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Travel Tips for July 31-August 13: Construction, Major League Sports, and Community Events, including Seafair Weekend

by on July 31, 2024
Five jets travel left to right in a V-formation leaving a trail of white smoke behind them. The top half of the space needle and city glass buildings in the background left corner. A gray cloudy sky is above.
The Blue Angels fly high above the Seattle skyline at a previous air show. Photo credit: Tiffany Von Arnim via Flickr.com

Blog stats: 2,500 words | 12-minute read

At-a-glance:

SDOT construction, street closures, and travel impacts

Please note: our construction projects take place throughout Seattle. To stay informed about projects near you, subscribe to our email updates. You can select from a list of projects and subscribe to the ones you’re most interested in. Thank you.

  • Beacon Ave S & 15th Ave S Safety Project
    • Construction began on July 22 on 15th Ave S, from S Charles St to S Atlantic St, for early work to install and repair ADA-accessible curb ramps in the project area.
    • Expect lane reductions on 15th Ave S, from S Judkins St to S Atlantic St, starting as early as August 5 and continuing for 4 weeks. Drivers and cyclists will be detoured; pedestrian access will be maintained.
    • Visit the project web page to learn more.
  • Route 48 Transit-Plus Multimodal Corridor Project
    • From July 29 to August 2, there will be overnight street work at 24th Ave E and Boyer Ave E, as well as 23rd Ave S, between S Massachusetts St and Rainier Ave S.
    • Work on traffic signals is scheduled over the weekend of August 3-4 at the intersection of 24th Ave E and Boyer Ave E.
    • Visit the project web page to learn more.
  • Route 40 Transit-Plus Multimodal Corridor Project
    • Neighbors in Ballard can expect several construction activities through the end of July and into the fall. There will be lane reductions and parking restrictions on NW Market St and Leary Ave NW throughout August and into the fall from 9 AM – 3 PM on weekdays and weekends.
    • Preliminary work in Fremont and Westlake is also planned to prepare for construction of the project.
    • Visit the project web page to learn more.
  • 15th Ave NW & Ballard Bridge Paving & Safety Project
    • Overnight southbound closures of the Ballard Bridge on most weeknights began on July 8, and are continuing for approximately 6 to 8 weeks.
    • Construction activities along 15th Ave NW, between NW 54th and NW 57th are scheduled during the weekdays between 7 AM – 5 PM. Travelers should expect temporary lane reductions.
    • Read our recent blog post for more details or visit the project web page.
  • South Spokane Street Viaduct Deck Rehabilitation
    • Repaving of the South Spokane Street Viaduct will result in a series of weeknight and weekend lane closures, many of which include a full closure of all eastbound lanes.
    • Read our recent blog post or visit the project web page for more information.
  • S Washington St in Pioneer Square (Waterfront Seattle Program)
    • Waterfront Seattle will begin rebuilding S Washington St between 1st Ave S and Occidental Ave S starting the week of August 5, with an accompanying 24/7 street closure. This work is anticipated to take about four months to complete.
    • The connection for people driving between Occidental Ave S and S Washington St will be closed, with dead-end streets on Occidental Ave S between Yesler Way and S Washington St, and on S Washington St between 2nd and Occidental avenues south.
    • Pedestrian access will be maintained with occasional detours in place.
  • Lane reductions on Alaskan Way between Yesler Way and Marion St (Waterfront Seattle Program)
    • Waterfront Seattle is constructing a median on Alaskan Way with alternating closures of one northbound or one southbound lane on Alaskan Way between Yesler Way and Marion St, Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 3 PM. Alaskan Way is expected to remain open in both directions at all times.
    • These alternating lane closures are anticipated to continue through August.
    • Bus lanes between Yesler Way and Columbia St will remain open.
    • For more information, read the full traffic advisory.

Regional transportation agency work

Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT)

WSDOT is continuing its work on several projects affecting major highways in and around Seattle. Below is a summary of the closures with the largest travel impacts. Visit WSDOT’s website for the latest information and resources to stay informed. Please note: this work is weather-dependent.

Travel information for Seafair Weekend (Aug. 2-4):

  • I-5, I-90, I-405, and city streets | Be prepared for heavy traffic on the highways and city streets around Seattle and Mercer Island.
  • The I-90 floating bridge will remain open during the Seafair weekend, including during the air shows.
  • However, people biking, walking, or rolling should not stop or stand along the I-90 trail during the air shows.

