SEATTLE —
Drivers across King and Pierce counties, brace yourselves. This weekend is shaping up to be a major test of patience with extensive road closures and big events converging, according to the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT).
Get ready for some serious traffic jams!
Significant weekend traffic delays are expected due to widespread road closures and major events across King and Pierce counties.
- Multiple major construction projects are underway, including Revive I-5 lane restrictions.
- The Ship Canal Bridge will have reduced northbound traffic.
- Southbound State Route 167 in Kent is closed all weekend for toll system updates.
- Eastbound State Route 18 in Auburn has ongoing bridge work.
- Overnight closures on northbound I-5 near DuPont are scheduled for overpass construction.
- Major events like Morgan Wallen concerts, A Bite of Seattle, and the Seafair Torchlight Parade add to the congestion.
Construction Creates Gridlock
WSDOT is warning that ongoing construction projects are the primary culprit for the anticipated gridlock. The Revive I-5 initiative brings significant lane restrictions in Seattle. Specifically, the Ship Canal Bridge is already reduced to two lanes of northbound traffic around the clock. This situation is expected to continue until August 15.
Route 167 and Route 18 Closures
Further south, drivers will encounter closures on State Route 167 in Kent. The southbound lanes will be completely shut down between State Route 516/Willis Street and South 277th Street. This closure is in effect throughout the weekend, concluding at 5 a.m. Monday, as crews work on updating the toll systems.
In Auburn, eastbound State Route 18 remains closed between the C Street off-ramp and Auburn Way due to essential bridge work.
Overnight Work in Pierce County
Overnight travelers in Pierce County should also be aware of closures. Northbound I-5 near DuPont will be temporarily closed overnight. This is to facilitate the removal of structures that were crucial for building the new overpass at Steilacoom-DuPont Road.
Major Events Add to the Chaos
Adding to the construction woes, several large-scale events are scheduled this weekend. Two back-to-back Morgan Wallen concerts at Lumen Field will draw massive crowds. The popular food festival, A Bite of Seattle, is also taking place. Furthermore, the Seafair Torchlight Parade is set to cause disruptions.
Seafair Torchlight Parade Details
The Seafair Torchlight Run and Parade will happen Saturday along the Seattle waterfront. This marks the first time since 2022 that both events will occur at night. The 5K run kicks off at 6 p.m., followed by the Torchlight Parade at 7:30 p.m. The parade route runs along Alaskan Way, from Pier 70 to Yesler Way.
Did you know? The Seafair Torchlight Run and Parade are returning to nighttime hours for the first time since 2022.
Commuter Assistance Available
To help navigate the complex traffic situation, a nonprofit has launched a dedicated hotline. The Commute Seattle call center, based in downtown Seattle, aims to equip commuters with the tools they need for planning. This includes recommendations for using navigation apps like Google Maps, the One Bus Away app for real-time transit information, and the Transit Go ticket app.
WSDOT strongly advises drivers to seek out alternate routes or consider utilizing public transportation to avoid the worst of the delays.
