President Joe Biden touched down in Seattle on Friday, embarking on a West Coast campaign swing with the Emerald City as his latest pit stop. After hitting up fundraisers in the San Francisco Bay Area, Biden's Air Force One was wheels down at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport by 5 p.m. PT, KING 5 reports. He's expected to grace western Washington with his presence until Saturday, working to drum up support and campaign dollars as midterms inch closer.
Travelers and commuters should brace for a bout of inconvenience as the presidential motorcade rolls through, likely to cause traffic snarls and transit delays. A heads-up from the Seattle Department of Transportation warns of possible freeway and street shutdowns courtesy of Secret Service's security protocols. Those who survived the gridlock during Biden's previous trek to the city remember the nightmare that clamped down on I-5, I-90, and SR 520 with downtown streets getting the brunt, as per FOX 13 Seattle.
Anticipating the disruptions, SDOT engineers are ready to tweak traffic signal timings and will plaster updates on dynamic message signs as needed, KOMO News reveals. For those relying on public transport, King County Metro recommends checking service advisories online or signing up for transit alerts to dodge any bus route mayhem.
The president’s visit will culminate with a campaign reception in Medina, scheduled for 12:15 p.m. Saturday, before Biden bids adieu to Seattle. His departure is set from SEA, gunning for a 1:35 p.m. takeoff heading back to Dover, Delaware. Travelers should plan ahead and expect potential delays around the airport during this time, as the presidential entourage makes its way through the city one final time before heading off.
