Seattle traffic choke point at Mercer changing this weekend

A major Seattle traffic choke point is poised to make a dramatic change this weekend. But officials don't expect the soon-to-be two-way Mercer Street will improve the afternoon commute out of downtown.

As of Monday, Mercer Street will carry two-way traffic for the first time since 1968. But The Seattle Times (http://is.gd/hfCJgX ) reports much more work remains to be done in the neighborhood.

Automobile congestion eastbound toward I-5 isn't expected to improve much on the thoroughfare called "the Mercer mess" by commuters. But the city's traffic studies predict westbound drivers leaving I-5 should save a couple of minutes on their way to work.

Part of the reason the eastbound traffic won't improve is because of other construction in the area, including work on Fairview Avenue North.