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WSDOT: Construction projects and local events to create slow moving traffic this weekend

I-5 in Seattle at a standstill after deadly crash

Hours after a deadly crash was reported, traffic was still backed up and slow moving in both directions

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is warning people in the Puget Sound to prepare for an especially busy travel weekend, due to construction and several major local events.

On Friday, WSDOT sent out a tweet calling for residents of Seattle and Tukwila to be aware that this weekend will be on of the first busy construction and maintenance periods of the year. In addition, WSDOT included a map revealing every local event and construction project that will likely create slow moving traffic issues on area roadways.

“#Seattle and #Tukwila: this weekend will be one of the first busy construction & maintenance periods of the year. Combine that with several local events and we felt we needed to bring back the Paint Map™” – @WSDOT Traffic (Twitter) (Washington State Department of Transportation)

LOCAL EVENTS LIKELY TO CAUSE SLOW-MOVING TRAFFIC

The Seattle Storm are playing at Climate Pledge Arena at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, June 3.
Country music superstar Luke Combs is performing at Lumen Field at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 4.
The Seattle Storm are playing at Climate Pledge Arena at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 5.

CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS AND TRAVEL UPDATES

The State Route 99 tunnel will be fully closed in both directions for maintenance from 10:00 p.m. on Friday, through 6:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 4.
The Entire Length of express lanes on I-5 will be fully closed from 7:30 p.m. on Friday, through 4:30 a.m. on Monday, June 6.
Southbound I-5 between I-90 and West Seattle Bridge will have up to three right lanes closed from 10:00 p.m. on Friday, through 5:00 a.m. on Monday, June 6.
All lanes of southbound State Route 599 between the State Route 99 interchange/Tukwila International Blvd./ S. 116th Way and S. 133rd St. will be fully closed from 11:00 p.m. on Saturday, through 6:30 a.m. on Sunday, June 5.

WSDOT is asking that drivers give themselves plenty of time to reach their destinations this weekend as traffic will likely be slow moving. In addition, drivers are encouraged to seek alternate routes to avoid congestion and other traffic-related frustrations.

To view out live traffic map, click here.

Revive I-5: Weekend lane closures return for up to 16 weekends

The Washington State Department of Transportation says its “Revive I-5” project will cause weekend lane closures for up to 16 weekends this summer.

President Biden arrives in Seattle for Earth Day remarks, events announced for Friday

President Biden heading to Washington

President Joe Biden will be heading to Seattle on Thursday evening, after stopping in Portland earlier in the day to tour area infrastructure.

SEATTLE – President Joe Biden is in the Pacific Northwest starting Thursday for a two-day visit to Portland and Seattle. Authorities say to expect delays on the ground and in the air.

Biden’s first stop was Portland, where he toured areas that benefited from his infrastructure bill.

After his Portland visit, Biden traveled to Seattle Thursday evening, and is landed at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport shortly after 5:00 p.m.

Travelers saw delays due to Air Force One’s arrival at SEA Airport. According to airport officials, security protocols call for all air traffic to stop 30 minutes before and after the arrival.

During Biden’s arrival and departure, the Washington State Patrol said drivers should expect freeway closures around the Seattle area because of his visit. It is not known yet which freeways could be closed.

On Friday, the President will deliver Earth Day remarks at Seward Park in Seattle at 10:30 a.m. He will then head to Auburn to discuss a plan to lower health care and energy costs. Biden will be speaking at Green River College at 12:30 p.m.

Biden is scheduled to attend a democratic fundraiser and is expected to stay until Friday, which is also Earth Day.

Although Biden is raising fuel economy standards for vehicles and included green policies in last year’s bipartisan infrastructure legislation, the lack of greater progress casts a shadow over his second Earth Day as president.

He will mark the moment on Friday in Seattle, where he’ll be joined by Gov. Jay Inslee, a fellow Democrat with a national reputation for climate action. During the Seattle visit, Biden plans to sign a climate-related executive order in honor of Earth Day.

According to a White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki, Biden will also discuss how he is fighting to bring down prescription drug costs, such as insulin, and will be also joined by Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell, and Congresswoman Kim Schrier.

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Biden’s last Seattle visit was in November 2019 while campaigning in the Democratic presidential primaries. He attended a fundraiser at the home of Amazon executive David Zapolsky.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

President Biden to arrive in Seattle on Thursday

President Joe Biden is expected to arrive in Seattle on Thursday.