Watch for transit & traffic impacts next week as Lions Club roars into Seattle

A huge convention comes to Seattle next week, and the crowd of international visitors and array of events is expected to impact traffic and transit travel in the downtown area.

The Lions Clubs International 94th Convention will be headquartered at the Washington State Convention Center July 4-8. One of the biggest events will be a four-hour Parade of Nations on Tuesday, July 5 that starts at 10 a.m. at the Seattle Center and travels along Fifth Avenue to the convention center.

Metro and Sound Transit will be rerouting about 20 bus routes on Tuesday in the downtown area between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. due to the parade. Visit Metro's Alerts Center after Friday, July 1 and check the "Construction & Events" section for reroute details. You can also call Metro's Customer Information Office at (206) 553-3000. Please remember that all Metro offices will be closed on Monday, July 4.

In addition to the parade, the convention is expected to generate extra traffic – both vehicle and pedestrian – in the downtown core. There will be 90 private buses shuttling attendees around the city each day of the convention. This could delay transit service, so give yourself extra travel time for commuting and traveling around the city.

Even with the expected congestion, public transportation will save you some driving and parking hassles next week. For information about bus travel, visit Metro Online, or use the online Trip Planner. For information about the King County Water Taxi service to and from Vashon Island and West Seattle, visit the water taxi website.