDOT is aiming for a 5 a.m. opening for the SR 99 tunnel, but as it is with most major construction projects, that could very well end up being fluid. Stay tuned below throughout the weekend for running updates.
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