SDOT and its paving contractor plan nighttime work on Virginia Street this week at two locations: between First and Second avenues, and between Westlake and Fairview avenues.

Between First and Second:
Crews will start tonight (April 12) on Virginia between First and Second avenues to install a new Seattle City Light electric duct bank to improve power distribution in downtown. This work will continue until the end of April. A minimum of two lanes will remain open during peak hours. During the night, between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m. Monday through Friday, a minimum of one lane will remain open.

The eastern most lane of Second Avenue will be closed near Virginia Street twenty-four hours a day until this work is complete. The crosswalk on the west side of Second Avenue at Virginia Street will be closed during the night. When working near an alley, access may be temporarily restricted. Access for pedestrians and businesses will be maintained. Police officers and traffic flaggers will assist traffic.

Between Westlake and Fairview:
The contractor will pave Virginia Street between Westlake and Fairview avenues during the night, now tentatively scheduled for Wednesday or Thursday, April 14 or 15, from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. This work requires fair weather, and will be rescheduled if the forecast is not favorable. One eastbound lane will remain open between Sixth Avenue and Boren/Fairview Avenue. The street will be closed to westbound traffic, and a detour will be posted. There will be nighttime parking and loading restrictions in and around the work zone and short-term closures of cross streets, driveways and alleys during paving. Police officers and traffic flaggers will assist traffic.

This project is funded by the “Bridging the Gap” transportation levy approved by Seattle voters in November 2006.

For more information: George Frost, (206) 615-0786, george.frost@seattle.gov

Media contact: Marybeth Turner, (206) 684-8548, marybeth.turner@seattle.gov