Have you missed the reports about Chinese President Xi’s visit’s impact on Seattle traffic? If so, read on. The predictions about traffic for 3 days starting tomorrow all have the same conclusion: traffic in Seattle starting tomorrow, Tuesday, September 23rd through end of day Thursday, September 24th, is going to be bad. Really bad, as in the Mayor’s office is advising people to work at home, if possible.
Traffic will surely increase on and around Queen Anne. Avoid downtown if possible. The SPD Blotter has common Q&A for downtown access here, along with the map below of which streets are completely closed:
Here’s the run-down from the Mayor’s Office:
Intermittent closures of freeways, regional arterials and downtown streets are expected. The flow of buses and cars in downtown Seattle and around the region will be disrupted.
Travelers in Seattle are advised to plan ahead and expect traffic delays on all three days. Those who can postpone trips downtown or work from home are encouraged to do so.
Drivers should consult local media and follow reports on Facebook and Twitter to learn the latest developments; consult the City of Seattle’s website, SDOT’s Traveler’s Information page and WSDOT’s website for current traffic conditions; sign up to receive emergency alerts from the City of Seattle. (See additional information sources below.)
Vehicle access to the area bounded by Olive St., 7th Ave, Lenora St and 4th Ave. may be limited all three days. Drivers should expect street closures and restricted access. Commuters are encouraged to use transit or park outside the area and walk in. People entering the area should expect delays and additional security screening.
Buses on surface streets in the north part of downtown will be rerouted; check with King County Metro Alert for routes impacted. The South Lake Union Streetcar will continue to operate, but the stop at the Westlake Hub at McGraw Square will remain closed. The downtown transit tunnel is expected to remain open and operating.
Parking on downtown streets will be restricted as needed.
Fans attending the Seattle Sounders game at 7 p.m. on Wednesday at Century Link Field should expect significant traffic delays and allow more travel time than usual.
UPDATED Information: The Seattle Center Monorail will have a modified schedule:
Seattle Center Monorail to operate with reduced frequency on Sept. 22 and 23. The train(s) will still operate from 7:30am to 11pm, however, they will depart from Westlake Center Station every 15 minutes instead of 10. The first Monorail train will depart at 7:30am, and then in 15-minute increments after that (7:45am, 8am, 8:15am, 8:30am, etc.).
Expect a lot of traffic headaches this week, with some spilling over to Queen Anne, compounding Mercer St traffic.