Ill-timed construction in Seattle forcing drivers into ‘buzzsaw’
Mar 16, 2016, 10:25 PM | Updated: May 6, 2016, 10:27 pm
Nearly round-the-clock lane closures in Seattle during peak commuting hours are helping the city live up to its reputation.
Drivers were once again gifted extra time in their vehicles Wednesday morning as they attempted to exit southbound I-5 at Stewart Street. Work in Denny Triangle for a major electrical system upgrade for the city has forced the closure of arterial roads used by commuters.
“Everyone getting off the express lanes in downtown Seattle is driving right into a buzzsaw,” KIRO Radio traffic reporter Chris Sullivan said.
During a conversation via Twitter, the Seattle Department of Transportation suggests drivers avoid the Stewart Street exit, especially during morning and afternoon commutes.
Tell us to investigate a Chokepoint
Reminder: Traffic is down to one lane on Stewart between Minor and Yale. Consider alternate routes into city. pic.twitter.com/DhCgNSKNSW
— seattledot (@seattledot) March 16, 2016
@seattledot why not hold off until after morning commute? Really hurting the drive.
— KIRO Radio Traffic (@KIROTraffic) March 16, 2016
@KIROTraffic It's a 24 hour closure until the 24th of March.
— seattledot (@seattledot) March 16, 2016
@seattledot nuts. Any advice for drivers? Skip exit off Express Lanes?
— KIRO Radio Traffic (@KIROTraffic) March 16, 2016
@KIROTraffic Avoid the Stewart St exit, especially during AM/PM commute.
— seattledot (@seattledot) March 16, 2016
@seattledot anything other than avoid? Good alternates for us?
— KIRO Radio Traffic (@KIROTraffic) March 16, 2016
@KIROTraffic Grab a buddy and use the carpool exit of Pike St. Also delays don't seem as bad on mainline I-5 SB to Stewart.
— seattledot (@seattledot) March 16, 2016
Backup on SB 5 Express Lanes is lengthy at Stewart. If you normally use that exit – try a different one today. pic.twitter.com/YAq57QvlNo
— WSDOT Traffic (@wsdot_traffic) March 16, 2016
Something worth phoning a friend for – avoid SB 5 Stewart Street exit this morning. Both mainlines & express jammed pic.twitter.com/OtTrod4Yuc
— WSDOT Traffic (@wsdot_traffic) March 16, 2016
