Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) will begin a significant road repair project on N/NW 85th Street between 15th Avenue NW and I-5 today. Commuters and neighbors should try to avoid major traffic impacts during construction, anticipated to last approximately 10 months.

The two-mile stretch of roadway will be largely rebuilt, including adding curb ramps at street corners, improving sidewalks and upgrading the drainage systems. The project is broken down into five phases moving from west to east.

“The project makes much needed repairs to N/NW 85th Street, a critical but deteriorating arterial used by over 30,000 vehicles each day,” said SDOT Director Peter Hahn in a press release. “This two-mile long effort will be the single largest paving project included in the Bridging the Gap levy passed by voters in 2006.”

January traffic changes:

Phase 1 – 15th Avenue NW to 8th Avenue NW

· Major construction starts January 3, 2012, continuing through early spring 2012.

· As early as January 4, NW 85th Street will be closed to eastbound traffic and all vehicles, including Metro buses, will be detoured via NW 80th Street.

· Westbound traffic will be reduced to one lane at times.

· Parking will be prohibited on NW 85th Street.

Phase 2 – 8th Avenue NW to Greenwood Avenue N

· Construction activities are expected to start the week of January 9.

· Intermittent lane closures will occur for eastbound and westbound directions.

· Multiple weekend closures at Greenwood Avenue N will be needed to rebuild the intersection.

· The closure for eastbound traffic will not start in this area until the Phase 1 eastbound closure is complete.

“We have a lot of work to do in a very tight space,” said SDOT Project Engineer Jessica Murphy. “We’re doing everything we can to keep traffic moving and maintain access to homes and businesses. Drivers using these streets should plan ahead, allow extra time, find alternate routes, avoid traveling during the busiest times of day, and consider taking the bus, walking or bicycling.

To sign up for regular construction email updates, send an email to pave_85th@seattle.gov.

For more information, contact the 24-hour project line at (206) 496-9993, or visit http://www.seattle.gov/transportation/pave_85th.htm.