This weekend the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) will close the Third Avenue NW intersection at NW 85th Street to rebuild the north and south travel lanes in concrete. The south half of the intersection at Palatine Avenue N will also be rebuilt during this weekend’s work. The Third Avenue NW intersection will be completely closed to traffic in all directions from 7 p.m. Friday through 6 a.m. Monday; local access will be maintained through the Palatine Avenue N intersection.

SDOT’s contractor will work 24 hours per day throughout the weekend. Detours will be in place for vehicles and bicycles, and local access to residences and businesses will be provided. The eastbound detour will remain in effect on NW 85th Street between 15th Avenue NW and 8th Avenue NW. Drivers should expect congestion, allow extra time for travel, and follow clearly marked detour routes to avoid cutting through neighborhood streets.

Some Metro bus routes will be affected by this work. Please look for Rider Alert notices at bus stops. Transit users can find reroute information on Metro Online at www.kingcounty.gov/metro or by calling (206) 553-3000.

The entire paving project covers a two-mile stretch of N/NW 85th Street between 15th Avenue NW and I-5. In additional to paving, the work includes adding or upgrading curb ramps at street corners, improving sidewalks and enhancing drainage systems. The department expects to complete the work by this fall.

To sign up for regular construction email updates, send an email to:  pave_85th@seattle.gov. For more information, contact the 24-hour project line at (206) 496-9993, email pave_85th@seattle.gov, or visit http://www.seattle.gov/transportation/pave_85th.htm.