NE 45th Street Viaduct Now Closed till September 10th

Today is the day.

The NE 45th Street viaduct, which is used by about 20,500 vehicles every day, has closed this morning until September 10th for repairs to the west approach. Specifically the wooden timbers supporting the west side of the viaduct will be replaced.

During the closure period, traffic will be rerouted on a clearly signed detour route that uses major arterial streets north and south of NE 45th Street.

Cars going east on NE 45th will be directed north or south on 15th Avenue NE.

Cars going south will be directed to go south on 15th Avenue NE to Pacific Avenue NE, east on Pacific Avenue NE, and then north on Montlake.

Cars going north will be directed to 15th Avenue NE to NE 65th Street to west on NE 65th Street and then east to 25th Avenue NE.

The # 25 Metro bus,  which services Laurelhurst and the only bus line to be affected, will be re-routed through the University of Washington Campus and the UDistrict.

The bus on its downtown route will go through the UW campus via Pend Oreille Rd and Stevens Way to 15th Ave NE and then follow the regular route.

The bus when going to Laurelhurst, will also now go through the UW campus via Stevens Way. Pend Oreille Rd and Montlake Blvd NE to NE 45th St and then back on the regular route.

Here is a bus, bike and walk map.

SDOT conducted traffic studies during the last year through all the seasons, and determined that during the summer AM and PM peak periods, traffic times will be similar to traffic conditions during Fall, Winter and Spring AM and PM peak periods.

Also modifications, such as signal timing changes and and additional parking restrictions to key intersection lights along the detoured routes have been made in order to keep traffic flowing, according to the website.

Construction hours are 7am-11pm 7 days a week. Crews may conduct some night work (after 11pm) to finish the project on time.

You can visit the project website here to find detour routes, follow the construction, check out their FAQ, find contact information, subscribe to the mailing list, find transportation incentives and more.