Travelers in the Seattle area face significant freeway disruptions this weekend due to seven planned closures and lane reductions. These roadworks coincide with major local events, including a University of Washington football game and Seattle Mariners baseball games, requiring residents and visitors to plan their routes carefully.
Key Takeaways
- Seven freeway sections in King County will experience full closures or lane reductions.
- Major sporting events, including Husky football and Mariners baseball, will increase traffic.
- Closures include I-405 South in Renton, I-5 South in Kent, and I-90 West in Issaquah.
- Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) cites ongoing widening projects and overdue repairs.
- Alternative routes and public transit, like Sounder trains and light rail, are recommended.
Major Freeway Sections Face Weekend Closures
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) has scheduled multiple significant road closures across King County. These closures are necessary for ongoing infrastructure improvements, including highway widenings and critical pavement repairs. The timing presents a challenge as major sporting events are also drawing large crowds.
WSDOT aims to minimize traffic conflicts. However, a combination of extensive construction, maintenance backlogs, and previous weather-related delays has led to a concentrated schedule of work this September. Drivers should expect delays and consider alternative transportation options.
I-405 Southbound in Renton
Interstate 405 southbound in Renton will experience a full closure. This closure extends from Sunset Boulevard to Highway 167. It begins at 11:59 p.m. on Friday and is expected to reopen on Monday morning.
Crews will perform excavation, paving, and traffic lane shifts. This work is part of a larger $705 million state project. The project aims to add toll lanes and exit lanes, with completion anticipated in 2026.
Fast Fact
The I-405 project in Renton is a $705 million initiative designed to enhance traffic flow with new toll and exit lanes, expected to finish by 2026.
I-5 Southbound and Highway 509 Impacts
Interstate 5 southbound in Kent will also be fully closed for the weekend. The closure runs from Highway 516 (Kent/Des Moines Road) to South 272nd Street. It starts at 11:59 p.m. Friday and concludes at 4 a.m. Monday.
During this period, crews will replace 60 concrete panels on the freeway. Drivers needing to travel through this area should use detour routes such as Highway 99 or Military Road South, which run parallel to I-5.
New Highway 509 Expressway Closure and Reopening
The new Highway 509 Expressway segment will be closed during the adjacent I-5 work. This section connects I-5 to the Angle Lake area in SeaTac. It will reopen on Monday as a toll route.
Toll charges will vary for Good to Go pass holders, ranging from $1.20 to $2.40 based on the time of day. Non-pass holders will receive a bill by mail for the standard rate plus a $2 surcharge.
"WSDOT engineers are studying repair strategies and how long those will take," said spokesperson RB McKeon, regarding the damaged Highway 167 girder.
I-90 and Highway 18 Lane Reductions
Eastbound and westbound sections of I-90 will experience lane reductions. Westbound I-90 through Issaquah will be reduced to one lane. This is for deck resurfacing work on 54-year-old short bridges crossing creeks and roads.
Up to three lanes, including the Front Street onramp, will gradually close starting at 8 p.m. Friday. These lanes are expected to reopen by 8 a.m. Sunday.
Highway 18 in Auburn
Highway 18 westbound in Auburn will shrink to one lane for bridge-joint repair. This closure will be in effect from 9 p.m. Friday until 5 a.m. Monday. This specific job was postponed by rain on previous weekends.
The National Weather Service forecast indicates a slight chance of rain on Saturday and possible rain on Sunday. This could lead to another postponement for the Highway 18 work.
Background on WSDOT Projects
WSDOT manages a vast network of highways and bridges. Many of these structures require regular maintenance and upgrades due to age and increased traffic volume. Large-scale projects, such as adding toll lanes, aim to improve long-term traffic efficiency but often require temporary closures and detours.
Additional Traffic Alerts and Long-Term Projects
Several other routes will also see disruptions. Highway 167 northbound in Algona/Pacific has lost two lanes and will remain in this state all weekend. This follows an incident where a tall truckload damaged one of its bridge girders.
WSDOT engineers are currently assessing the damage and determining repair timelines. Drivers should expect delays in this area.
- I-90 Eastbound on Mercer Island: The left lane remains closed until October 5. This is for the replacement of a damaged expansion joint at the East Channel Bridge.
- Long-Term Construction: Areas outside the immediate urban core will continue to experience lane reductions and slowdowns. These include I-5 northbound at Lake Samish, I-5 southbound near Stanwood, and I-90 crossing the Columbia River in Vantage.
Sporting Events and Public Transit Options
This weekend includes several major sporting events that will contribute to increased traffic. The Washington Huskies will host top-ranked Ohio State at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday. The Seattle Mariners will play the Los Angeles Dodgers on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at T-Mobile Park.
For the Mariners game on Sunday, Sounder trains will provide service. The N Line departs Everett Station at 9:45 a.m., and the S Line leaves Lakewood Station at 9:11 a.m. Return trains will depart King Street Station 45 minutes after the game concludes.
Light Rail for Stadium Access
Both stadiums are accessible via light rail trains, which run every 10 minutes. However, Sound Transit has experienced equipment failures in the past, such as those that affected thousands last Saturday and Monday. Passengers should stay updated on service announcements.
Given the extensive road closures and high event traffic, using public transportation is a practical option for many. Checking WSDOT and Sound Transit updates before traveling is highly recommended to avoid significant delays.
