UPDATE: SDOT says the contractor’s schedule is changing and that there probably won’t be a detour in place this weekend. SDOT says instead of paving as originally planned, the contractor will be working on underground utilities. That will leave one lane open in each direction — the normal state this month during the project.
Original Report: The most amazing news of the week might be that this guy must have driven through the crazy obstacle course that is 10th Ave E during his mad getaway attempt Tuesday night. Last week, we suggested you give anybody living near 10th Ave E a hug as a month of street repairs became the latest irritant to living in northernmost Capitol Hill. This week, hell, you might as well pucker up, because they’ll need a kiss. Turns out, the SDOT construction project in the area has a bonus closure included in the plan this weekend. Details below. Make sure to read the fine print. More closures to come. Kiss, kiss.
It’s not the only SDOT construction happening on the Hill right now but it’s certainly the largest. Not sure what the crew is up to on the smaller jobs on 19th Ave E. Any other work we should be aware of. The three-year project windows on SDOT’s construction map make it a little tricky to figure out what work is happening.
Oh, and, by the way, check out the previous 10th Ave E post’s comments for some good tips for bicyclists seeking to avoid the mess. And say hello to our pals in Eastlake if you swing through.
Weekend Construction on 10th Avenue East
Closed to Northbound Traffic between Boston and Roanoke Streets
SEATTLE – Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) is reconstructing a section of 10th Avenue East in the North Broadway/Capitol Hill neighborhood as part of its annual paving program.
This weekend (July 31 to Aug 1) SDOT’s contractor will reconstruct a concrete lane on the west side of 10th Ave E between the State Route 520 overpass and a location south of E Miller St.
Crews will start at 7 a.m. on Saturday, and by 8 a.m. expect to begin breaking and removing the existing pavement. The contractor will have traffic control measures in place by 7 a.m. on Saturday and expects to reopen lanes by noon on Sunday, and possibly earlier on Sunday, depending on work progress.
To accommodate the work, 10th Avenue East from East Boston Street to East Roanoke Street will be closed to northbound traffic, and one southbound lane will remain open. A substantial detour will be in place: northbound traffic will be detoured from Broadway to East Roy Street, then to Belmont Avenue East, Lakeview Boulevard East, to Boylston Avenue East, and to East Roanoke Street.
Westbound traffic on East Miller Street will turn left (south) at 10th Ave E. East Miller Street will be closed to eastbound traffic between 10th Avenue East and Broadway Avenue East.
Bicyclists may use the sidewalk on the east side of 10th Ave E. Pedestrian access to all businesses and residences will be maintained. Local vehicle access will be maintained. Police officers will be on site to keep traffic moving.
The contractor expects additional weekend work during this project. For more information please visit the Spot Rehabilitation web site at:
http://www.seattle.gov/transportation/spotrehab.htm
The spot rehabilitation paving projects are funded by the Bridging the Gap transportation levy approved by Seattle voters in 2006.
I walked along that construction area yesterday morning, and was surprised to notice that there was no congestion at all, in fact the traffic was much lighter than normal….perhaps because drivers are avoiding it? SDOT has an SPD officer directing traffic at the E Miller intersection, and this is helping alot. So far, so good!
My place overlooks the middle of the construction zone. Thanks for the sympathy, and the headsup–SDOT isn’t too good about letting us know what’s going on, other than telling us there will be construction into the fall with construction during the work week and sometimes on weekends (they seem to get off on scheduling the loudest work at 7 or 8 on weekend mornings)…
Looks like last-minute camping for me this weekend…
The high-speed chase last Tuesday definitely went right through the construction zone. Lots of very fast, very revved up engines and sirens.
And I’ve noticed the traffic has been heavier than normal, but slower and calmer–people seem like they are taking it easy. I still would recommend avoiding the area…