To Avoid Delays, Motorists Should Plan Ahead
Summer kicks into gear this weekend with the annual Fremont Solstice Parade and Fremont Fair. With thousands of people flocking to the Fremont District, drivers should plan on parking a distance away and then walking to the events in the area. In addition, motorists bound for Fremont need to keep in mind that the I-5 Mercer Street ramps will be closed from 11 p.m. Friday until 5 a.m. Monday, and should use SR 99, or if taking I-5, use the alternate I-5 off-ramps at Olive Way (northbound) or Stewart Street (southbound) and Denny Way going via Westlake Avenue N to and from Fremont. For more directions and a map, please see: www.fremontfair.org/directions-festival-map.
Also, fans attending the Mariners games on Saturday and Sunday should allow for extra travel time as the SR520/Evergreen Point Floating Bridge will be closed from 11 p.m. on Friday through the weekend until 5 a.m. on Monday. The bridge closure will likely increase traffic volumes considerably on I-5, I-90 and possibly I-405.
For more details about these and other weekend events, please see the schedule below. To help reduce traffic congestion and CO2 emissions, the Seattle Department of Transportation encourages drivers to consider leaving the car behind and trying one of the many alternate modes of transportation available – Metro Transit, the West Seattle Water Taxi, the Sounder commuter train, Link light rail, car pool, bicycle or even walking, if feasible.
Friday, June 17
Mariners vs. Philadelphia: 7:10 -10:30 p.m.
Safeco Field
39,000 expected
Plan on heavy traffic around the stadium before and after the game.
Saturday, June 18:
Seattle Police East Precinct Foundation Picnic: 1 – 4 p.m.
East Precinct of Seattle Police Department
1,000 expected
Street closed from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.: 12th Avenue between E Pike Street and E Pine Street.
Fremont Fair: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Fremont district
24,000 expected
Streets will be closed from 1 p.m. on Friday, June 17, until 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, June 19, within the following boundaries: First Avenue NW on the west; N 36th Street on the north; Fremont Avenue N on the east; N 34th Street; N Canal Street on the south.
Fremont Solstice Parade: 12 noon
Fremont district
22,000 expected
Streets on parade route will close at 11a.m.: Route begins at NW 36th Street and Leary Way NW; moves east on 36th to Fremont Place N; south on Fremont Place to Fremont Avenue N; south on Fremont Avenue to N 34th Street; east on 34th to Stone Way N; south on Stone to N Northlake Way; east on Northlake into Gas Works Park; expect heavy congestion in the area.
The Republic of Vietnam Armed Forces Day Parade: 12:30 p.m.
16th Avenue S and S Jackson Street
350 participants
Parade starts at 16th Avenue S and S Jackson Street; heads west on Jackson to 14th Avenue S; north on 14th to S Washington Street, and onto the grounds of the Bailey – Gatzert Elementary School. Seattle Police will escort.
Mariners vs Philadelphia Phillies: 7:10 – 10: 30 p.m.
Safeco Field
44,000 expected
Allow extra time to travel to the game as the SR 520/Evergreen Point Floating Bridge will be closed and traffic volumes may be very heavy on I-5, I-90 and possibly I-405. Plan on congestion around Safeco Field before and after the game.
Sunday, June 19
Fremont district
24,000 expected
Streets will be closed from 1 p.m. on Friday, June 17, until 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, June 19, within the following boundaries: First Avenue NW on the west; N 36th Street on the north; Fremont Avenue N on the east; N 34th Street; N Canal Street on the south.
SlutWalk Seattle: 12 noon
Walk gathers at Bobby Morris Playfield to protest victim-blaming in cases of rape, assault, and harassment
500 participants
Walk starts at 11th Avenue and E Pine Street; heads west on Pine to Fourth Avenue and into Westlake Park for a rally. Seattle Police will escort.
Mariners vs Philadelphia Phillies: 1:10 – 4:30 p.m.
Safeco Field
36,000 expected
Allow extra time to travel to the game as the SR 520/Evergreen Point Floating Bridge will be closed and traffic volumes may be very heavy on I-5, I-90 and possibly I-405. Plan on congestion around Safeco Field before and after the game.
The Republic of Vietnam Unified Armed Forces Day Parade: 4 p.m.
14th Avenue S and S Yesler Way
320 participants
Parade starts at 14th Avenue S & S Yesler Way; moves west on Yesler to 12th Avenue S; south on 12th to S Jackson Street; east on Jackson to 14th Avenue S; north on 14th Avenue S to Yesler. Seattle Police will escort.
Peg Nielsen, 206.684.8114