Seattle area traffic delays and road closures this weekend
Apr 12, 2019, 9:53 AM | Updated: 10:04 am
The 99 tunnel opened to drivers in February 2019. (KIRO7)
(KIRO7)
The new Seattle tunnel opened just over two months ago, but it’s already time for its first inspection. That means a closure.
The southbound lanes of the tunnel will be closed between 11 p.m. Friday night and 9 a.m. Saturday. Inspectors will be taking a look at the fans, the fire system, the cameras, and the overhead signs.
The tunnel will undergo monthly inspections like this, alternating the direction each month. In May, there will be a full overnight closure of the northbound lanes. That date has not been set.
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Seattle’s tunnel closure is not the only disruption this weekend.
Revive I-5 is back … as long as the weather cooperates. The state is working in the southbound direction of I-5 right now, just south of downtown Seattle. If the weather holds, all southbound lanes of I-5 will be closed after James Street from 11 p.m. Saturday to 7 a.m. Sunday.
All southbound traffic will be moved into the collector-distributor lanes. The westbound I-90 ramp to southbound I-5 will be closed at the same time. So will the Edgar Martinez ramp to southbound I-5.
Drivers should also expect big delays on I-5 through Pierce County all weekend. The freeway is going to be reduced to just one lane through the JBLM area over both weekend nights. WSDOT is placing girders over the freeway at the Berkeley interchange. All traffic will be detoured off and back on the freeway at Berkeley. The closures are scheduled to begin at 8:30 p.m. each night and will last through 6:30 a.m.
The Tulip Festival in Skagit County continues, which will likely put a lot more people on the road on northbound I-5 out of King and Snohomish counties. Expect backups between Everett and Marysville. This is the parade weekend in La Conner for the festival.
And keep in mind, the Mariners are in town for a three game set with the Astros, and the Sounders play at home Saturday afternoon. Expect game traffic.
