Mercer Street opening to two-way traffic Aug. 27

Once a messy on-ramp to I-5, Mercer Street will open to two-way traffic at the end of this month. After a full weekend closure Aug. 24-27, transformed Mercer Street will open on Aug. 27.

This marks the beginning of the third phase in the four phase project to clean up the area previously known for it’s heavy congestion in Seattle’s South Lake Union neighborhood.

During the weekend closure, crews will complete restriping and reconfiguring of traffic signals to allow for two-way traffic on Mercer.

Drivers exiting I-5 as well as those entering I-5 will now have use of the street. The new roadway will accommodate three lanes of westbound traffic exiting straight off I-5. Eastbound Mercer St. will maintain three lanes of traffic onto the I-5 on-ramps. There will also be a left turn lane onto Fairview Ave. N.

Stage three of the project, which begins on Aug. 27, will involve relocation of wiring, sewer and gas lines in the area. There will be lane closures and restrictions on Fairview Ave N. as the street is widened, paved, and new sidewalks, signals, and urban design features are added.

This third phase of the project is expected to continue through early 2013.