Seattle’s SR 99 Tunnel Gets a $1.5M Grip: Are You Ready for the Ride?

Buckle up, Seattle! The Washington State Department of Transportation is about to hit the brakes on that familiar grind through the SR 99 tunnel with a $1.5 million renovation. With more than 47,000 commuters zipping through daily since the tunnel opened in February 2019, that surface isn’t just worn down—it’s practically begging for a makeover. WSDOT plans to restore traction and grip, because let’s face it, no one wants their car to feel like it’s auditioning for a part in a James Bond movie with all that slipping and sliding.

So, what’s the plan? The magic wand that WSDOT is waving this time around is a technique called shot-blasting. Rather than a quick paint job, they’re getting all scientific with high-velocity particle grains to texture the pavement. Sure beats a regular “smooth sailing” sign, right? But before you grab your coffee and hit that notorious tunnel, be prepared for some late-night closures starting August 18—the northbound lanes will be shut down from 11 p.m. to 4:30 a.m. for a whopping five nights. Kind of throws a wrench in those late-night fries runs!

Once the northbound lanes are all spiffed up, they’ll tackle the southbound side like a well-planned sequel. And yes, there’s a slight silver lining for sports fans: the work pauses on game nights, which is a blessing for those rushing out of T-Mobile Park or Lumen Field. So, even though your commute might be interrupted a bit, the end result should offer a safer driving experience for everyone.

What would you do if you had an evening to spare while the tunnel gets its glow-up? Maybe try a different route and explore new places in Seattle? Let’s hear how you’re planning on handling the tunnel downtime!

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