Water Main Replacement Will Slow SODO Traffic
Two-month South Spokane Street Project Begins Tuesday, Sept. 16

For immediate release: 9/8/08
For more information, Contact:
Seattle Public Utilities Customer Service, (206) 684-3000

SEATTLE — Motorists in the South of Downtown (SODO) neighborhood will encounter some delays and street closures beginning September 16 when Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) undertakes a two-month water main replacement project on South Spokane Street (lower roadway) between 1st Avenue South and 5th Avenue South.

The project entails replacing a 100-year-old, 30-inch cast iron water main in the eastbound lanes of South Spokane Street with a new main constructed to current seismic standards. Upgrading this seismically-vulnerable vital water supply link will strengthen SPU’s ability to provide water services in the aftermath of a significant earthquake event and provide for more robust service to customers.

The work is planned in support of the Spokane Street ramp and widening projects planned by the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) to prepare for removal of the Alaskan Way Viaduct in 2012.

The SPU portion of the work is expected to be completed by mid-November 2008 and the SDOT project will follow.

Construction work will occur Monday through Friday, from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Some work on 4th Avenue South will occur on evenings and weekends.

Construction impacts will include:

• Street closures during construction hours, starting September 16.



• On eastbound South Spokane Street (the lower roadway, not the upper Spokane Viaduct) the following closures will take place:


1st Avenue South to 2nd Avenue South — Local access only.

2nd Avenue South to 5th Avenue South — Total closure (except some City Light access).



• Traffic detours rerouting approximately 700 vehicles per day that will affect neighboring street system. (See map for details).



• Eastbound South Spokane St traffic will be detoured north at E Marginal Way South via South Hanford St, 1st Avenue South, South Lander St, and 6th Avenue South.



• Temporary loss of street parking starting September 8 when crews begin to stage and mobilize equipment. “No Parking” signs will be clearly posted. No parking will be allowed beneath the viaduct between 2nd Avenue South and 5th Avenue South. Cars left on the street during posted no parking times may be ticketed or towed. Parts of the median will be fenced during construction.



• Increased construction traffic, noise, dust and vibration.



• Temporary utility and/or water interruptions. Seattle Public Utilities will notify affected customers at least 72-hours in advance of any planned water shut-off.



• Possible discolored water, water with a strong chlorine odor, or a temporary reduction in water pressure.

The closures of eastbound South Spokane St between 1st Avenue South and 4th Avenue South will continue with construction of the SDOT 4th Avenue Off-Ramp project following completion of the water main work, and the SDOT closure will likely last into 2010.

Map of South Spokane St Surface Detour

For information about the SDOT Spokane Street Ramp and Widening projects, check the South Spokane Street Project Web site; or call the project information line: (206) 684-4747

In addition to providing a reliable water supply to more than 1.3 million customers in the Seattle metropolitan area, SPU provides essential sewer, drainage, solid waste and engineering services that safeguard public health, maintain the city’s infrastructure and protect, conserve and enhance the region's environmental resources.

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Seattle Public Utilities