Major traffic snarls are possible this week and transit riders and all commuters should expect and be prepared for significant delays, rerouted buses and some detours in the Seattle area and greater Puget Sound region.

Key events include a three-day visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping Tuesday-Thursday, which will require street closures in the area of the Westin Hotel. There also is a Wednesday evening’s Sounders match at CenturyLink Field expected to affect commute-time traffic.

Buses on 22 routes that travel on Stewart and Virginia streets will be rerouted all day Tuesday, Wednesday, and early Thursday: routes 25, 64, 66, 70, 71, 72, 73, 83, 106, 150, 177, 178, 190, 192, 252, 257, 268, 304, 308, 311, 355 and Sound Transit 545. NOTE: Routes will be affected only at times they are scheduled to travel Stewart and Virginia streets.

Additionally, intermittent brief street closures and traffic slowdowns will affect travel time on area arterials and freeways.  Transit service may not be able to operate on schedule during these closures, and estimated departure times may not report accurately in some transit apps.

All transit riders and commuters are advised to check media reports and the websites of local jurisdictions and transit agencies; be aware of road and street conditions in the areas where they travel; consider other routes or modes of travel; consider alternate work options; allow plenty of extra time, and be patient.

Visit the Metro Service Advisories page for specific reroute information for Metro service. Transit reroutes, as well as their start and end times, may be subject to change.

Visit Metro’s Online Regional Trip Planner to find out how to get to and from events and locations.