It can sure be a blast to live in Lower Wallingford on the Fourth of July. It can also be a serious pain in the ass if you’re trying to move through the lower ‘hood by car. We visited the Family Fourth website for traffic info, and here’s what we came up with based on this year’s website & last year’s instructions from the city.
Beginning at noon on Sunday, July 4th, areas north of Gas Work Park will be restricted to residents and “legitimate” business purposes. The area will not be open to non-residents looking for parking spots. If you want to enter or exit the neighborhood during those times, be sure to carry ID or some other proof that you live in the area. Business owners and employees should show business cards or other documentation. And if you’re inviting guests to your house for a party, send them an invite they can print & bring along with them.
Seattle police will staff the following posts (seen in blue on the map here).
Stone Way Ave N & Northlake Way- N. 34th Street & Stone Way Ave N.
- N. 35th Street & Interlake Ave N.
- N. 35th Street & Pacific Ave N.
- N. 36th Street & N. Northlake Way
- N. 38th Street & Sunnyside Ave N.
- N. 38th Street & Interlake Ave N.
- N. 39th Street & Ashworth Ave N.
- N. 39th Street & Bagley Ave N.
- N. 39th Street & Wallingford Ave N.
All other intersections leading to the immediate area will have road blocks you won’t (shouldn’t!) be able to get through. See red diamonds on the map.
After 6pm, most if not all roads will be closed to traffic.
Here’s hoping that Molly Moon’s ice cream truck, Leo, is considered legit!
Why would they back the checkpoints down into the neighborhoods instead of leaving them up at 40th. Having them down at 39th seems odd. So you get all these cars that turn down into the neighborhood off of 40th and then can’t get past 39th and have to turn around. Or…are they calling it 39th, but they will have the road closed up at 40th? I’m confused!!
so I live on 38th off Wallingford…. so I guess I am not going anywhere but to and from Gasworks.
Karla — I don’t know the official reason for having the checkpoints at 39th but my guess is they don’t want to slow down the traffic flow too much on 40th. Since they’ll be checking ID and/or invitations, you could have several cars waiting at a checkpoint blocking traffic.
Yeah, bummer – we live just above 40th, and now we won’t be able to watch the ever-enjoyable arguing with cops over why “I’m special and I should be allowed to drive all the way to the park”. 🙂
– r