The One Where We Revive I-5 (just a little later than planned)

By: RB McKeon

Ok, so maybe this won’t be the most famous “PIVOT!” in history, but it’s a big one and we want to share all the details with you about some important changes to the Revive I-5: Yesler to Northgate project.

What’s happening?

Let’s cut right to the chase. We originally planned to begin major preservation work on Interstate 5 on the Ship Canal Bridge (just north of downtown Seattle) in March 2025. The long-term lane closures and critical preservation work on the I-5 Ship Canal Bridge is now expected to begin in 2026.

We are actively working with our contractor to refine the project to align construction spending with available funding and balance long-term preservation needs while minimizing the impacts to the public.

… and let’s just say up front, that in support of Seattle’s success as a 2026 World Cup host city, all lanes of I-5 will reopen to traffic for several weeks starting in early-June 2026 and will resume in mid-July 2026, once Seattle area World Cup matches have concluded.

Why the change?

The decision to adjust the schedule and scope of the project comes as WSDOT works to align construction spending with available budget. A significant gap in funding, driven by changes in the financial environment, meant that the original plan would exceed budget projections. By focusing the scope of the project to our top priority – preserving the Ship Canal Bridge deck – we can balance the immediate needs of the I-5 corridor with what can be accomplished within our current financial constraints.

This shift also gives us more time to work with our community and business partners to prepare for future closures. We are committed to providing regular updates as the details of our new plan are available.

What does this mean for travelers?

Although the months-long double-lane closures are postponed until 2026, travelers can still expect some traffic impacts this year, including overnight work, weekend closures, and possible lane reductions. In 2025, our contractor may work to accomplish things that can be done without long-term lane closures and that will support the work we have shifted to 2026. We’ll continue to keep the public informed with real time updates via our travel map, email newsletters and social media channels.

2026 FIFA World Cup

With Seattle set to host FIFA World Cup matches in 2026, and thousands of visitors coming to Washington we’ve committed to not implementing long-term lane closures or full closures on I-5 during the World Cup matches in Seattle and Vancouver B.C. This decision will allow for smoother travel and keep our roads open for fans and visitors from around the world.

We acknowledge that with the delay in starting this project, there are risks of emergency repairs causing disruptions leading up to and following World Cup. But, rest assured, we’ll continue to monitor the situation and take action as needed to keep I-5 operational.

Bridge deck repairs during the delay

While we are adjusting the timeline for major preservation work, we will continue to prioritize the rehabilitation of the Ship Canal Bridge as our first order of business.

Our contractor is prepared to address any emergency needs quickly, just as our WSDOT maintenance crews have.

It is important to note that the bridge’s integrity is not compromised and that while this work is critical, this is about rehabilitating and preserving the bridge deck, or the roadway surface, not the bridge structure.

Emergency repairs on the Ship Canal Bridge for deck repair are not uncommon. Since 2019, nearly 200 emergency repairs have been made. And given the current condition of the bridge deck, we are likely to continue to need to fix failing expansion joints, fill large potholes or make other emergency repairs.

Working together to keep you informed

There’s no perfect time to carry out the extensive preservation work needed on I-5, especially considering its current condition. The region is already juggling multiple large-scale transportation projects, the upcoming FIFA World Cup, a return to pre-COVID traffic levels, major events and more. But the good news is this pivot gives us more time to communicate and collaborate with our partners, businesses, and communities.

We’ve been working with key transit partners for over two years in preparation for this project, and we’ll continue to work closely with them over the next year to ensure the region is ready for this critical work.

Once negotiations with our contractor are complete and key details of the revised plan are confirmed, we’ll focus on tried-and-true communication tools to make sure the public and our partners can “Know Before You Go.” This will include targeted outreach to Environmental Justice communities to ensure their needs are considered and they’re fully informed about how this work may impact their travels.

We’ll continue to work closely with our regional partners to spread the word, leveraging their existing channels and relationships to ensure as many people as possible are informed and prepared. This way, no matter where you are or how you choose to travel, you’ll have the information you need to plan ahead.

Beyond the pivot

This pivot is the best path forward, and it’s what’s needed right now. The work on the Ship Canal Bridge remains our primary focus, and it’s an important step in a much larger effort to Revive I-5. It may not be easy, and there are still challenges ahead, but this approach ensures we tackle the most urgent needs first.

Looking ahead, we’re setting the stage for long-term work to preserve the lifeline that I-5 has become for our region. We know that I-5 connects people to their jobs, families and communities, and it keeps our economy moving. That’s why, even as we focus on this critical work now, we’re already planning for the next steps to keep the entire corridor safe and reliable for generations to come.

We’re committed to working closely with you to ensure this vital work is done right. Together, we’ll get through this, and in the end, I-5 will be stronger and more resilient than ever.