News Release

Greg Nickels, Mayor

Grace Crunican, Director

Contact: Rick Sheridan, 206-684-8540

For Immediate Release

November 2, 2009

SDOT to host NE 45th Street Viaduct Project Open House

SEATTLE – The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) invites the public to an open house to
learn about replacement plans for the west approach of the NE 45th Street Viaduct. It will be held on
Thursday, November 12, from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the University Presbyterian Church located at
4540 15th Avenue NE, Seattle.

The NE 45th Street Viaduct’s existing west approach is nearing the end of its structural life and needs to
be rebuilt to maintain a safe and efficient travel corridor for vehicles, pedestrians and bicycles. SDOT
will replace the 468-foot west approach, and evaluate the east approach and main span for seismic
retrofit needs.

SDOT is planning to construct the new west approach during summer 2010 when traffic is lighter due to
the University of Washington’s summer session. Based on community input, SDOT will utilize a full-
closure construction phasing for the work to shorten its timeframe and reduce how long travelers are
detoured around the area. The closure will last up to four months.

The department is working closely with local community groups, institutions and businesses in planning
this project, and will continue to involve the public as it moves forward with final design and
construction.

The project is part of the voter-approved Bridging the Gap program and will cost approximately $30
million. For additional information, please visit the project Web site at
www.seattle.gov/transportation/45th-bridge.htm.

The Seattle Department of Transportation builds, maintains and operates Seattle's $12 billion
transportation infrastructure. To further Mayor Nickels’ goal to get Seattle moving, the department
manages short- and long-term investments in streets, bridges, pavement and trees, that better connect
the city with the region.
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Tel: (206) 684-ROAD (684-7623), Internet Address: http://www.seattle.gov/transportation
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