By Mark Edward Nero
The Washington State Department of Transportation on Mon., Jan. 27 opened a new overpass in Seattle’s SoDo district that allows vehicle traffic to bypass a busy railroad track near the Port of Seattle’s busiest terminals.
Before the new South Atlantic Street overpass, train activity often blocked traffic for extended periods, which not only slowed truckers traveling to and from the Port of Seattle, but also created backups that stretched onto Seattle streets and Interstate 90.
The new overpass could save truckers as much as 20 minutes of travel time between the port and I-5 or I-90, according to the WSDOT.
The section of Atlantic beneath SR 99 is expected to remain closed to through traffic until the SR 99 tunnel opens to traffic. Drivers can now use the new overpass to travel in both directions between Atlantic and Alaskan Way South.
Later this winter, crews are expected to complete improvements to the bicycle and pedestrian path on the west side of SR 99 between Atlantic and South King streets.
The north leg of the overpass will open to the public after the tunnel opens and eventually link traffic to a newly rebuilt Alaskan Way and Seattle waterfront
