EVERETT — If traffic on I-5 heading toward Seattle seems bad Friday afternoon, it may be because President Barack Obama is in town.
Or it could be just because it’s Friday afternoon.
Nevertheless, drivers are being advised to be prepared for region-wide backups as the president arrives for a touch-and-go stop in downtown Seattle Friday.
The U.S. Secret Service typically advises local officials of road and highway closures as they are happening, said Harmony Weinberg, a spokeswoman for the state Department of Transportation.
“We will have our traffic management center staffed and ready to go to follow whatever restrictions the Secret Service puts in place,” she said.
“If you’re heading out tomorrow, be prepared for major backups,” Weinberg said.
On Friday morning, Obama is scheduled to visit families of victims and survivors of the Umpqua Community College shooting in Roseburg, Oregon.
He’ll fly into Boeing Field in Seattle in the afternoon for a Democratic National Committee roundtable and a fundraiser for Sen. Patty Murray at the Westin Hotel.
According to the White House, Air Force One is scheduled to arrive at Boeing Field at 3:45 p.m., but transportation officials have not been briefed on Obama’s itinerary or route into Seattle.
A few blocks of downtown surrounding the Westin will be closed Friday for the duration of Obama’s visit.
The president is expected to return to Boeing Field for a scheduled 6:55 p.m. departure.
Two weeks ago, traffic was snarled on many freeways and major arterials when Chinese President Xi Jinping visited the Puget Sound region for three days.
Obama is likely to have a more straightforward route between the airport and the hotel, but even so, it’s best to be prepared for the worst.
“Make sure you have a full tank of gas, make sure you have snacks for the kids if you’re heading out with them,” she added.
“You’re going to see impacts throughout the Seattle area,” Weinberg said.
Chris Winters: 425-374-4165; cwinters@heraldnet.com. Twitter: @Chris_At_Herald.
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