I-5 area work:

  • SR 523/N 145th St on-ramp to southbound I-5 | Closed from 11 PM Thursday, August 1 to 4 AM Friday, August 2 for traffic barrier installation. This is part of the City of Shoreline’s 145th Street project.
  • Southbound I-5 off-ramp to N 85th St/N 80th St (Exit 172) | Closed from 9 PM Wednesday, July 31 to 5 AM Thursday, August 1 for pavement repairs.
  • NE 70th St/8th Ave NE on-ramp to northbound I-5 | Closed from 9 PM Thursday, August 1 to 5 AM Friday, August 2 for pavement repairs.
  • I-5 Express Lanes | The I-5 express lanes, in the northbound direction, will close early at 9 PM nightly Monday, July 29 through Friday, August 2.
  • Northbound I-5 collector/distributor lanes | Closed nightly from Monday, August 5 through Friday, August 9, from 11 PM to 4 AM for lighting wire repairs also part of the I-5 – NB Seneca to SR 520 – Mobility Improvements project.
    • This closure also includes the westbound and eastbound I-90 off-ramps to northbound I-5, the northbound I-5 off-ramps to Dearborn, James, and Madison streets, and the Dearborn St on-ramp to northbound I-5 (closing at 9 PM each night).
    • Northbound I-5 mainline will remain open during this work.
  • S Boeing Access Rd/SR 900 on- and off-ramps to/from northbound and southbound I-5 | Closed nightly from Monday, July 29 through Sunday, August 4 (except Friday night) for pavement work and other activities.
    • The southbound I-5 off-ramp to S Boeing Access Rd/Airport Way S (Exit 158).
    • The northbound I-5 off-ramp to westbound S Boeing Access Rd/Airport Way S (Exit 158).
    • The eastbound S Boeing Access Rd on-ramp to northbound I-5.
  • I-5 between Corson Ave and SR 599/Interurban Ave interchange | Lane reductions on both directions of I-5 in this area between just north of the Corson Ave interchange and the SR 599/Interurban Ave interchange.

SR 520 / Montlake Blvd area work:

  • SR 520 | Closed from 11 PM Friday, August 9 through 5 AM Monday, August 12, in both directions between I-5 in Seattle and 92nd Ave NE in Clyde Hill for crews to install permanent pavement, utilities, and sign bridge components.

SR 99 area work:

  • SR 99 Tunnel | Closed from 10 PM Friday, August 2 through 6 AM Saturday, August 3, for routine tunnel maintenance.

Major league sports home games

Seattle Mariners

Upcoming games at T-Mobile Park

  • Friday, Aug. 2 at 6:40 PM: Philadelphia Phillies
  • Saturday, Aug. 3 at 6:40 PM: Philadelphia Phillies
  • Sunday, Aug. 4 at 1:10 PM: Philadelphia Phillies
  • Tuesday, Aug. 6 at 6:40 PM: Detroit Tigers
  • Wednesday, Aug. 7 at 6:40 PM: Detroit Tigers
  • Thursday, Aug. 8 at 6:40 PM: Detroit Tigers
  • Friday, Aug. 9 at 7:10 PM: New York Mets
  • Saturday, Aug. 10 at 6:40 PM: New York Mets
  • Sunday, Aug. 11 at 1:10 PM: New York Mets

To learn more:

If you’re riding the Link light rail, get off at the Stadium Station and walk a short two blocks over to the ballpark. If taking rideshare, there is a designated rideshare lot southeast of the stadium. If driving, the Mariners Garage opens 3 hours before first pitch. Biking, scooting, walking, or rolling to the game may also be great options, depending on your trip specifics. Find more information on navigating to T-Mobile Park here.

Seattle Sounders FC

Upcoming games at Lumen Field

  • Sunday, Aug. 4 at 7:30 PM: Club Necaxa

To learn more:

If you’re riding the Link light rail, get off at the International District/Chinatown station and walk three blocks over to the field. For rideshare, get off on the north side by S King St & Occidental Ave S or on the south side by S Royal Brougham Way & Occidental Ave S. If driving, the Lumen Field Parking Garage is located south of the stadium and a North Lot is also nearby. Both open at 6 AM on event days and close 2 hours post-event. Biking, scooting, walking, or rolling to the game may also be great options, depending on your trip specifics. Find more information on navigating to Lumen Field here.

