On the Move Blog Department of Transportation

On The Move

Advisories from the Seattle Department of Transportation

Southbound Interstate 5 off-ramp closure at N 85th Street begins Friday, Aug 10

by

Beginning at 10 p.m., Friday, August 10, SDOT will close the southbound I-5 off-ramp at N 85th Street for 17 days and nights (24-hours continuous) as part of the N/NW 85th Street Paving Project. This ramp closure will occur simultaneously with other N 85th Street lane and on-ramp closures that began on August 3.

To complete the final two phases of the project and take advantage of drier weather, multiple lane and I-5 ramp closures on N 85th Street are required. Drivers should continue to follow signed detour routes. SDOT warns drivers to plan ahead, expect delays, use alternate routes to I-5 and SR 99 and ride the bus, bike or walk when possible.

Closure dates and alternate routes are described below. Dates are subject to change.

I-5 on-ramp at N 85th Street:

  • Closed 8/3 – 8/31
  • Access to I-5 provided via eastbound N 80th Street or via northbound Greenwood Avenue N to N 105th Street.

Southbound I-5 off-ramp at N 85th Street:

  • Closed 8/10 – 8/27
  • Access from southbound I-5 provided via the NE 80th Street exit.
  • Drivers should access westbound N 85th Street from the Banner Way NE overpass (except during the weekend of 8/24 – 8/27, see below).

Northbound I-5 off-ramp and Banner Way NE overpass to N 85th Street:

  • Closed 8/24 – 8/27 (weather dependent)
  • N 85th Street from I-5 to Wallingford Avenue N will be closed, except for local access.
  • Use alternate I-5 exits, such as N 105th Street and N 50th Street, during these closures.

Eastbound N 85th Street (Aurora Avenue N and I-5):

  • Aurora Avenue N to I-5, Closed 8/3-8/31
  • Aurora Avenue N to Wallingford Avenue N, Closed 8/3- End of October
  • Detours to N 80th Street via Greenwood Avenue N

Metro bus routes will be affected by this work. Look for Rider Alert notices at the bus stops, see reroute information later this week on Metro Online www.kingcounty.gov/metro or call (206) 553-3000.

The entire project is scheduled to be complete by the end of October. This project is funded by the 2006 Bridging the Gap levy passed by voters, and makes much-needed repairs to the two-mile stretch of N/NW 85th Street between 15th Avenue NW and I-5, and Greenwood Avenue N.

To sign up for regular construction email updates, email pave_85th@seattle.gov.

For more information, contact:  24-hour project line at 206-496-9993, visit http://www.seattle.gov/transportation/pave_85th.htm or email pave_85th@seattle.gov.

Media contact:  Marybeth Turner, 206-684-8548