The Seattle Department of Transportation advises everyone who will be out on city streets on New Year’s Eve to be extra mindful of other travelers, whether in cars, on bicycle, or on foot. With people out later than usual, and with some people likely not paying as much attention as they should, it is important that we all look out for each other. New Year’s Eve celebrations downtown and the Polar Bear swim on New Year’s Day are some of the events to keep in mind. Parking along the street is free on New Year’s Day.
A New Year’s Eve electronic dance festival at Century Link Field Event Center will close Occidental Avenue between South Royal Brougham Way and Railroad Way South from 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, New Year’s Eve, until 3:30 a.m. the following morning. An estimated 15,000 people are expected to attend. http://www.resolutionseattle.com .
Thousands are expected to gather near the Space Needle to watch the New Year Eve’s fireworks starting off at Midnight and lasting for approximately seven minutes. The following streets will be closed starting at 11:30 p.m. until approximately 45 minutes after the end of the fireworks to disperse the crowd: Fifth Avenue North between Mercer Street and Denny Way, and Broad Street between Fifth Avenue North and Denny Way. An expected 15,000 people will attend. http://www.spaceneedle.com/new-years/
Many hardy souls plan to enjoy the out of doors on Wednesday at Magnuson Park for “The New Year’s Day Resolution Run 5K and Polar Bear Dive.” An estimated 1,500 participants are expected. The 5K run starts at 10:30 a.m.; the route will use streets, trails, and paths in Magnuson Park. The event will close the boat ramp and parking areas near the boat ramp. http://www.promotionevents.com/ResoRun/info.htm
Curb-side parking will be free on Wednesday, New Year’s Day. Drivers who indulge in too many holiday spirits are advised to leave their car on the street and take a cab or public transit home. They can return for their car the next morning when parking is free. Their car must be legally parked when they leave it on New Year’s Eve, and the parking fully paid as required for that evening. http://www.seattle.gov/transportation/parking/paidparking_hours.htm
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