Saddle up, Puget Sound – there's a highway showdown brewin' on all fronts. Dust is flyin', detours are comin' and a few of our rowdiest roads are fixin' to be wrangled.
This ain't your average construction weekend. It's a Wild (Pacific North)West showdown, and the only thing missin' is a tumbleweed.
Across Washington, we've got 117 projects under construction this season. But from July 11-14, all eyes are on a cluster of troublemakers right here in the central Sound: full closures on southbound I-405 in Kirkland, northbound I-405 in Renton, southbound SR 167 in Kent and southbound I-5 at the Convention Center in Seattle.
And just one week later, the most infamous outlaw of 'em all – Revive I-5 – rides into Seattle, shuttin' down northbound I-5 at the Ship Canal Bridge for the weekend of July 18-21 and kickin' off four weeks of lane reductions.
So, grab your map, chart an alternative course or saddle up a new horse (like KC Metro or Sound Transit) and keep an eye out, because the road crews are takin' the reins this weekend.
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| It’s a Wild West Weekend in central Puget Sound with four major closures wanted for disrupting travel. |
Wild West Weekend's Most Wanted
WANTED: Southbound I-405 in Kirkland
ALIAS: Buffalo BRT
Wanted for: Occupying space meant for a transit-first interchange rebuild
What's goin' down: As part of the NE 85th Street Interchange and inline BRT Station Project, crews will pave southbound I-405 as part of overall work to transform to better connected transit.
Closure details: Southbound I-405 in Kirkland will be closed from Northeast 124th Street to Northeast 70th Place from 11 p.m. Friday, July 11 to 4 a.m. Monday, July 14
Ramp closures include:
- Northeast 116th Street on-ramp to southbound I-405
- Northeast 85th Street on-ramp to southbound I-405
- Southbound I-405 off-ramp to Northeast 85th Street
Project information: I-405/Northeast 85th Street Interchange and Inline BRT Station Project | WSDOT
WANTED: Northbound I-405 in Renton
ALIAS: The Express Toll Lane Bandit
Wanted for: Occupying space needed for future express toll lanes
What's goin' down: As part of the I-405 Renton to Bellevue Widening and Express Toll Lanes project, crews are shifting lanes and rebuilding the roadway to prepare for a future with more capacity, better access and new toll lane connections. During this closure, crews are installing upgraded drainage systems, replacing overhead sign structures and swapping out pavement panels.
Closure details: Northbound I-405 in Renton will be closed between SR 169 (exit 4) and Sunset Boulevard NE (exit 5) from 11:59 p.m. Friday, July 11 to 4 a.m. Monday, July 14
Ramp closures include:
- SR 169 on-ramp to northbound I-405
- Northbound I-405 off-ramp to Sunset Boulevard Northeast (Exit 5)
- The northbound SR 167 direct connector ramp to northbound I-405
Project information: I-405/Renton to Bellevue Widening and Express Toll Lanes Project
WANTED: Southbound SR 167 in Kent
ALIAS: Green River Slim
Wanted for: Wearing out joints on the Green River bridge, rattlin' wagons and dodging long overdue resurfacing
What's goin' down: As part of the SR 167 Corridor Improvements project, crews are replacing bridge joints and repaving the Green River Bridge to keep this key connection strong and steady. This work's all about keeping southbound traffic flowing for the long haul.
Closure details: Southbound SR 167 in Kent will be closed from SR 516/Willis Street to South 277th Street from 11:59 p.m. on Friday, July 11 to 4 a.m. on Monday, July 14
Ramp closures include:
- Willis Street on-ramp to southbound SR 167
- Southbound SR 167 off-ramp to South 277th Street
Project information: SR 167 Corridor Improvements Project | WSDOT
WANTED: Southbound I-5 at the Convention Center
ALIAS: The High Pressure Kid
Wanted for: Givin' fire systems under the Convention Center a midnight wakeup call
What's goin' down: WSDOT maintenance crews are ridin' in overnight to test the fire suppression system beneath Seattle's Convention Center. It's a quick mission to keep our tunnel infrastructure safe and ready.
Closure details: Southbound I-5 in Seattle will be closed from the Stewart Street off-ramp to the Spring Street on-ramp from 11 p.m. Friday, July 11, to 6 a.m. Saturday, July 12.
Ramp closures include:
- Eastbound Mercer Street on-ramp
- Yale Avenue/Howell Street on-ramp
- Union Street off-ramp
- James Street off-ramp
Detour: The Express Lanes will run southbound during this closure.
ACCOMPLISES:
- Westbound I-90 off-ramp to SB Rainier Ave S: Closed 9 a.m. Friday, July 11, to 5 a.m. Monday, July 14, for SDOT pedestrian safety upgrades.
- For more information www.seattle.gov
- Northbound I-5 off-ramp to NE 130th St: Closed starting 10 p.m. Friday, July 11, until late July for Sound Transit Lynnwood Link construction
- Eastbound NE 130th Street over I-5: Closed until Aug. 25
- For more information www.soundtransit.org
Highway Showdown Survival Guide
Even if it isn't your first rodeo, plan ahead for a full-scale, multi-corridor roundup across the region with closures and detours. Whether you're ridin' solo or hauling a whole wagon train, you'll want to be ready before you head out. Here's how to stay one step ahead:
- Scout the terrain: Check WSDOT's real-time traffic map, mobile app, or social media before you ride out. A smart traveler knows what's ahead.
- Pick your moment: Avoid the rush. Leave early, return late, and give yourself time for the long way 'round.
- Know your back-up route: Review signed detours and alternate trails before you saddle up.
- Follow the front line: Flaggers, signage, and law enforcement are out there helping keep order and guiding the herd. Tip your hat and follow their lead.
- Switch saddles if needed: Transit, carpools, and HOV lanes might be the quicker horse for this ride.
Til We Ride Again, Pardner
Closures come and go, but the job's bigger than one weekend. Next week, we ride again. Northbound I-5 at the Ship Canal Bridge will fully close from July 18-21 and then reopen with four weeks of lane reductions while we work to preserve this valuable corridor. We're laying the groundwork for stronger roads and smoother rides downline.
Out here on the asphalt frontier, it's not the fastest rider who gets through, it's the one who knows the trail, reads the signs and plans their route.
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