Stevens Way repaving starts this summer

Summer is officially here and Seattle's sunny weather is encouraging folks to get out and enjoy the weather. The summer months may spell fun in the sun for most Seattleites, but for others it means peaks in construction, which translate into delays on the roads. The U-District will not be without delays of its own, as the University is taking advantage of the summer break to take care of a long-overdue project.

The Stevens Way Repaving Project is in its first phase of replacing asphalt pavement that has suffered years of bus and traffic abuse. The damaged asphalt, as well as curbs and sidewalks, will be replaced with concrete. Motorists can expect delays getting through Stevens Way, but once demolition begins, traffic will be alternated through one open lane. Completing the project will require full closure of the road between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m. from Aug. 1-20 while crews finish utility work.

Summer's weather conditions are prime for construction projects because they allow crews to get more work done in a day and complete projects on schedule. Even though needed projects are being taken care of, the drawbacks for residents persist. Construction crews can get in and out more quickly, but there are more of them going around.

Metro and Community Transit buses will not be affected during phase one, but riders should periodically check timetables online at www.transit.metrokc.gov or call Metro Rider Information at 553-3000 for updates. During the road closure period, all traffic and buses will be rerouted. Riders should plan ahead for alternate bus stops. Pedestrians will also be directed by signs to temporary crosswalks, as there will be no access to sidewalks in the construction zone.

Sound Transit service will be impacted when the Montlake Bridge closes from 10 p.m. Friday until 5 a.m. Monday. Buses will be rerouted to I-5 and will use the University exit. Schedule changes are posted inside buses and at all the affected stops. The Department of Transportation (DOT) will repeat last weekend's closure in order to finish painting the structure. During the closure, motorists are advised to use the detour route via I-5, Northeast 45th Street, 15th Avenue Northeast and Northeast Pacific Street.

While the DOT closed State Route 520's Evergreen Point Floating Bridge last weekend for repairs, the department said yesterday a second weekend closure would not be necessary this summer.

Sound Transit does not have any bus routes traveling through campus, but has plans for a demonstration route this fall. Route 586 will provide three morning routes from Tacoma and four returning trips in the afternoon. The route is the last of 19 planned routes that had been approved by voters in 1996. Sound Transit will also offer full U-Pass coverage for the Sounder beginning July 1.