Seattle traffic disruptions loom

Work will affect area around South Spokane Street

P-I STAFF

First Avenue South to Second Avenue South will be local access only. Second Avenue South to Fifth Avenue South will be closed completely, except for some City Light access. In addition, detours of about 700 vehicles a day from Spokane Street will mean more traffic on neighboring streets. Eastbound South Spokane Street traffic will be detoured north at East Marginal Way South via South Hanford Street, First Avenue South, South Lander Street and Sixth Avenue South. Installing the new main built to seismic standards is supposed to be finished in mid-November. But eastbound South Spokane Street between First Avenue South and Fourth Avenue South will remain closed, at least until 2010. Right after Seattle Public Utilities finishes its work, the state Transportation Department will keep eastbound Spokane closed to prepare for construction on the Alaskan Way Viaduct in 2012. The water main project also will mean a temporary loss of street parking. On Monday, parking was closed beneath the viaduct between Second Avenue South and Fifth Avenue South. Cars left on the street may be ticketed or towed. Parts of the median will be fenced off. In addition, Seattle Public Utilities warns that the replacement may bring temporary water interruptions; SPU customers will have 72-hour advance notice of any water shut-off. The work also might mean discolored water, water with a strong chlorine odor or a temporary reduction in pressure. The water main work will occur Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., with some work on Fourth Avenue South evenings and weekends.