Community Celebrations

August 2-4: Seafair Weekend Festival – Genesee Park and Lake Washington

People in beach wear sitting next to a deep blue lake as a orange and white hydroplane zooms pass leaving a trail of water splashes behind it. Boats in the background also sit in the water.
Onlookers watch a mechanical hydroplane speed through Lake Washington. Photo credit: Tanaka via Seafair.org.

Stay cool by the waters while enjoying live music, delicious food, and amazing shows from 9 AM to 6 PM, including the Apollo Mechanical Hydroplane Races and Boeing Seafair Airshow. Find more information about the Seafair Weekend here.

The Seafair Weekend Festival can be reached by Sound Transit light rail (the Columbia City station is closest) or King County Metro bus. Be prepared for heavy traffic on I-5, I-90, I-405 and city streets. The I-90 bridges will be open throughout the air show weekend. Consider walking, biking, or rolling to the festival but remember not stop or stand along the I-90 trail during the event.

August 3: Magnolia Summerfest Seafair Parade

Three individuals, two women one man, in black vest over a red tie and light blue long sleeved collared shirt and red and green plaid skirt with a black round bag strapped in front, black hats playing bagpipes. One man and one woman wear the same outfit playing drums behind them.
Bagpipe players fill Magnolia neighborhood with its tunes for the Seafair Parade. Photo credit: Magnoliasummerfest.org

Bring your family to the Magnolia Summerfest Seafair parade. View colorful floats, various performances, the Seafair Pirates, and indulge in delicious food and drinks from over 20 vendors. Kids can enjoy free activities such as creating art, boat making, and learning about parkour courses. Learn more about the event here.

Magnolia can be reached by King County Metro bus. Or, depending on your trip, walking, biking, or rolling might be great ways for you to get to Seattle Center. Be prepared for heavy traffic on I-5, I-90, I-405, and city streets. The I-90 bridges will be open throughout the air show weekend. Consider walking, biking, or rolling to the festival but remember not stop or stand along the I-90 trail during the event.

August 10-11: Tibet Fest – Seattle Center

Person dressed in a Tibetan monk costume. The face mask is rimmed with white fur and eyebrows and mustache placed on the orange-peach-tan mask in white stickers. Wearing a mostly white long sleeve loose top with dark blue wavy lines.
Tibetan Monk putting on a dance performance. Photo credit: Seattlecenter.com

Tibet Fest is part of Seattle Center Festal program, providing a series of free festivals to share the ethnic and cultural diversity of Seattle. No matter your background, visitors are encouraged to learn about Tibet culture, ranging from art, craft, song, dance, music, history, and literature. Find more information about Tibet Fest here.

Seattle Center can be reached by King County Metro bus or by taking the Seattle Center Monorail from Westlake. You can find a range of travel options to get to Seattle Center here. Or, depending on your trip, walking, biking, or rolling might be great ways for you to get to Seattle Center.

Visit our SDOT Team at these community events

  • Saturday, Aug. 3, 12-5 PM: Duwamish River Festival | Duwamish River People’s Park (8700 Dallas Ave S, Seattle, WA 98108, Google Maps Link)
  • Saturday, Aug. 3, 11 AM – 8 PM & Sunday, August 4, 11 AM – 6 PM: Umoja Fest | Judkins Park (2150 S Norman St, Seattle, WA 98144, Google Maps Link)
  • Saturday, Aug. 10, 10 AM – 4 PM: Celebrate Little Saigon | Nisei Veteran’s Committee Memorial Hall Parking Lot (1212 S King St, Seattle, WA 98144, Google Maps Link)
  • Sunday, Aug. 11, 12-6 PM: Othello Park International Festival | Othello Playground (4351 S. Othello St, Seattle, WA 98118, Google Maps Link)
  • Sunday, Aug. 11, 10 AM – 4 PM: Bike & Scoot Demo Day | Seward Park (5902 Lake Washington Blvd S, Seattle, WA 98118, Google Maps Link)

More community events

We hope you found this post helpful in navigating Seattle during upcoming construction and community events. Stay tuned for more updates and tips like this throughout the summer. Thank you!

Filed Under: Busses, Light Rail, SDOT, Traffic and Construction, Transit, Travel Advisory Tagged With: , , , ,