Elliott Bay Ferry Terminal Seattle

After vote, tunnel work is full speed ahead

People might be surprised how quickly they'll see work begin on the Highway 99 tunnel, after its supporters fended off a political challenge in Tuesday's election. The Alaskan Way Viaduct will close for nine days in October and be permanently severed at Royal Brougham Way South.

By Mike Lindblom

Seattle Times transportation reporter

People might be surprised how quickly they'll see work begin on the Highway 99 tunnel, after its supporters fended off a political challenge in Tuesday's election.

In a few days, the Federal Highway Administration is expected to sign the environmental-impact statement, freeing the state Department of Transportation (DOT) to tell its tunnel contractors by Sept. 1 to move into final design and construction, starting with Sodo utility work.

The $2 billion tunnel, part of the $3.1 billion replacement for the Alaskan Way Viaduct, is supposed to open in January 2016.

The waterfront portion of the viaduct will remain open while the tunnel is built, but drivers will experience a slower commute and see a lot of activity.

A noticeable jolt will come in October, when the viaduct will close for nine days and be permanently severed at Royal Brougham Way South. After that, drivers will take an S-shape detour onto the viaduct until the tunnel is done.

That's the start of a four-year effort at the Sodo end of the huge bored tube that motorists, bus passengers and bicyclists will witness as they meander through the congestion. The detour includes new aerial spans that are being finished in Sodo and later will become the permanent southbound highway.

The detour likely will add a few minutes to the average nine-minute delay that West Seattle drivers heading into downtown faced starting in May, when part of the highway was narrowed from three lanes to two each way. There will be no stoplights, but an advised 25 mph speed limit because of curves and merging lanes near CenturyLink Field.

Insider's guide to Seattle «

Water’s Call: Vashon ferry. When I need to feel creative it’s usually the Northwestern landscape that takes my walls down. The Vashon ferry is really, really beautiful. Fauntleroy Ferry Terminal, 4829 S.W. Barton, wsdot.com

Chord Source: Dusty Strings. Where I bought my first guitar after we got our record deal. I had always gone there and looked at guitars and hammer dulcimers and banjos. 3406 Freemont Ave. N., dustystrings.com

Stage Clothes: Ian. Right across from the Moore Theatre is my favorite clothing store in the country. Their buyer must be fascinated by the concept of very tailored clothes, because it seems like everything’s custom fit to you when you walk out of there. 1919 Second Ave., ianshop.com

Dale Chihuly/The Artist

Glass sculptor and co-founder of Pilchuck Glass School

Skyline Jewel: The Space Needle. Built for the 1962 World’s Fair, it has become an icon. I don’t know many people who come here and don’t make plans to visit and either ride up to the observation level to enjoy the fabulous view or eat at SkyCity restaurant. 400 Broad St., spaceneedle.com