Traffic

[raigler]

I’m not sure if this is the appropriate place to inquire about drive times but I thought I would give it a try. I’m new to the area and have taken a job in Bellevue. Just wondering what the traffic is like if I need to be there about 7:15AM. Thanks for any help!!

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[Zenguy]

I used to work just off the freeway at Factoria and lived on 35th and Trenton and it took me about 35 minutes with time for anything that popped up. If you can hit the freeway home before four you will be in pretty good shape as well.

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[rockhills]

I worked in Redmond this summer, and I would say if you hit the bridge any time before 7 AM, you could probably count on 30 min. to downtown Bellevue.

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[WSB]

I worked in Bellevue a while a few years back and started the day early because of conference calls with the East Coast. I would echo the other two respondents, although my MO would be, try leaving at 6:30 am on day one, and if you get there way early, try 6:35 on day 2, then 6:40 the next day, better safe than sorry. Congrats on the new job, hope it’s a happy move for you! – TR

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[celeste17]

Hi, I have been working in Bellevue for the last couple of months. Right now (summer) you can leave just about anytime in the morning and hit very little traffic but once schools start up I would say if you want to be to work by about 7:30 I would say 6:45. Last May I was working just off of 116th and if I left at 6:45 I could stop for a coffee and still be at work by 7:30. This last job (I am a temp) I was lazy and didn’t get to work until 8:15-8:30 and I could leave as late as 8 and not hit much traffic. The areas you will be caught at will be where everyone gets over for 99 and then trying to get on I-5N and then trying to get off. And I won’t even talk about 405. I took surface streets rather then 405.

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[j]

As another Bellevue commuter, I always have no problem if I leave before 7:00. It’s amazing to see how fast traffic builds after 7:00. I live close to Faultneroy and am easily able to hear ferry traffic. If you hear the motorcyles, you know you have you wait a few minutes to let the ferry traffic get ahead of you.

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[changingtimes]

my fiance has to be at work at 7am and we leave our house up in the junction anywhere from 6:30-6:40. usually it is way clear and we get to factoria in about 10 min, the only ever hold up is sometimes after merging onto 5 and some congestion right where the beggining of 1-90 starts in the tunnel. its a pretty good drive in the am but if you have to come home around 5 it can take up to 2 hours depending if there is a game.

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[JayDee]

The ride home is the worst. Try looking at this page before you depart work, and see what’s up before you actually get stuck in traffic. Keep in mind alternate ways to get to I-90 like Bellevue Way or even cutting through Beaux Arts (at the speed limit). SE 8th to Richards Road is another alternate to hit 90. Only in the worst case should you try 405-418-409 back to West Seattle. Worst case being Ms game and accidents, or just bad luck.

http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic/seattle/

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[j]

Let’s be honest, compared to other years, the M’s games haven’t done much to traffic this year because no one is going. I would say Seahawks games are the worst. The soccer games a few months back really messed up traffic too.

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[JayDee]

Yeah, like Rick Rizz I am living in 2001…Maybe the Ms will mess up the homeward Hellevue commute by 2010…

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[raigler]

Thanks for all the helpful tips!! I usually get off at 3:30 but may have to work a few tens which puts me on the road at 5…blah!!! So I guess I will be trying alternate routes to 90 on those days. Thanks again!!!

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