UPDATE: Ramps to West Seattle Bridge open early

9:50 PM update - SDOT’s contractor completed this weekend’s work early and opened the ramp from northbound I-5 to the West Seattle Bridge around 8 pm (Saturday, Jan 23). The ramp from Columbian Way (from Beacon Hill) to the West Seattle Bridge was opened shortly thereafter.

Several long-term closures that began last night (Friday, Jan 22) will remain in place for the Spokane Street Viaduct widening project. Lower Spokane Street from First to Sixth avenues is closed to both east and westbound through traffic. The Fourth Avenue South off- ramp from westbound lanes on the Spokane Street Viaduct is permanently closed.

Starting Monday at 9 a.m., Fourth Avenue South under the viaduct will be restricted to one lane in each direction from S Horton to Industrial Way, and will remain restricted for several weeks.

Today the contractor positioned barriers blocking the Fourth Avenue off-ramp from the westbound lanes of Spokane Street Viaduct. The contractor expects to begin demolition of this ramp next week.

Closures similar to this weekend are planned for next weekend if the weather is favorable. Watch for updates.

The $168 million S Spokane St Viaduct Widening Project will nearly double the width of the elevated roadway, improve traffic flow, safety and access between I-5, SODO and West Seattle.

For more information, detour routes, maps etc. see the project Web site: http://www.seattle.gov/transportation/spokanestreet.htm