Find Posts By Topic

What to Expect During This Week’s Presidential Visit


President Obama’s upcoming trip to Seattle on Friday is quickly approaching and it’s time to start planning how you will get around town.

Intermittent closures of freeways and arterials and downtown streets are to be expected.  The flow of buses and cars through downtown will be disrupted during these closures.

Travelers should expect delays and are advised to plan ahead.  Buses on surface streets in the north part of downtown will be rerouted; check with King County Metro Alert for routes impacted. The South Lake Union Streetcar will continue to operate, but the stop at the Westlake Hub at McGraw Square will remain closed. The downtown transit tunnel is expected to remain open and operating.

presidential map

Parking on Downtown streets will be restricted as needed.

Per the United States Secret Service, vehicle access to the area bounded by Olive St., 7th Ave, Lenora St and 4th Ave will be limited to 5th Avenue between Lenora and Virginia and on Stewart between 6th and 7th Avenue. Commuters are encouraged to use transit or park outside the area and walk in. People entering the area should expect delays and additional security screening, as outlined in this United States Secret Service flier:usss