Beginning Monday, Feb. 23, a portion of First Avenue South, between South Stacy and South Horton streets, is receiving a complete overhaul by the Seattle Department of Transportation. The department will build a new street base, lay fresh pavement, install new curbs and new sidewalks, as well as replace existing water and storm drain lines.

The transportation department will essentially rebuild this entire section of street, which is more damaged than other areas along First Avenue South that were paved last year, according to a release from the city. The project is scheduled to be completed this fall.

Traffic will be limited to two northbound lanes and one southbound lane during the day on First Avenue South between South Stacy and South Forest streets. There will be no on-street parking in the construction area. Left-hand turns onto or off of First Avenue South will be restricted at many of the intersections.

The construction will also result in some reroutes, relocated bus stops, and delays for King County Metro Transit and Sound Transit express bus service for several months.

For First Avenue South: Metro buses will remain on their regular routing, but travel is expected to be delayed. Also, there will be times when some bus stops on First Avenue South will be temporarily closed or moved. Metro will post Rider Alerts at these stops, but changes could occur with little advance notice. The city anticipates work on this project will continue through September.

Construction associated with the Spokane Street Viaduct/Fourth Avenue Ramp Project will impact approximately 17 Metro and Sound Transit bus routes at South Spokane Street and the SODO Busway. Bus reroutes are expected to begin on Monday, March 2 and continue through mid May.

Buses traveling northbound on the busway should not be affected by the construction.

The southbound service that will be rerouted 24/7 includes: Metro routes 32, 39, 101, 106, 150, 152, 170, 177, 190, 191, 194, and 196; and Sound Transit Express routes 590, 592, 593, 594 and 595.

All of the affected routes will miss stops on the busway, Spokane Street, or Fourth Avenue South. But, all will serve two new temporary stops southbound on Sixth Avenue South located just south of South Lander Street and just north of Spokane Street. Bus riders who transfer in the SODO area will also be impacted by these service revisions.

During the night, between 6 p.m. and 7 a.m., the street may be limited to one lane in each direction. Beginning in March, these lane closures will extend to South Horton Street and will continue until September.

Access from First Avenue South will be maintained for local businesses at all times, including Sears, Home Depot and Starbucks’ administrative offices. For trips to destinations outside this area, drivers are advised to use alternate routes such as East Marginal Way South, Fourth Avenue South or Airport Way South.