Find Posts By Topic

Travel tips for July 3 – 16: planned construction, sports, & community events, including the 4th of July

Downtown Seattle as viewed from North Beacon Hill. Photo credit: SDOT.   

Blog stats: 1,500 words | 7-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. Select from a list of projects and subscribe to the ones you’re most interested in.   

Denny Way Paving Project night work

  • Several short-term lane closures are coming up along Denny Way, between Boren Ave and Stewart St, to improve the street and sidewalks.
  • As soon as July 14, we’re scheduled to grind the top three inches of asphalt off Denny Way between Westlake Ave and Stewart St. This will take place overnight and will involve lane closures on Denny Way and street closures for north/south traffic crossing Denny Way within the work zone. The grinding work helps us prepare to install fresh pavement along Denny Way.
  • Learn more online.

Construction in U District, Eastlake, and South Lake Union (RapidRide J Line Project) 

  • In the U District, NE 43rd St will remain closed between 11th and 12th avenues NE as we construct the new street surface. People traveling in the area may encounter other short-term lane closures as we install lighting and work on intersections.
  • People travelling along Eastlake Ave E will notice a single travel lane at various locations including, between Fuhrman Ave E and E Allison St, and towards the southern section of Eastlake Ave E at E Newton St. During this time, E Allison St is closed to traffic between Eastlake Ave E and Harvard Ave E.
  • Learn more online.
Construction crews use a large excavator and flatbed truck to remove rubble from the work site. Large buildings are in the background.
Construction crews use a large excavator and flatbed truck to remove rubble from the work site as part of RapidRide J Line construction in the U District, near NE 43rd St and 11th Ave NE. Photo: SDOT

Construction in Fremont (Route 40 Project)  

  • We’re continuing to make progress on upgrades on Fremont Ave N, between N 34th St and N 35th St. We’ll be conducting sidewalk and utility upgrades along N 35th St.
  • You can sign up for project updates to stay informed about upcoming street closures, water shutoffs, and more.
  • We’ve started installing new bus lanes in five key locations along the route. These transit enhancements are designed to improve transit reliability and travel time for Route 40 riders while maintaining access for local businesses and residents. You can find additional details in our recent blog post.
  • Learn more online.

Aurora Ave N (SR 99) 24/7 bus lane now in effect 

  • To help manage extra traffic on Aurora Ave N expected during upcoming Revive I-5 construction, we’ve worked with WSDOT and King County Metro to make changes to existing bus lanes on Aurora Ave N to support reliable travel on the high-ridership RapidRide E Line.
  • The existing bus lanes are now in effect 24/7, instead of only during peak hours.
  • Learn more online.

I-90/Judkins Park Station Near-Term Crossing Improvements (Rainier Ave S)

  • We’re working with the WSDOT on near-term crossing and accessibility improvements at Rainier Ave S.
  • To install new ADA-accessible curb ramps, raised crosswalk, and flashing beacon across the westbound I-90 off-ramp to southbound Rainier Ave S, this off-ramp is scheduled to be closed from 9 AM on Friday, July 11 through 5 AM on Monday, July 14.
  • Learn more online.

15th Ave NE & NE 105th St Bridge Seismic Retrofit near Northgate

  • As part of the voter-approved Levy to Move Seattle, 16 bridges were selected for seismic strengthening, also known as retrofits, including the 15th Ave NE and NE 105th St bridge in northeast Seattle.
  • On Wednesday, July 9 from 9 AM to 3 PM, this bridge will be closed to all traffic and 15th Ave NE will be closed to all through traffic between NE Northgate Way and Lake City Way NE. Driveways and local access will be maintained. A detour will be in place and alternative travel routes are encouraged.
  • Learn more online.

Major league sports home games   

Seattle Mariners   

Upcoming games at T-Mobile Park   

  • Thursday, July 3 at 6:40 PM: Kansas City Royals 
  • Friday, July 4 at 1:10 PM: Pittsburgh Pirates
  • Saturday, July 5 at 7:10 PM: Pittsburgh Pirates
  • Sunday, July 6 at 1:10 PM: Pittsburgh Pirates

To learn more:https://www.mlb.com/mariners/schedule    

If you’re riding light rail, get off at Stadium Station stop and walk a short two blocks over. If taking rideshare, there’s a designated rideshare lot southeast of the ballpark. King County Metro also offers many bus routes to get to the game – find more details at King County Metro’s Trip Planner tool.

Biking, scooting, walking, or rolling to the game may also be great options, depending on your trip. Find more information on navigating to T-Mobile Park here. If driving, the Mariners Garage opens three hours before game time.

A view of the Seattle Center Monorail elevated on tracks above the city. People sit in chairs in a public plaza with large buildings in the background on a cloudy day.
The Seattle Center Monorail passes McGraw Square, shortly after departing from Westlake Center. Taking the Monorail is a great way to access the Seattle Center campus, including Climate Pledge Arena. Photo credit: William Khadivi for SDOT.

Seattle Storm   

Upcoming games at Climate Pledge Arena   

  • Friday, July 11 at 7:00 PM: Connecticut Sun
  • Sunday, July 13 at 3:00 PM: Washington Mystics 
  • Wednesday, July 16 at 12:00 PM: Golden State Valkyries

To learn more: https://storm.wnba.com/schedule/

For all publicly ticketed events, guests receive a free public transit pass with their ticket. If driving to the arena, there are three parking garages available. Find more information on navigating to the arena here.   

Lumen Field, as viewed from King Street Station, served by Amtrak and Sounder. Photo: William Khadivi for SDOT.

Seattle Sounders

Upcoming games at Lumen Field   

  • Sunday, July 6 at 2:00 PM: Columbus Crew
  • Wednesday, July 16 at 7:00 PM: Colorado Rapids

To learn more: https://www.soundersfc.com/schedule/

Upcoming events in Seattle   

Please note: We’ve highlighted several upcoming events that you might be interested in – but this is not intended as a comprehensive list of every event in the city.  

July 4: West Seattle Fourth of July Kids’ Parade

A graphic poster highlighting a Fourth of July Kids' Parade in the Admiral Neighborhood of West Seattle on July 4, 2025 at 10 AM.
Graphic credit: Admiral Neighborhood Association

The West Seattle 4th of July Kids parade is a beloved tradition dating back nearly 30 years. It started when a family in the Admiral neighborhood organized a little get together for friends and neighbors to dress up in festive gear and walk to Hamilton View Point Park for a picnic. 

Join your neighbors in your most festive Independence Day garb to take in gorgeous West Seattle scenery on the short walk from Sunset Ave to Hamilton Viewpoint. Enjoy the celebration at the park featuring a fire truck, kid’s activities, food trucks and sack races! Learn more.

July 5-6: Pioneer Square Fest

Graphic poster showcasing Pioneer Square Fest on July 5 and 6, 2025. The image notes festivities, music, and market including a list of performers planned to be at the event.
Graphic credit: Pioneer Square Fest

Experience the vibrant energy of Pioneer Square Fest, a two-day celebration of music, art, and local culture in Seattle’s historic Pioneer Square. Enjoy live performances, DJ sets, immersive art installations, and shop from over 100 vendors. Savor delicious food and drink specials while exploring this unique community gathering. Learn more.

Even more events!  

We hope you found this post helpful in navigating Seattle during upcoming construction and major events. Enjoy the summer events and consider walking, rolling, biking, or using public transportation! Thank you.