UW News

April 7, 2011

SR 520 eastbound ramp to Montlake to close temporarily

The off-ramp from eastbound State Route 520 to Montlake Boulevard will close during the early morning hours Saturday, April 9, and Monday, April 11, so crews can deliver and remove equipment for geotechnical drilling work.

The work requires the off-ramp to be closed overnight from 12:01 a.m. to 4 a.m. on Saturday and Monday mornings. Drivers on eastbound SR 520 who want to access Montlake Boulevard can follow a posted detour and should plan for additional travel time.

The detour takes drivers across Lake Washington, directs them to exit and re-enter the highway at 84th Avenue N.E. and then back across the lake to Montlake Boulevard.

The closure is part of an effort by the Washington State Department of Transportation to collect information about the soil composition along the SR 520 corridor. The results of the drilling provide valuable information for engineers and potential contractors as they design foundations, lid structures above the highway, retaining walls and stormwater facilities. This geotechnical drilling work is expected to be completed this fall.

Information about the fieldwork is on the Washington State Department of Transportation Web page. Traffic conditions on the bridge can be monitored on the departments Seattle traffic page.