TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Monday updates; what you need to know for the rest of the week

(WS bridge and Highway 99 views; more cams on the WSB Traffic page)
While we keep an eye on what’s happening on the routes through and from West Seattle, a few other notes:

SHELTER SWAPOUT: If you’re catching or changing buses in The Junction, you might notice a shelter swapout:

Kate Kaemerle took the photo Friday. We checked with Metro, whose spokesperson Jeff Switzer tells WSB it’s a refurbishment project and that the locally themed art that graced the previous shelter will be reinstalled after the work is done. No time estimate, though.

I-90 WB LANE CLOSURES CONTINUE: Here’s a WSDOT progress report on the westbound I-90 lane closures between Bellevue and Mercer Island. They continue today.

PRESIDENTIAL VISIT TOMORROW: Various regional news sources have reported that President Obama is coming to Seattle on Tuesday for more Democratic Party fundraising. Though there has been no formal public announcement of times/places, Patti Payne reports in the Puget Sound Business Journal that it’s an afternoon event in Madrona. He’s not staying overnight, so there will be a motorcade back to the airport too.

SATURDAY NIGHT 99 CLOSURE: Looking way ahead to next weekend, a reminder that Saturday (July 26) is Seafair Torchlight Night, and NB Highway 99 (Alaskan Way Viaduct) is scheduled to be closed 5:30 pm-7:45 pm for the Torchlight Run.

Sue July 21, 2014 (6:57 am)

I’ve never paid much attention to presidential motorcades since I’m not normally on the road, but Tuesday night I’m needing to be at the airport. If he is out and about when I am, are the delays usually substantial? I get why they don’t have exact times, but it’s frustrating trying to make plans and not knowing how it’ll affect you.

metrognome July 21, 2014 (8:47 am)

Sue — they don’t give out many details for security reasons. Air Force One will likely use Boeing Field, so if you take a non-I-5 way to Sea-Tac, you should be ok.

Eileen Rose July 21, 2014 (9:57 am)

I’m visiting from SF, staying in Bellevue & need to pick up friends @Sea-Tac @11am. Any route suggestions for someone who does not know the area?

WSB July 21, 2014 (10:05 am)

Hi, first, leave ASAP! If I were trying to make that trip, I’d take I-405 south from Bellevue – in Renton, it curves around and heads west and if you stay on it, you will see the signs to continue on toward Sea-Tac Airport on Highway 518.

Eileen Rose July 21, 2014 (10:09 am)

Sorry, I failed to say that this is for tomorrow during the prez gridlock. About how much time should I allow?

WSB July 21, 2014 (11:03 am)

There is still no concise information on the president’s arrival plans. The SDOT advisory lists a noon-8 pm window, though even that is likely way too broad, as he’s not staying the night. Based on that – so far – I would guess you might get lucky and be able to get to Sea-Tac and get your visitors out of there before the presidential arrival. If traffic is at its best, it’s a half-hour ride BUT with the I-90 westbound lane closures – not in your path if you take 405 BUT might be having a spillover backup effect – I would suggest leaving by 10 am, take a book or laptop or tablet to keep yourself busy while waiting in the “cellphone parking lot.” – Tracy

old timer July 21, 2014 (11:37 am)

Eileen Rose you might suggest that your guests take the Sound Transit bus #560 from the Transit Bay #2 @ Sea-Tac.
The bus driver will deal with the traffic while you can prepare a snack and drinks for their arrival.
Link to schedule:
http://www.soundtransit.org/Schedules/ST-Express-Bus/560

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