Husky game TONIGHT: Get informed about the TRAFFIC

UWYup, you read that right: There is a Husky football game tonight.  The Dawgs are playing UCLA at 5 pm in Husky Stadium (3800 Montlake Boulevard NE).

The cause of the weird schedule? The game is being televised nationally by ESPN.

I told a friend on facebook last night, “There’s a level of traffic paranoia around here that’s verging on snow forecast.”

My sentiments seem to be echoed by Mark Hallenbeck, director of the Washington State Transportation Center (located at the UW). In this article by the Seattle Times about tonight’s traffic mess potential, Mark is quoted as staying, “My gut feeling is I think it’s going to be pretty ugly.”

Rah. Rah. Rah.

So, in order to combat this paranoia, we bring you the following Thursday Night Husky Game Traffic Information, brought to you by Peg Neilsen at the Seattle Department of Transportation.

  • Peak traffic expected to occur between 2 – 5 pm, with increased congestion expected throughout the evening.
  • Standard Husky game traffic rerouting will be in effect, with the following exceptions:
    • Montlake Boulevard will be CLOSED from NE Pacific to NE 44th St from 6:30-10:30 pm to accommodate bus traffic
    • The normal game-day one-way pattern on 25th Avenue NE (from the E-1 parking lot up to NE 75th St) will NOT be in effect
  • Normal PM peak weekday King County Metro Transit service will continue, with reroutes starting at 2:30 pm. Reroutes expected for the following routes: 31, 44, 65, 67, 68, 75, 205, 271, 272, 277, 372, 273 and ST 540. Check Transit Alerts for reroute information.
  • Metro buses will not be available to take fans to the game from Park-and-Rides, but charter buses have been hired to replace them. You have to reserve a seat, however. More information here.
  • The Montlake Bridge will stay closed to marine traffic from 3-7 pm and 8-10 pm.  The University Bridge will stay closed only from 3-7 pm.

Good luck, and God speed.

Huskies take to the streets AND the field this weekend

UW

Two chances to see Huskies in action and/or get stuck in Husky traffic this weekend:

FRIDAY NIGHT

Husky Band Friday Night Rally and Procession: 8:55 p.m. – 10 p.m.
600 participants
Husky band and supporters will follow a procession through Greek Row (17th Avenue NE between NE 45th and 50th Streets, approximately).  Seattle Police will escort.

SATURDAY

University of Washington Huskies vs. Nebraska Football Game:  12:30 p.m.
Husky Stadium (3800 Montlake Blvd)
70,000 expected
Plan on congestion on I-5 and SR520 approaching the University District and on arterials surrounding stadium.

That Husky Stadium Football Game Day Traffic Information link is right here, if you need it.

Thanks again to Peg Nielsen at the Seattle Department of Transportation for her Event Traffic Advisory releases. (This one was titled, “Wallingford Goes for the Wurst and Huskies Aim for their Best” — she’s good!)