Drivers and bus riders who use State Route 99/Aurora Avenue North near Lake Union may see longer travel times when long-term lane closures start next week.
Contractor crews working for the Washington State Department of Transportation will begin preliminary work Monday, March 9, with a full overnight closure of northbound SR 99 to straighten a curved portion of the road over Mercer Street.
Overnight Tuesday, March 10, crews begin setting up the work zones for long-term lane closures between Valley Street and the Aurora Bridge. Northbound lane closures will last approximately eight weeks; southbound closures will last approximately 12 weeks.
The lane closures are needed to create a safe work zone for crews while they install foundations for large signs that will eventually direct traffic approaching the north end of the SR 99 tunnel.
Drivers and bus riders should expect additional congestion, especially during peak commute times. Trips may take longer than normal since buses will not only travel but make stops in the outside lanes with other vehicle traffic. The southbound, bus-only lane will be open to all traffic during this work.
Project details
Overnight Monday, March 9
Northbound lanes will be entirely closed between the south end of the Battery Street Tunnel and Valley Street at 10 p.m. and reopened by 6 a.m. Tuesday, March 10, to straighten a curve in the portion of the road over Mercer Street. This work is weather-dependent.Tuesday morning, northbound drivers will notice a left-lane closure between Mercer and Galer streets.
Overnight Tuesday, March 10
Crews will begin setting up the northbound and southbound work zones for sign foundation work starting at 8 p.m. between the Aurora Bridge and Valley Street. Two lanes will be closed overnight in both directions.
6 a.m., Wednesday, March 11: Long-term lane closures begin
Northbound SR 99/Aurora Avenue North
One lane will be closed for approximately eight weeks between Valley Street and the Aurora Bridge.Two lanes will remain open to traffic during peak travel times.Buses will travel and stop in the right lane with other vehicle traffic.An additional lane may close at night and during some weekend days.Southbound SR 99/Aurora Avenue North
One lane will be closed for approximately 12 weeks between the Aurora Bridge and Valley Street.Two lanes will remain open to traffic during peak travel times.The bus-only lane restriction will be lifted; buses will travel and stop in the right lane with other vehicle traffic.An additional lane may close at night and during some weekend days.Driver tips
The long-term lane closures are expected to cause additional backups on SR 99 for vehicles and buses, particularly during peak commute times. Drivers and bus riders should be advised on these considerations:
Allow plenty of extra time, especially during peak commute times.
If possible, consider leaving early, delaying trips or telecommuting to avoid traveling during peak commute times in the morning and afternoon.
If driving, WSDOT advises to “know before you go” using WSDOT’s travel tools or SDOT’s travelers information page.
Share a ride in a carpool or vanpool, walk or ride a bicycle.
