This coming weekend, the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) will completely repave the intersection at First Avenue and Columbia Street, along with approximately 100 feet of Columbia Street heading east. The project, added to the 2009 paving program this fall, is expected to wrap up in less than two days time. Work will begin at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, October 9, with paving scheduled to be complete by Saturday night, October 10. Striping and some touch up work will follow, with the roadway reopened by 11 a.m. on Sunday, October 11.

To complete this work in the quick turn-around of less than 48 hours, First Avenue will be closed between Marion Street and Cherry Street; Columbia Street will be closed at Second Avenue. The Columbia Street on-ramp to the Alaskan Way Viaduct southbound will be closed from 6:30 p.m. on Friday, and reopen no later than 11 a.m. on Sunday. In accordance with noise restrictions, there will be no jack-hammering after 10 p.m.

Detour signs will be posted and uniformed Police Officers will be on site to assist pedestrians and general traffic. For information or questions about transit service, please call Metro Transit Customer Information at (206) 553-3000, or visit Metro Online at: www.kingcounty.gov/metro.

For information: George Frost, (206) 615-0786

Media contact: Marybeth Turner, (2060 684-8548