On February 2 and 3, 2019, walkers, runners, and bicyclists are invited to take a final trip on SR 99 right through the heart of downtown Seattle. 

For years, we have all been left breathless by the views of Puget Sound, the Olympic Mountains, and the islands while crossing the viaduct.

But in early February, a big change is coming to downtown Seattle.

The viaduct will soon be gone!

Located along the waterfront, it will be removed and replaced by a tunnel and a surface street.

Although this viaduct is a heavily used traffic route, it is also a terrible noise nuisance which is inescapable when walking along the waterfront or when enjoying the view from the terrace of Pike Place Market.

The Alaska Highway Viaduct was built in the 1950s and was damaged in the 2001 earthquake. Although it has been reinforced and is safe for everyday use, it remains vulnerable to earthquakes.

The plan to remove it has led to work on a massive scale.

Everyone remembers the work (and misadventures) of the impressive TBM (Tunnel Boring Machine, nicknamed “Bertha”), which allowed the opening of the tunnel and therefore a direct route between the stadiums and the Space Needle. It is the largest two-level road tunnel in the United States.

Removing the viaduct is expected to take approximately six months.

So, to symbolically say goodbye to the structure, the city of Seattle will allow locals to enjoy a final stroll on the viaduct, as well as a close-up view of the tunnel work the weekend of February 2nd and 3rd.

You can still register. More than 15,000 people are expected.  It will be a historic moment!

Be one of the first people to enter the new tunnel and one of the last to walk on Seattle’s iconic viaduct, enjoying breathtaking views of the Seattle skyline and Puget Sound.

Participants will start near downtown Seattle.  The course then takes them to SODO, Pioneer Square, and then the Battery Street Tunnel for the last time. Finally, the day ends at the Seattle Center.  All are invited to join the SR Grand Opening Festival for the opening tunnel walk and other activities.

More information available at: 99stepforward

Emmanuelle