Major highways in the Puget Sound region experienced significant closures this past weekend, affecting travel for thousands. The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) implemented various roadwork projects on I-5, I-90, and State Route 18 from Friday through early Monday morning. These closures coincided with major sporting events in Seattle, leading to increased traffic congestion for many drivers.
Key Takeaways
- WSDOT closed sections of I-5, I-90, and SR-18 for critical repairs.
- The closures occurred from Friday to early Monday morning.
- Sporting events in SoDo added to weekend traffic challenges.
- Crews completed projects including concrete panel replacement and bridge joint repairs.
- Most roads reopened between 4 a.m. and 5 a.m. on Monday.
Extensive Roadwork Across Key Routes
WSDOT crews initiated a series of critical repair and preservation projects. These operations targeted vital infrastructure components on three major state highways. The goal was to extend the operational life of bridges and roadways in the region.
Sections of I-5 in Kent, I-90 near Issaquah, and State Route 18 in Auburn were affected. The closures were staggered, with different segments closing at various times. This approach aimed to manage the impact on traffic flow while allowing necessary work to proceed.
Project Scope
- I-5 Closure: 60 concrete panels replaced in the Kent area.
- I-90 Closure: Bridge repairs completed near Issaquah.
- SR-18 Closure: Bridge joint replacements finished in Auburn.
Impact on Weekend Commuters and Event-Goers
The timing of these road closures coincided with a busy weekend for sports fans in Seattle's SoDo district. Both the Seattle Mariners baseball team and the Seattle Sounders FC soccer team had games scheduled for Sunday. This combination created a challenging traffic environment.
Kris Olsen, a public information officer for WSDOT, commented on the necessity of the work.
"We have another round of weekend closures for critical repair and preservation work this weekend that is going to help extend the lifespan of our bridges and roads," Olsen stated.
Many drivers reported significant delays, particularly when approaching downtown Seattle. The increased volume of vehicles, combined with reduced road capacity, led to congestion on multiple routes.
Driver Experiences and Travel Strategies
For some drivers, the weekend traffic was particularly frustrating. Destiny Trammel told KOMO News on Sunday, "It wasn’t horrible until we hit town. Lots of traffic." This sentiment was shared by others who faced unexpected delays.
Mariners fans traveling to T-Mobile Park also experienced varied conditions. Doney Dawson, a fan heading to Sunday's game, noted his drive in was acceptable. However, he anticipated a longer journey home to Puyallup. "Normally it’s probably an hour, less than an hour, but depending on this game and traffic, it’s probably going to take an hour and 20 minutes," Dawson explained.
Why Weekend Closures?
WSDOT often schedules major roadwork during weekends to minimize disruption to weekday commuter traffic. While this can still impact weekend plans, it typically affects fewer daily commuters compared to weekday closures. The agency aims to complete projects efficiently during these periods.
Some drivers adjusted their travel plans to cope with the expected congestion. Destiny Trammel and her family, for instance, learned from Saturday's experience. They departed an hour earlier on Sunday morning to ensure timely arrival at their destination. "An hour early," she confirmed. "We had to make sure we were here, getting our parking spot, and just making sure we were on time."
Beyond the Ballpark: Other Travelers Affected
The traffic impacts were not limited to sports fans. Businesses and individuals with other weekend plans also faced challenges. Ben London, for example, was not attending a game but needed to access his workspace. "I’m actually not going to the game, I’m trying to get to my workspace right over here to grab some equipment," London said.
His comment highlighted a broader issue: "So, the rest of the city has to exist while the game’s going on." This indicates the widespread nature of the roadwork's effect on various aspects of daily life in the region.
Project Completion and Road Reopenings
WSDOT crews worked continuously to complete the scheduled repairs. On I-5, workers successfully replaced 60 concrete panels, a significant undertaking to improve road quality. Bridge repairs on I-90 in Issaquah concluded on Sunday morning, as planned.
Crews replacing bridge joints on State Route 18 in Auburn finished their work ahead of schedule on Sunday. This early completion provided some relief for drivers in that area. All other affected roads were expected to reopen to traffic between 4 a.m. and 5 a.m. on Monday morning, restoring normal flow for the start of the new week.
