This could be your playground (or film set, marriage proposal location, etc.) on Oct. 22nd!
What would you do if you had exclusive access to the Alaskan Way Viaduct for 30 minutes, free of cars and people? Maybe celebrate a birthday, propose to your significant other or play flag football?
That’s what the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) wants to know.
WSDOT is sponsoring a contest where one lucky person and 24 of their friends will win access to the viaduct’s downtown section for 30 minutes on Oct. 22. Starting Oct. 21, the viaduct will be closed for nine-days in order to demolish the southern mile and transfer traffic onto the new southbound bridge that is nearly complete.
To enter, answer the question:
“What would I do with 30 minutes on the Alaskan Way Viaduct?”
…in 100 words or less and send it to viaduct@wsdot.wa.gov by Sunday, Oct. 16. Entries should be original, creative and fun! The winner will be escorted to a private section of the viaduct at a predetermined time to follow through with their plan. Check the WSDOT website for contest details, rules and restrictions.
For those who don’t win the contest, and anyone else interested in spending a little time on the viaduct before it’s demolished, there’ll be a commemorative walk on Saturday, Oct. 22. This is a perfect opportunity to get a firsthand perspective as this historic event unfolds.
A portion of the viaduct’s top deck near the stadiums will be open to watch as crews demolish large sections of the roadway. You’ll also be able to enjoy great views of the city from the structure that helped shape Seattle’s waterfront. Attendees can take home a commemorative piece of the viaduct.
Here are more details:
- WHEN: 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (celebration continues until 2 p.m.) Saturday, Oct. 22
- WHERE: Construction area north of 1051 First Ave. South
- Elected officials make formal remarks and celebrate this major milestone at 1 p.m.
- No RSVPs are required, but some restrictions apply:
- Please wear sturdy shoes and be prepared for late October weather.
- No pets or bicycles are allowed on the structure.
- Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
- The event will be ADA accessible.
- Parking is available for cars and bicycles in the fenced construction site just south of Railroad Way South and on adjacent city streets and in nearby pay lots.
- WSDOT encourages attendees to take light rail, bus or the water taxi. The closest light rail stop is Stadium Station.
