SEATTLE, WA – Commuters can expect some challenges within the next few weeks as two to three lanes of northbound I-5 around Downtown will be closed for major repairs. Local area businesses that are members of the Downtown Seattle Association are offering commuters special incentives to stay in Downtown a little longer before heading out in the rush hour traffic.

“Why stress and sit in traffic when you can enjoy some great shopping, dining and entertainment,” says Downtown Seattle Association President Kate Joncas. “Commuters have many good reasons to stay Downtown just awhile longer to alleviate some of the pressure and strain while the congestion clears up.”

Twenty Downtown businesses are providing special promotions, offers and incentives as a way to create good karma while commuters wait for the traffic to dissipate. For instance, Republic Parking located at Third & Stewart is expanding its early bird special by extending late stay until 10pm – at no additional charge. Center City Parks throughout Downtown are holding early to late evening activities including movies, concerts, dancing and more. In addition, a number of restaurants including the newly opened Tap House Grill and Silver Cloud Inn’s Jimmy’s on First have some great happy hour deals.

Many participating businesses are also providing food deals, recreational entertainment, retail shopping discounts, special excursions and more.

“Our member businesses are excited to be able to help commuters out during this challenging time,” said Kate Joncas. “However, if people who are working Downtown plan to tackle the traffic, we advise them or their employer to contact the Urban Mobility Group first, as they provide businesses and employees time-saving transit options to get them moving more efficiently.”

The Urban Mobility Group is a commute problem solver working to improve access to Downtown. They work with businesses and individuals every day to create transit packages that help ease people out of the single-occupancy grind. Transit benefit options include carpool, vanpool, Flexpass – an annual pass program good on local and regional transportation systems, and more. The Urban Mobility Group is an alliance of the Downtown Seattle Association, the City of Seattle and King County Metro. Visit www.urbanmobilitygroup.com for more information.

The list of DSA businesses offering special ‘Stay & Play’ incentives include:

• ACT Theatre
• FareStart
• Jimmy’s on First – Silver Cloud Hotel, Seattle Stadium
• Pacific Place Pacific Science Center
• Pande Cameron
• Paramount Theatre
• Pike Place Market Rainier Square
• Republic Parking – Third & Stewart Garage
• Republic Parking – Metropolitan Park North Garage
• Rideshare
• Seattle Art Museum
• Seattle’s Center City Parks
• Seattle Goodwill
• Seattle Seahawks
• Tap House Grill
• The Red Lion Hotel on Fifth Avenue
• Tillicum Village
• Urban Mobility Group

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