News from King County Department of Transportation
Release date:  March 16, 2007

Demonstrations could disrupt bus service Sunday and Monday in downtown Seattle

Demonstrations and protest marches in downtown Seattle could disrupt transit service on Sunday and Monday, March 18 and 19.

The city of Seattle is advising there are three separate marches scheduled, including:

• Sunday starting at noon, traveling from Westlake Park to the King County Courthouse and back to Westlake via Fourth and Second avenues;
• Monday starting at 3 p.m. at the Federal Courthouse on Seventh and Stewart traveling to the Federal Building at Second and Marion on multiple streets; and
• Monday at 3 p.m. starting at Westlake Park traveling to the Federal Building at Second and Marion traveling on several streets.

Motorists and bus passengers should expect delays throughout the downtown area during these times, with Monday afternoon being particularly congested.

Metro Transit will attempt to maintain regular routes, but expects significant delays on Monday afternoon. If a north-south avenue becomes completely blocked, buses may be rerouted to a different avenue. If reroutes occur, most buses that normally travel on Second and Fourth avenues will be rerouted to Third Avenue. Many of the east-west streets downtown may also be blocked by these events.

Transit passengers are advised to leave downtown early, if possible. Or, wait to travel after the events are over. You may also want to board or exit a downtown bus outside the affected area, such as at South Jackson Street or north of Stewart Street and walk for a portion of the route.