Drivers headed for West Seattle will need to plan ahead this weekend. The ramp from northbound I-5 to the West Seattle Bridge will be closed, starting at 10 p.m. tonight (Friday) until 5 a.m. Monday. The ramp to the surface level Spokane Street will remain open (but see more about Spokane Street, below). Also, the ramp from Columbian Way (from Beacon Hill) to the West Seattle Bridge will be closed. The best way to get to the West Seattle Bridge will be from southbound I-5 or from southbound Alaskan Way Viaduct.

In addition to these weekend closures, several long-term closures will also begin tonight for the Spokane Street Viaduct widening project. The Fourth Avenue South off- ramp will permanently close. Lower Spokane Street from First to Sixth avenues will be closed to both east and westbound through traffic.

Fourth Avenue South will be closed under the viaduct, from S Horton to Industrial Way on Friday night, and then restricted to one lane in each direction for several weeks.

Metro bus service should not be affected, unless congestion causes delays. All work is weather dependent. For more info, detour routes, maps etc: http://www.seattle.gov/transportation/spokanestreet.htm

The $168 million S Spokane St Viaduct Widening Project will nearly double the width of the elevated roadway, improve traffic flow, safety and access between I-5, SODO and West Seattle.