Seattle — Drivers who use the Montlake Bridge will need to find another route this weekend.
The Washington State Department of Transportation is closing the bridge for repairs Friday night
It will close at 10 p.m. Friday and won’t reopen until Monday at 5 a.m.
So 40,000 to 50,000 drivers who cross the Montlake Cut will need to go around while workers repair several sections of the bridge deck.
The road surface on the bridge is a combination of concrete or asphalt and steel grates, and the metal sections need repair work.
WSDOT says if the work isn't done now, it could lead to an emergency failure and unscheduled closure.
The Montlake Bridge opened to traffic in 1925 and is the workhorse that gets people from SR 520 to the University of Washington.
As a result of the work, the westbound exit from SR 520 will also be closed.
That's going to force drivers out to I-5 in order to get to the University District.
Bicyclists and pedestrians will still be able to cross the bridge, but you should expect up to 20-minute delays.
Though it closes periodically for maintenance, this is more significant than the usual work.
When workers are finished on Monday morning, drivers should notice a smoother ride across.