Traffic congestion will continue to increase in and around the Puget Sound region this weekend due to multiple closures. Consider this weekend traffic update a warning to avoid these areas if possible.
SR 520 bridge will be closed
The 115,000 commuters who cross Lake Washington daily on the State Route 520 (SR520) toll bridge will have to take a different route this weekend.
Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) contractors will be busy with a schedule that includes testing lights and fire suppression systems under the new Montlake deck. The work also includes paving, installing bridge signs, taking soil samples and spraying sealant onto the bridge deck.
The sealant protects the bridge from corrosion and is an important part of maintenance, according to WSDOT.
The closure between Interstate-5 (I-5) and 92nd Avenue NE will last from 11:00 p.m. Friday to 5:00 a.m. Monday. All associated on- and off-ramps as well as the SR520 bike path will also be closed.
Interstate 90 (I-90) is the obvious alternative for those who want to cross the lake to get to Seattle.
For visitors to the Evergreen State Fair: Collision on US 2 caused traffic jams on Friday
Hood Canal Bridge will be closed
Late-night commuters traveling across the Hood Canal Bridge, which borders Jefferson and Kitsap counties, must plan for nighttime closures necessary to allow workers to safely work on the bridge’s shock absorbers.
Work began on Thursday evening and will continue between 10 p.m. Friday and 5 a.m. Saturday.
The Nisqually River Bridge needs repair
There are plans to replace the Nisqually River Bridge in Thurston County, but construction is not yet complete. In the meantime, regular maintenance and repairs are needed to keep the bridge safe for motorists.
This weekend, work will only be done on I-5 north, where WSDOT will close two right lanes and leave one lane open to traffic. This is largely an overnight project, starting at 10 p.m. Friday and running through 5 a.m. Saturday. It will resume at 10 p.m. Saturday and then run through 10 a.m. Sunday. Motorists traveling Sunday morning may see very little traffic while the new concrete cures.
This project, like most others, is weather dependent and can be postponed at any time.
MyNorthwest Traffic: A map of Washington, cameras and more information
The Seahawks return to Lumen Field
The Seattle Seahawks will play their final game of the 2024 preseason at Lumen Field against the Cleveland Browns on Saturday night.
While preseason games aren’t quite as attractive as the sold-out home games in the fall, it’s still a major event that can disrupt travel plans for those looking to explore the SODO neighborhood or I-5 in the area.
2 major projects postponed due to weather concerns
Due to bad weather, two major projects had to be cancelled this weekend.
The State Route 167 (SR 167) project was planned from State Route 516 in Kent to South 277th, requiring all lanes and ramps to be closed in both directions. This major project includes slab replacement, repaving and bridge work and could be delayed until next weekend.
In Fife, the 54th Avenue overpass at I-5 was scheduled to be closed for road construction. The work will fill cracks and remove ruts, making the roads smoother for drivers and preventing water from accumulating.
This project is one of 11 highway maintenance projects included in this year’s transportation budget, and the start date could be delayed until next weekend.
Contributors: Steve Coogan, MyNorthwest
Nate Connors is a traffic reporter for KIRO Newsradio. Read more of Nate’s stories here. Follow Nate on X and email him here. Go here to follow KIRO Newsradio Traffic’s profile on X.
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