The contractor painting the Ballard Bridge for the Seattle Department of Transportation now plans to begin closures of the northbound (eastern) outside lane tonight  at 8 p.m. The lane will be open only for the afternoon peak commute period, from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. but closed at all other times on weekdays; the lane will normally be open on weekends. The sidewalk on the northbound (east) side will also be closed during these hours, and will also be open on weekends. The northbound lane closure will last from two to three weeks, at which time a southbound, nighttime lane closure will begin. 

Drivers headed northbound when the lane is closed should expect congestion and are advised to seek alternate routes when possible, or allow extra time for their trip.

Periodic painting of the steel parts of the bridge is necessary to reduce corrosion and lengthen the life of the bridge.

Please note: For much of the time during this project the workers cannot be observed working on the bridge deck because most of the work is out of view, under the bridge.

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