Beginning next Friday, September 4, motorists exiting I-5 at Northgate are encouraged to consider using alternative freeway exits if possible, particularly during the morning and afternoon commutes. Contractors working for SDOT plan to begin the repaving of North Northgate Way just west of I-5, between Meridian Avenue North and Corliss Avenue North (immediately adjacent to I-5). This will reduce traffic to a single lane in each direction until mid-November, when the work is slated to be completed.
Drainage facilities were improved on Northgate Way.
Traffic is likely to exceed the ability of the single travel lanes to expeditiously handle the volume of cars and trucks that regularly use Northgate Way. The problem is likely to be most pronounced during the afternoon commute, and could in turn lead to backups on both the northbound and southbound I-5 off- ramps at Northgate Way, although could also occur during the morning commute and at other times.
Motorists are encouraged to exit I-5 either north or south of Northgate, if possible. Doing so could well save them time, as well as help to alleviate the pressure at Northgate Way.
The work between Meridian and Corliss will be the third and final phase of a project that is repaving North 105th & North Northgate Way from Greenwood Avenue North to Corliss Avenue North. The project also includes new five-foot wide sidewalks and curb ramps, along with new stormwater structures, and a series of signal and lighting improvements along the corridor.
Crews install a new concrete street base on Northgate Way between Burke and Meridian.
The project is one of SDOT’s AAC (Arterial Asphalt and Concrete) projects, which resurfaces several streets each year with the larger goal of enhancing both mobility and safety citywide. The projects are prioritized and selected by SDOT’s Pavement Engineering and Management Section based on pavement condition, volume and type of traffic, identified needs of residents and businesses, opportunities for coordination with other capital projects, and identified maintenance and liability concerns.
More information can be found at the project website, located at www.seattle.gov/transportation/pave_N105.htm.