Seattle police warn of traffic, parking changes this weekend due to Pride parades, Obama visit

SEATTLE -- Police said Wednesday that downtown streets, arterials and some freeway on- and off-ramps will be subject to intermittent closures throughout the weekend, because of Pride celebrations and a visit by President Obama.

"Travelers should expect delays and are advised to plan ahead on June 24th, 25th and 26th," the Seattle Police Department said in a news release on its online blotter. "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."

The SPD also said that parking on downtown streets will be restricted "as needed" and some parking garages near the Washington State Convention Center may be closed.

"Per the United States Secret Service, vehicle access to the area bounded by Olive St., 7th Avenue, Lenora St and 4th Avenue 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," the SPD said.



Roads in Capitol Hill and downtown Seattle will also be impacted by weekend Pride festivities, SPD said. On Sunday, 4th Avenue will close from Union Street to Denny Way between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. for the Pride Parade. A portion of 2nd Avenue will also close as part of the parade’s route into Seattle Center, it said.

For more on weekend activities and the possible impact on traffic, visit the Seattle Department of Transportation's On the Move Blog here.