Seattle Braces for Traffic as Seahawks Parade Shifts Transit Routes
Seattle is preparing for a large-scale celebration to honor the Seattle Seahawks’ Super Bowl victory, scheduled for Wednesday, February 11. The city expects up to one million fans to gather in downtown Seattle, prompting regional transit agencies to adjust their services accordingly.
Seattle’s Parade Preparations
King County Executive Girmay Zahilay expressed his enthusiasm, urging residents to utilize public transportation. He noted the day would be a significant celebration for the entire region. Metro General Manager Michelle Allison reinforced the need for efficient transit, encouraging fans to rely on public services rather than personal vehicles.
Sound Transit CEO Dow Constantine confirmed that additional trains would run throughout the day to support the expected influx. He stated, “Now it’s our turn to deliver.”
Transit Changes Ahead of the Parade
To accommodate the event, several downtown streets will close early on February 11. King County Metro will reroute bus services starting at 5 a.m. until streets reopen post-parade. Key details include:
- Many downtown buses will stop at designated hubs north and south of the city center.
- East-west bus routes crossing Fourth Avenue will face rerouting. Riders may need to walk or roll a few blocks to reach their destinations.
- Sound Transit Link 1 Line trains will run every six minutes from 5 a.m. until 6 p.m., with additional Sounder trains in service.
Parking and Shuttle Services
Parking at Sounder and Link stations is limited and may fill quickly. Metro’s online Trip Planner will assist riders in navigating to downtown Seattle and connecting to Sound Transit services. Key features of the transit plan include:
- Special shuttles will operate within the downtown core.
- Information on shuttle routes and a map will be provided online shortly before the event.
Transit services from the north and south will drop riders near the parade route, with a hub at Mercer Street for connections to shuttles into the business district. Another hub will be located at Boren Avenue and Pike Street.
Kitsap and Pierce Transit Services
Kitsap Transit will increase service on its fast ferries from Bremerton, Kingston, and Southworth. Additional vessels will be available to manage the heavy passenger load. Pierce Transit has arranged special bus services from the 512 Park & Ride and Tacoma Dome Station to Federal Way Downtown Station to connect fans to downtown Seattle.
Travel Tips for Fans
Fans are encouraged to travel early and remain patient as they navigate the busy downtown area. For transit updates and detailed information, riders should visit the websites of their respective transit agencies.
