Construction on the Aurora Bridge “suicide fence” will finally begin tonight, Monday, May 24 after weeks of delays and postponements due to equipment problems – the month of noisy nighttime construction was supposed to begin back on April 19.

Beginning tonight and on Thursday, May 27 WSDOT will be closing the two northbound lanes and the northbound sidewalk across the Aurora Bridge from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. so that crews can install environmental safeguards and temporary construction lighting. From WSDOT:

• Some of this work will be noisy. When possible, we will shield noise sources to minimize the effects on those near the bridge. Please call (206.440.4099) or e-mail us and we will send free earplugs to your mailbox. Please include your name, address and the number of earplug sets you need.
• Earplugs are also available between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. on weekdays at the Fremont Neighborhood Service Center located at 908 N. 34th Street.

WSDOT expects to finish work on the ‘suicide fence’ in late 2010 or early 2011. Read up on the project, see digital images of what the fence will look like and follow the project progress here.