Tomorrow crews open up Fairview Avenue North to two-way traffic. This is a change from only one northbound lane on Fairview, between Harrison and Mercer, and no southbound traffic between Valley and Harrison. So… REMEMBER FAIRVIEW MONDAY!
The change represents a shift to the next stage of Mercer Corridor construction which includes closing Valley Street to through traffic, as it is then reconstructed; though crews will ease drivers into the change, with one lane of westbound Valley open for a few weeks, from Fairview to Terry avenues.
Looking south on Fairview Avenue North
With such long-term projects, it’s easy to forget about route alternatives when they’ve been closed so long for construction. This is a reminder that you have new commute options. If you want to test this newfound access, try it tomorrow afternoon or Sunday. You can also check out the area, before you go, by visiting this link the Fairview/Mercer traffic camera .
Below is the overall project map, followed by a map with updated traffic flow for the next construction phase to help orient you.
After the reopening of Fairview, crews will complete sidewalks on the eastside of that roadway, between Mercer and Valley. Then it’s on to Stage 4. Traffic changes for Mercer Stage 4 are:
- Valley Street will be restricted to one westbound lane between Fairview Avenue N and Terry Avenue N and closed to traffic between Terry Avenue N and Westlake Avenue N
- Westlake Avenue N will be restricted to one northbound lane between Valley Street and 9th Avenue N
- Broad Street will be closed between Westlake Avenue N and 9th Avenue N
- Northbound Terry Avenue N will be restricted to local access only between Mercer Street and Valley Street
- Access to Lake Union Park will be maintained via Fairview Avenue N and Valley Street
The good news (besides the fact that this work will result in improved area traffic flow and access) is Stage 4 is the final phase of the Mercer East Project. The difficult news is construction continues west next month. For more details visit the Mercer West project web site or attend a March 21 public meeting at Seattle Center to meet the contractor. Want more good news before you see more pylons? Well, King County Metro plans to return bus service to Fairview on March 16. The caveat? They also need to close lanes on Fairview between 9 am and 3 pm for about four to six weeks to reinstall their overhead trolley system. Hang in there!