If you happened to be one of the folks who slogged through the long, 55 minute delays last weekend during the first round of expansion joint construction, there’s still time to plan ahead for round two. Here are a few tried and true alternate route options for savvy time-savers.
A secret squirrel named SR 599
Some call it the “secret” route into Seattle because unlike mighty I-5, State Route 599 to SR 99 prefers a low profile. Far fewer drivers choose this little known gem, but it could save you lots of time heading into Seattle from the south. From northbound I-5 take exit 156 to SR 599 north. (P.S. SR 518 also feeds into SR 99, for extra savvy-ness)
Take off on Airport Way
Yes, this route does run adjacent to an actual airport, but if you follow these directions, you won’t have to worry about close encounters of the metal-winged kind. From northbound I-5 take exit 162.
Not just for eastsiders
Lane-widening, ramp-braiding and transit boosting construction during the past few years has paved the way for an I-405 that is ready to rock! In short, I-405 is your friend when it comes to bypassing Seattle construction closures altogether. From northbound I-5 take exit 154B toward I-405 north.
