The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) used the break in heavy rain to finish final paving and striping on N/NW 85th Street between 15th Avenue NW and 8th Avenue NW, the first phase of the two-mile paving project. All lanes will be open to traffic in this area on April 25. Construction activities began in January in Phase 1 and included replacing the roadway with new concrete and asphalt, new stormwater facilities and new curb ramps. While major construction is complete in this area, several concrete panels still need to be replaced in the parking lane and some asphalt paving remains near the 12th Avenue NW intersection. Postponing this work now will help keep the project moving forward along the corridor.

Eastbound detours move east on April 25; work continues
Since late February work has been underway between 8th Avenue NW and Greenwood Avenue N, Phase 2 of the project. On Wednesday, April 25 the eastbound detour will begin in this area to provide more work space needed to complete remaining construction activities. All eastbound traffic will be rerouted to N/NW 80th Street via 8th Avenue NW and Greenwood Avenue N. One westbound lane will be maintained on N/NW 85th Street. The detour is expected to remain in place in Phase 2 until the end of May. SDOT reminds drivers to plan ahead, expect delays, and be good neighbors by following the signed detour routes to avoid cutting through neighborhood streets.

Greenwood paving starting soon, complete before annual car show in June
Starting as soon as the week of April 23, work will begin on Greenwood Avenue N between N 85th Street and N 73rd Street in preparation for resurfacing. This work will be completed concurrent with Phase 2. One lane of traffic in each direction will be maintained; however, on-street parking will be temporarily removed. Some night and weekend work will be required. The repaving is anticipated to last six to eight weeks, and will be complete before the annual car show in June.

Metro bus routes will be affected by this work – look for Rider Alert notices at the bus stops, see reroute information later this week on Metro Online www.kingcounty.gov/metro or call (206) 553-3000.

Funded by the 2006 Bridging the Gap levy passed by voters, the paving project makes much-needed repairs to the two-mile stretch of N/NW 85th Street between 15th Avenue NW and I-5, and Greenwood Avenue N. In addition to paving, the work includes adding or upgrading curb ramps at street corners, improving sidewalks and enhancing drainage systems. The contractor expects to complete the entire project by late fall.