The West Seattle Bridge facing north toward the stadiums and downtown Seattle. Photo: SDOT Blog stats: 1,100 words | 6-minute read
It’s a busy week for emergency maintenance, planned construction, and major events in Seattle. If you’re traveling to or within the city this week, read more below to start planning ahead and prepare for traffic impacts.
Click the links below to jump to a topic:
- Sound Transit Link Light Rail: Trains continue to run on a single track through the Downtown Transit Tunnel due to emergency repairs at Westlake Station.
- South Lake Union Streetcar: The South Lake Union Line will be closed for maintenance through Sunday, May 7. Alternatives: King County Metro bus routes 40, 70, and RapidRide C Line.
- Northbound SR 99 ramp from West Seattle: The northbound SR 99 on-ramp from West Seattle is closed for emergency pothole repair.
- Road closure at intersection of 3rd Ave between Union & Pine streets: Waterfront Seattle is closing the intersection of 3rd Ave and Pike Street downtown this weekend (May 6-7).
- Major Events: The Mariners, Kraken, Storm, OL Reign, and Sounders are all scheduled to play home games between May 4 and May 10.
Light rail service disruption continues
Link light rail continues to use a single track between Westlake Station and Stadium Station until further notice. All trains from Angle Lake and Northgate are currently terminating at Pioneer Square. Riders continuing beyond Pioneer Square will need to transfer between trains.
Trains are running every 15 to 20 minutes at all stations.
Happy Wednesday everyone. Here's a mid-week reminder about the service disruption in our downtown Seattle Link stations.
— Sound Transit –
Trains are running every 15-20 minutes, and riders traveling through Pioneer Square must exit their train and board another train on the opposite platform. pic.twitter.com/1DJRm096GE
(@SoundTransit) May 3, 2023
For the latest information on light rail service, check Sound Transit’s service alert page or follow them on Twitter.
General information on alternative transportation options can be found in this blog post. For ways to get to or from the stadiums during this disruption, read below.
Northbound SR 99 on-ramp closed until further notice
The northbound on-ramp to SR 99 from the eastbound West Seattle Bridge is currently closed to allow WSDOT crews to repair a large hole. Drivers heading into downtown Seattle should use a different route and expect potential travel delays.
Getting around during the closure:
- The Spokane St Low Bridge remains open for those driving or cycling.
- Drivers traveling eastbound on the West Seattle bridge may use northbound I-5
- The First Avenue South and Fourth Avenue South exits remain open for those rerouting around the closure.
Do you take the bus? Downtown-bound buses that usually take the West Seattle high bridge exit to northbound SR 99 are detouring while the ramp is closed, including Rapid Ride C. Check your route on King County Metro’s website to see how your ride may be impacted.
This closure is estimated to last 10 days. For the latest updates, follow WSDOT Traffic on Twitter or view alerts on their real-time traffic web map.
— WSDOT Traffic (@wsdot_traffic) May 3, 2023
UPDATE: NB SR 99 ON-RAMP FROM WEST SEATTLE BRIDGE IN #SEATTLE
The on-ramp remains CLOSED and travelers should prepare for a multi-day closure of this ramp.
We have crews on scene working to repair the damage. We appreciate everyone's patience as this work is completed. https://t.co/cllmK4MmWO pic.twitter.com/QDRoR5pHa7
Weekend work at 3rd Ave and Pike Street
Due to planned construction by the Waterfront Seattle program, 3rd Ave between Union and Pine streets near Pike Place Market will be completely closed to traffic on Saturday, May 6 and Sunday, May 7.
Affected King County Metro bus routes: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 7(49), 13, 21, 24, 27, 33, 40, 62, 124, 131, 132, & 678 (H Line).
Find service alerts and bus reroute information on King County Metro’s website.
This work is part of the Pike Pine Streetscape and Bicycle Improvements project which will provide a vibrant pedestrian experience on Pike and Pine streets between Capitol Hill and the Pike Place Market, with connections to the new waterfront. We highly recommend signing up for the Pike Pine Weekly Construction Email to stay up to date with upcoming work activity and possible construction impacts.
For updates on Waterfront Seattle projects, follow them on Twitter or check the construction page of their website.
Major Events in Seattle
Multiple Seattle sports teams are scheduled to play home games this week. Traveling to, from, or around the stadiums? Don’t get stuck in traffic!
We encourage you to think ahead, shift your travel times, and avoid drive-alone trips through the neighborhood during events. You may also want to try taking different modes of transportation to these events or through the area, such as biking or scooting, taking the bus, riding the streetcar or using light rail.
Upcoming games: Thursday, May 4 to Wednesday May 10
- May 5-7: Mariners Vs. Houston Astros at T-Mobile Park
- May 6 at 7 PM: OL Reign Vs. Houston Dash at Lumen Field
- May 7 at 1:30 PM: Sounders FC Vs. Sporting Kansas City at Lumen Field
- May 7 at 6:30 PM: Kraken Vs. Dallas Stars at Climate Pledge
- May 8 at 7 PM: Storm Vs. Phoenix Mercury at Climate Pledge
- May 8-10: Seattle Mariners Vs. Texas Rangers at T-Mobile Park
- May 9 at 6:30 PM: Kraken Vs. Dallas Stars at Climate Pledge
Getting there:
Lumen Field
Due to light rail service impacts, those traveling to Lumen from points north of Pioneer Square will need to transfer to a different train, bus, or other transportation option. The best transfer options at Pioneer Square station for continued travel to Lumen Field include:
- Bus to Jackson & 4th: Routes 7, 14, 36
- Bus to 3rd & Main/4th Island & Jackson: Routes 21, 131, 132
- Bikeshare, scooter share: 5-10 minute ride via Yesler / Occidental [map]
- Walking: 10-15 minutes via Occidental Ave.
- Riders may also prefer to transfer at Capitol Hill Station to the First Hill Streetcar and travel to either the 5th & Jackson or Occidental Mall stations.
T-Mobile Park
Due to light rail service impacts, those coming from points north of Pioneer Square Station will need to transfer to a different train, bus, or walk/bike connection. The best transfer options at Pioneer Square for continued travel to T-Mobile Park include:
- Bus to 1st Ave S & Edgar Martinez: Route 21
- Bus to SODO Busway & Royal Brougham Wy: Routes 101, 150, 594
- Walking, Biking, or Rolling to the Stadium: see the Mariner’s Area Maps for suggestions or check out our Seattle Bike Map.
- 15-20 minute walk from Pioneer Square Station via Occidental or 1st Ave S
- 10-15 minute bike or scoot from Pioneer Square Station via Yesler / Occidental / 1st Ave S
Climate Pledge Arena
Due to light rail service impacts, those coming from points south of Pioneer Square Station will need to transfer. The best bus transfer options at Pioneer Square include:
Other tools to help you plan your trip:
