City expects increased traffic during Women’s PGA tourney this week

The City of Sammamish is expecting more traffic than usual during the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship tournament at Sahalee Country Club this week, and recommends local residents take alternate routes and avoid travel during periods of heavy traffic flow.

The four-day tournament will take place June 20 to 23 and consist of more than 100 women golfers. Past winners, sponsored players, and highly ranked professional golfers are expected to compete, including Chun In-gee, Ariya Jutanugarn and Allisen Corpuz. The organizers estimate that around 30,000 spectators will attend the event over the four days of the tournament, a similar turnout to the 2016 championship at Sahalee.

Organizers are arranging for tournament parking off-site at Marymoor Park in Redmond, with shuttles taking spectators from the parking lot to the Sahalee golf course. Accessible parking will be available at Eastside Catholic School for those who need accommodations.

“Sammamish is particularly focused on reducing any traffic impacts in the community,” Angie Millar, the city’s communications manager, said.

In an attempt to maintain normalcy for local residents, public road closures are not expected. Traffic signs informing the community of the event have been placed on the north as well as the south end of Sahalee Way, near both entrances to the Sahalee community. The huge flashing signs include event dates, and suggest residents avoid Sahalee Way and use alternate routes to leave the plateau.

In addition, communication channels, such as the official City of Sammamish website and social media accounts, will be used to keep the community informed of the latest traffic information surrounding the tournament.

Millar suggests residents check traffic using navigation apps before driving.

“Know before you go and plan for some extra time in the vicinity of the tournament if traveling in the northern part of the city,” Millar said.