Plan ahead: U Bridge will be closed next three weekends
The University Bridge will be closed for the next three weekends, so plan ahead. Because the detour is going to be rough.
All people driving, biking and walking will be detoured from as early as 8 p.m. Friday to as late as 5 a.m. Monday. This closure will be repeated July 29 - August 1 and August 5 - 8.
Because the I-5 Express Trail is not real (yet), the only options for people on foot or bike trying to cross the Ship Canal Trail are the Montlake Bridge, Fremont Bridge or transit (U Link definitely makes this detour easier for people headed to Capitol Hill and downtown).
Though the city recently installed very needed speed cushions on Boyer Ave E to calm the cut-through traffic on that street, it still is not a fun street to bike on. It's the flattest and most direct route between the bridges, but you have to be comfortable biking mixed with busy traffic to use it.
The good news is that this closure is needed to make significant and long-needed safety improvements to the north end U Bridge approaches. This work should finally end the disappearing bike lane problems in both north and south directions:
Concept images from SDOT
More details from SDOT:
We will close the University Bridge this weekend to begin resurfacing the bridge and complete other maintenance activities. This weekend's construction includes grinding off the road surface to inspect the bridge deck and prepare for paving. People driving, biking, and using motorcycles should exercise caution after this weekend, as the road surface will be rough.
This closure will be in place as early as 8 PM on Friday, July 22, and will be reopened by 5 AM Monday, July 25. During the closure, travelers can expect the following:
- University and Campus Parkway bridges and the pedestrian pathway will be fully closed to all traffic between NE 41th St and Fuhrman Ave E
- All travelers will be detoured to the Montlake Bridge (click here to view a detour map)
- The bridge will open for marine traffic as it usually does
- King County Metro buses will be detoured beginning at 1 AM, Saturday, July 23. Visit metro.kingcounty.gov/alerts/ to learn more
- Typical impacts of construction include noise, dust, increased truck activity, and lights during the nighttime
- Flaggers will be present to provide access for emergency vehicles if needed
Consider using Link light rail as an alternate travel option this weekend. Visit www.soundtransit.org for more information.
The University Bridge will also be closed as early as 8 PM Friday until 5 AM Monday on the following weekends:
- Friday, July 29, through Monday, August 1
- Friday, August 5, through Monday, August 8