Driving for July 4th weekend? Here’s what you need to know about WA roadwork
It’s a busy summer of construction in Washington state, and traffic headaches will only be exacerbated in the coming days thanks to Fourth of July travel.
AAA projects that 50.7 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles or more from home this weekend. That’s a 2.1 million increase over 2022’s total, and will surpass the current record of 49 million travelers in 2019.
Whether you’re just traveling around Puget Sound, crossing the Cascades, or driving out of state, there’s a good chance you’ll come across road work at some point in your journey.
McClatchy News has compiled a guide of must-know sources and information regarding Washington traffic this summer. If you’re just interested in specifics for the holiday weekend, read on to see which significant road work or event could slow your drive between now and Tuesday.
Major construction projects in Washington
The following roads will likely be congested during the holiday weekend due to heavy traffic and construction projects headed by the Washington State Department of Transportation.
Alaskan Way Viaduct Replacement Program - The Alaskan Way Viaduct is an elevated section of State Route 99 in Seattle. WSDOT is currently working around State Route 99’s tunnel entrance near Lumen Field and T-Mobile Park, and left turns at the intersections of South Charles Street, Occidental Avenue South and First Avenue South will be prohibited.
I-405/SR 167 Corridor Program - The Interstate 405/State Route 167 project has been a multi-year project running from Puyallup to Lynnwood. Travelers can expect construction and traffic along I-405 between Renton and Bellevue and on the Northeast 132nd Street Interchange in Kirkland.
I-5 Mounts Road to Thorne Lane Interchange Corridor - Portions of Interstate 5 near DuPont and Joint Base Lewis-McChord will see construction this weekend. Construction will occur between Mounts Road at Exit 116 and Steilacoom-DuPont Road at Exit 119.
I-90 - Snoqualmie Pass East Project - Travelers heading through the Cascade mountains can expect construction along the eight-mile corridor between the Stampede Pass interchange to Easton. It’s the final phase of a three-part project that is widening Interstate 90 from four lanes to six, along with other changes.
North Spokane Corridor - The North Spokane Corridor is a 10.5-mile planned route connecting I-90 at the south end to U.S. Routes 2 and 395 at Farwell Road and Wandermere on the north end.
Wellesley Avenue between Freya and Market Streets will be closed until later in the year.
Puget Sound Gateway Program - This three-stage project is expected to last through 2029 and combine State Route 509 in King County and State Route 167 in Pierce County. Travelers can expect congestion between I-5 and 24th Avenue South in SeaTac this weekend.
The project’s current phase will also see roadworks around South 216th Street in SeaTac as a new I-5 overpass is being built.
SR 520 Bridge Replacement and HOV Program - There are two ongoing construction areas around the Montlake area in Seattle. Construction is along the eastbound bridge over Union Bay and between State Route 520 and the I-5/Mercer Street interchange.
Events in WA state this weekend
While many families will spend the 4th watching fireworks with loved ones, the weekend is also great chance to catch a sporting event, concert or festival.
Here are some of the significant events that WSDOT expects to impact traffic. Those attending a sporting event at Lumen Field or T-Mobile Park should consider the construction projects around the stadiums listed above.
Friday, June 30
The Taste Northwest - Part of the Washington State Spring Fair, The Taste Northwest is a food festival in Puyallup that runs from Friday through Sunday. Expect traffic around the festival on South Meridian and 9th Avenue SE streets.
Nickelback concert - Nickelback is performing at White River Amphitheatre in Auburn. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
Seattle Mariners - The Mariners play the Tampa Bay Rays at T-Mobile Park. The first pitch is set for 7:10 p.m.
Saturday, July 1
The Taste Northwest - Day two of the food festival in Puyallup.
Nickelback concert - Nickelback will perform a second Puget Sound-area concert at RV Inn Style Resorts Amphitheater in Ridgefield. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
Seattle Mariners - The Mariners play the Rays at T-Mobile Park. The first pitch is scheduled for 4:15 p.m.
OL Reign - The OL Reign of the National Women’s Soccer League host Racing Louisville at 1:30 p.m. at Lumen Field. Kickoff is scheduled for 12:30 p.m.
Seattle Sounders - The Sounders host the backend of a soccer double-header at Lumen Field on Saturday. The Major League Soccer side hosts the Houston Dynamo with kickoff at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, July 2
The Taste Northwest - Day three of the food festival in Puyallup.
Seattle Mariners - The Mariners close out their series against the Rays at T-Mobile Park with a 1:10 p.m. first pitch.
Seattle Storm - The Storm look to climb the Women’s National Basketball Association Western Conference standings on Sunday as they host the New York Liberty. Tip-off at Climate Pledge Arena is scheduled for 3 p.m.
This story was originally published June 30, 2023 at 10:20 AM.
