King County Metro Warns Of Delays Due To Rally Scheduled For 4 p.m. Near Husky Stadium

More than 1,000 people are expected to rally today at the Montlake Bridge, including the unemployed, currently employed, students, retirees, leaders in the faith community and others from all over the Puget Sound area, according to a Working Washington spokesperson.

The rally is expected to start around 4 p.m. today, Thursday, Nov. 17 across from the Husky Stadium on Montlake Boulevard NE in Seattle. The purpose of the gathering is to bring awareness to “99 percent,” the millions of people who remain out of work and the poor economy.

Susan Wilkinson on Renton will be among the crowd. She recently wrote an opinion piece for the Seattle Times, which can be read by clicking here.

“This is an economic emergency for the 99% — but our elected officials don't seem to notice. Instead of funding education and creating the good jobs we need, they're spending their time protecting tax loopholes and pushing for ever-deeper budget cuts that we simply can't afford,” according to a press release from Working Washington announcing the rally. "Enough! We need jobs, not cuts!"

King County Metro Transit is warning its afternoon commuters of possible delays due to the rally that is scheduled to take place late this afternoon near the University of Washington and University Bridge.

“If the University Bridge is blocked or closed to traffic, Metro buses that normally use it will instead travel both directions via NE Pacific St., the Montlake Bridge and North Capitol Hill,” officials said in an email alert.

The uncertain time, location and duration of the event make it especially difficult to anticipate how it will affect bus service.

“This event could cause widespread traffic delays over a much larger area, as well as delays to transit service beyond the University District.  Reroutes and traffic will cause initial delays, which can then carry over into subsequent service schedules and areas.  Metro riders may wish to avoid this area or change travel plans or times,” officials warned.

Bus commuters can visit the Eye on Your Metro Commute blog on Metro Online for updates throughout the afternoon.