I RECIEVED THIS TODAY SO IT MAY EFFECT HOW YOU GET TO THE GAME!

Dear Seahawks Fans,

As you prepare for the upcoming season, the last thing Seahawks fans should worry about is getting to Qwest Field on time. To help you avoid traffic delays and conserve energy, we want to make you aware of the following projects and changes to services.

New Federal Rules Alter Transportation Options for
Seahawks Fans

Seahawks fans that normally use King County Metro Transit's Seahawks game day bus service from park-and-ride lots will need to secure alternate transportation, the team announced today.

This past April, the Federal Transit Administration ruled that if any private bus operators are interested in providing game day transportation services for fans then Metro would not be permitted to operate the bus service. The Seahawks were obligated to negotiate with those charter bus companies. 

The Seahawks received one bid which included an increase in passenger fares by $14.  In addition, the bid did not include approvals to use roadways, park-and-ride lots and staging areas that are necessary to operate the service safely and effectively. 

For those impacted fans, the Seahawks recommend using regular Metro service, Sound Transit ST Express buses and the Sounder Train.  ST Express buses offer transportation from areas throughout Pierce, King and Snohomish counties with service every 30 minutes and stops within three blocks of Qwest Field.  

I-405 Widening Project in Bellevue
As many of you know, major construction on I-405 in Bellevue is currently taking place. This construction will significantly affect traffic for the Saturday, August 16th Seahawks game versus Chicago when crews will close all lanes of southbound I-405 between SE 8th Street and I-90.  Those driving on I-5 and SR 520 should also plan for delays.  Fans are strongly urged to use available Metro and Sound Transit bus service, carpool and use alternative routes to Qwest Field.  Click Here for more information.  Fans can also click here for a live traffic flow map or call 511 from a cell phone to plan their trip.

Spokane Street Closure
Later this month, construction will begin on the Spokane Street Viaduct. This project will close Spokane Street for 2 years between 1st Avenue and 4th Avenue as well as the 4th Avenue ramp. Click Here for more information and alternative routes during this time.

Sounder Trains
Sounder Trains will operate for every Saturday and Sunday game during the 2008 regular season.  Sound Transit's ST Express buses are a great alternative when trains are not in service during the August 29th preseason football game. Click Here for Sounder Trains Seahawks service details.

We look forward to seeing you at Qwest Field for Saturday's game versus Chicago.  To find your best route to Qwest Field, click here to go to the online Transportation Guide.