A Return to Normal?

After 20 years of planning, re-planning, funding and additional funding, the Sound Transit Link Light Rail promise of an “Airport Extension” linking Tukwila through the airport to 200th Street was finally realized with the opening of the new Angle Lake Station, Plaza and parking garage on September 24th, 2016. 

Construction on the overhead track began April 2013 with the Station and Parking garage ground breaking activity starting a year and a half later in September 2014. Commuters through the area along with residents around the project had endured diversions, detours, traffic delays and construction noise. 

Completion of this major project should mean a return to peaceful conditions with normal traffic flows in the area. Well… not so fast. There are additional projects underway in the area to the east and west of the station:

Connecting 28th/24th Avenue S.

Located to the southwest side of the Sound Transit Angle Lake station another major construction effort has been underway to create a new arterial alternative aligned parallel to International Boulevard. Existing 28th Avenue which curves west at South 200th street is planned to continue south on the new surface road which will become 24th Avenue So and ultimately connect to South 216th street. 

Arterial work on South 24th between 208th and 216th has already completed. Additional tasks recently completed on the stretch between 200th and 208th includes the installation of bridge abutments; concrete roadside curb and gutter, center median curb, and pre-level pavement. Overhead utilities have been converted underground along 24th Avenue S. (north of S. 208th Street) Starting this week the Contractor will be installing pre-cast concrete girders that will support the new roadway and bridge over the future SR 509 highway. This is a significant milestone in the project and indicative of the planning partnership with WSDOT to have this roadway be forward compatible with SR509. The arterial effort is scheduled for an August 2017 completion. SR509 is planned to complete in 2031.

Intersection Improvements at Military Road and S. 200th Street 

Construction work by WSDOT is continuing on the Southbound I-5 interchange at Military Road S. and S. 200th Street. This work will widen and realign the intersection and install new traffic signals to allow for easier access between I-5 and, the Angle Lake Light Rail Station, and the City of SeaTac. 

What to expect:

• Motorists should expect travel delays during construction on South 200th Street, Military Road, the southbound I-5 off-ramp to South 200th Street/Military Road, and the South 200th Street/Military Road on-ramp to southbound I-5 with increased delays during weekday commuting hours.
• Lanes may be reduced during construction. There may also be periodic I-5 ramp closures at this location. Signage and flaggers will help motorists and pedestrians get safely around the work zone. Ramp closures will be announced in advance using electronic message signs.
• Typical work times will be between 7 am and 5 pm on weekdays and nighttime work will also be happening. The City of SeaTac has approved a noise variance for nighttime work for this project.
• Expect noise from equipment breaking up and removing existing sections of asphalt and other activities (trucks, excavators, bulldozers, vactor trucks, drill rigs, saw cutting equipment). Lighting will be used to illuminate the work area during nighttime hours. Please contact 440.4DOT (4368) for any noise related complaints

Motorists should plan alternate routes around the area during construction if possible. A 24-hour construction hotline is available at 888.298.2395 to assist with any project related questions.