Paving project on N/NW 85th Street will affect two bus routes

On Wednesday, Jan. 4, the Seattle Department of Transportation will begin a lengthy project to rebuild and repave North/Northwest 85th Street north of Ballard.

The city will be working on the roadway between 15th Avenue Northwest and Interstate 5 in five phases. This first phase is expected to last into May.

Phase 1 is between 15th Avenue Northwest and 8th Avenue Northwest, and the roadway will be closed in the eastbound direction for several months. All traffic, including Metro buses, will be detoured to Northwest 80th Street. Westbound traffic will also be reduced to one lane at times.

This first phase will affect Metro routes 48 and 81 (Night Owl):

• In the eastbound direction, buses will be diverted to Northwest 80th Street and will make only one stop along the reroute – southbound on 15th Avenue Northwest just south of Northwest 85th Street. No other stops will be made until the bus resumes its regular routing;
  
• In the westbound direction, buses will remain on Northwest 85th Street, but some bus stops will be temporarily closed for varying periods of time. Watch for weekly Rider Alerts to be posted at the affected stops. There could also be delays due to the construction.

Bus riders are encouraged to sign up for Transit Alerts to keep up with any major changes for these routes.

For information about the city’s project, visit the project website.