The Seattle Traveler

Suggestion for Managing the I-5 Freeway Closure

by Mary Jo on August 11th, 2007

The nightmare has begun, and a major section of the northbound I-5 freeway is closed.  While the segment that is closed only covers a little over a mile, between I-90 and Spokane Street, this section of freeway impacts anyone commuting into the city from the south end.

All northbound lanes are closed, and will remain so until the project is completed.  Estimated completion date is August 29th. . . BUT. . . that completion date is heavily dependent on weather.  Turns out that the concrete work requires a minimum of 12 hours of dry weather before it can be done.

It is August — a fairly reliable time of good weather, but let’s not forget — it is Seattle and the reason is so green and fertile around here is because we get rain!

Here are some suggestions to help you prepare for travel during the freeway closure:

• Avoid peak commute times.  If you are able to change your schedule so that you can drive after the morning and evening rush hour, you’ll save precious minutes off your commute.
• If you usually stay near the airport and travel into the city (a choice many make due to hotel costs), you’ll save time and headaches by staying in the city.   Travel in once and be done with it.
• If you live south of the construction area, consider heading further south for recreational activities.
• Make sure that your personal or rental car is in good working order.  If you’re a resident, this is a good time to make sure your preventative maintenance is up-to-date.  You don’t want to worry about over-heating in traffic.
• Keep your gas tank full.  As one of those drivers who frequently let’s the gas tank get lower than I should, this one is really important.  Drive times are going to be longer, and you are going to cover a lot more miles.  Running out of gas is never a good idea, but it especially bad in this situation.
• Have the number(s) of any roadside assistance plan handy.  These guys are going to be VERY busy, which means the wait times are going to be long, but if you have to call them, you don’t want to have to be scrambling to find the number.
• Exercise patience.  I know that this is easier said that done, but we’re all in this together.  We all have important business to take care of, pressing family matters to attend to, our stress level is going to be high, and it may become easy to let road rage take over.  Instead, take a deep breath, clear your head, and try practicing the golden rule.

My fingers are crossed for a speedy construction project, but in the meantime, I’ll be checking with the Department of Transportation’s Traffic & Construction Update site for the latest information.  It’s been updated regularly so far, and I hope that continues.

Safe driving!

Photo credit:  SXC

_____________________________________________________

Share This

Related Stories

Freeway Closure Means Weeks of Heavy Seattle Traffic
Biking Beneath the Freeway
Carry Seattle With You Wherever You Go
Don’t Be a HOV Lane Violator
Shop for Outdoor Gear at Seattle’s Outdoor & More

POSTED IN: Getting Around - Local Transportation, History & Information