Seattle commute could go into beast mode for Seahawks game Monday


December 12, 2011 · 10:32 AM

Seahawks fans will be looking for a repeat of “Beast Mode” today (Monday) on the field, when the St. Louis Rams come to CenturyLink Field.

But the Washington State Department of Transportation warns drivers that the commute could get ugly if they don’t change their game plan, according to a department news release.

During the last primetime football game, drivers faced heavier-than-normal congestion and longer travel times, but those who teamed up and carpooled saw their times cut in half.

Kickoff is at 5:30 p.m. but the transportation department warns that congestion will likely begin building earlier than usual in the afternoon and remain heavy through the evening commute.

Longer-than-normal backups are expected on north and southbound Interstate 5 into the city, on Interstate 90 and State Route 99. Exits to Fourth Avenue South from I-90 and downtown exits along I-5 will be extremely busy. WSDOT Incident Response patrols will patrol to clear collisions and disabled vehicles to keep traffic moving.

WSDOT recommends all drivers traveling into or through downtown Seattle on Monday afternoon allow plenty of extra time or choose alternate routes.

Drivers can monitor real-time road conditions and look at traffic cameras by checking the Seattle traffic map.

 

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