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City of Seattle
Gregory J. Nickels, Mayor
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NEWS ADVISORY
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| SUBJECT: Traffic Advisory: Spokane Street Construction Begins Tuesday, Sept. 16
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
9/15/2008 12:15:00 PM |
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Richard Sheridan (206) 684-8540
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Spokane Street Construction Begins Tuesday, Sept. 16
SEATTLE- Beginning Tuesday, September 16, the city of Seattle will close eastbound lower South Spokane Street to through traffic between First Avenue South and Fourth Avenue South. Beginning at 9:00 a.m., the detour will be established between the morning and afternoon commute periods. The Seattle Department of Transportation will monitor traffic on-site over the next several days and make changes to signal timing and signage as needed.
The closure will allow work to start on a multi-year project in the South Spokane Street corridor, beginning with utility relocation by Seattle Public Utilities, and followed by surface street improvements, a new Fourth Avenue off-ramp and a widened Spokane Street Viaduct. This closure is expected to last until mid-2010, when the new ramp will be finished. The project will significantly improve traffic flows and safety on this key east-west route for decades to come.
More about the traffic changes:
- Southbound traffic on First Avenue South will no longer be able to turn left (east) at South Spokane Street.
- All eastbound traffic exiting the Spokane Street Viaduct (upper roadway) at First Avenue South will be directed left, northbound on First Avenue South. Eastbound traffic approaching First Avenue South from East Marginal Way South on South Spokane will be generally directed right, southbound on First Avenue South.
- Vehicles requiring access to businesses on First and Second avenues will be allowed to enter South Spokane Street, but the road will be closed to traffic at Second, which is not a through street, either north or south.
- Drivers should allow for extra time when in the area, as delays can be expected in the next few weeks as drivers adjust to new routes and the signal timing is further modified along the detour route.
- Parking restrictions for vehicles under the Spokane Street Viaduct will go into effect Monday, September 15.
For more information and a map of the detour, go to www.seattle.gov/spokane or call the information line at 206-684-4747. For commute options, please visit www.seattle.gov/waytogo/wtg_sodo.htm
The Seattle Department of Transportation builds, maintains and operates Seattle's $8 billion transportation infrastructure. To further Mayor Nickels’ goal to get Seattle moving, the department manages short- and long-term investments in streets, bridges, pavement and trees, that better connect the city with the region.
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