If you were planning to drive anywhere around Seattle this weekend—especially downtown—you may want to come up with a backup plan.
Major highway construction is happening across the region at the same time as two large sports events in Seattle’s stadiums, creating the perfect recipe for heavy traffic. Whether you’re driving to a Mariners game, Seahawks Fan Fest or just trying to get across the region, expect delays from Friday, August 7 through Monday, August 10.
Major highway construction returns August 7-9
On August 3, WSDOT announced that several major construction projects will overlap throughout the weekend as highway work resumes following the World Cup.
Drivers should expect closures, lane reductions and significant delays this weekend on:
- I-5
- I-405
- SR 520
- SR 202
Travelers are encouraged to plan ahead, allow extra time and consider alternate routes whenever possible.
Two big stadium events at the same time this Saturday
Construction isn’t the only thing slowing traffic.
Thousands of fans will also be heading to Seattle’s Stadium District on Saturday, August 8, for two major events happening at nearly the same time:
- The Seattle Mariners‘ 50th season celebration at T-Mobile Park
- Seahawks Fan Fest at Lumen Field
With both venues filling up during the late afternoon, expect heavy congestion around the stadiums before and after the events.
T-Mobile Park’s gates will open earlier
The Mariners have adjusted their normal gate schedule to help accommodate larger crowds.
- The Pen opens at 3:50 p.m.
- All gates open at 4:20 p.m.
- The pregame ceremony begins at 5:30 p.m.
That’s more than an hour earlier than a typical game-day schedule.
Meanwhile, Lumen Field opens its gates for Seahawks Fan Fest at 4:15 p.m., with practice beginning at 5:20 p.m.
The best way to get there
If you’re heading to either stadium, Link light rail will likely be the easiest way to avoid traffic.
If you have to drive, leave well ahead of your event. Better yet, arrive earlier in the day and spend some time exploring downtown, the Seattle waterfront, and Pioneer Square before the evening rush begins.
Where drivers can expect the biggest backups
According to WSDOT, the biggest trouble spots this weekend include:
- Heavy congestion on northbound I-405 approaching Renton.
- Heavy traffic on local streets throughout Kirkland.
- Increased delays on northbound I-5 because of the northbound I-405 closure and reduced lanes across the Ship Canal Bridge.
- Significant backups on the eastbound I-90 bridge Saturday night due to the eastbound SR 520 closure and multiple downtown events.
- Additional congestion on I-90 as drivers detour around the SR 202 closure.
