Managing the Flow: A Revive I-5 Update

By: RB McKeon

Update: 3 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026

Revive I-5: Week one in review (follow-up update)

On Friday, Jan. 16, we shared some early observations just a few days into Revive I-5 construction on the Ship Canal Bridge. We’ve now had the opportunity to review a full week of traffic data and operational information. Here’s what we’re seeing after the first full week of lane reductions.

Early in the week, Monday, Jan 12, saw the heaviest delays as people encountered the new lane reduction pattern for the first time. As the week progressed, traffic conditions began to stabilize as drivers adjusted routes, schedules and travel choices. This is similar to what we observed during the 2025 Revive I-5 work.

Traffic patterns Jan 12-16 and the weekend of Jan. 17-18:

• Regional shifts: Drivers redistributed to alternate routes like SR 99, I-405, SR 520 and I-90 as the system absorbed reduced northbound capacity on I-5.
• Improving throughput: Despite two lane reduction on northbound I-5, the total number of vehicles moving across the Ship Canal Bridge increased from Monday to Friday in both directions.
• Travel times trending better: Southbound travel times that were notably above normal early in the week improved by Friday. Northbound travel remains most congested in afternoon peaks.
• Weekend looked more typical: Weekend travel volumes and travel times were nearer to typical weekend conditions than weekday commute peaks.

These patterns follow the expected adjustment curve we first saw in the summer 2025 Revive I-5 work, where travel behavior evolved as people settled into the new configuration of lanes and closures.

Express Lanes: Continued role after week one

As noted previously, the I-5 express lanes are operating northbound, 24 hours a day during this phase. This isn’t a like-for-like replacement of the capacity lost on the mainline. It’s an operational tool to help keep the system balanced when room for error is limited.

With the northbound mainline reduced from four lanes to two, even a single collision or disabled vehicle can quickly cause severe congestion. Keeping the express lanes available northbound gives traffic operators flexibility to respond to incidents and helps prevent a full shutdown of the corridor.

We understand it can be frustrating to see express lanes that don’t appear to be full, especially for southbound travelers. That visual contrast is real. During construction, however, the value of the express lanes is measured by how they absorb surges, incidents and breakdowns over the course of the day, not how they look at a single moment.

As weekday travel returned after the weekend, use of the express lanes increased and they helped maintain northbound throughput which is evidence of people incorporating the lanes into their travel patterns despite the unfamiliar configuration.

This express lane operation is temporary and tied to construction phases. When work shifts to the southbound lanes in 2027, express lane operations are expected to shift southbound for the same reason: to help restore capacity where it has been reduced.

Partner coordination during week one

Week one also included a Seahawks playoff game at Lumen on Saturday, Jan. 17, adding additional travel demand in and out of downtown Seattle. WSDOT worked closely with the City of Seattle, King County Metro, Sound Transit, and regional traffic operations teams to support game-day travel and provide reliable travel options, especially transit, which helped move large numbers of people while taking pressure off the highway system.

Looking ahead

Revive I-5 is long-term preservation work on a critical structure that carries hundreds of thousands of trips every day. While the early days of construction are often the most disruptive, the region saw measurable improvements over the first week as travel patterns shifted and drivers adjusted.

After completing the refreshed striping at the 45^th/50^th Street shoofly, our crews are ready to begin milling the bridge this week. This process allows us to remove the top layer of the bridge deck to prepare the surface for repairs. Using a large milling machine with a rotating drum covered in cutting teeth, the machine grinds off a precise depth of material, in this case, one inch to expose the underlying condition. This also helps create a clean and even surface and expose areas that need additional repairs.

We will continue monitoring traffic conditions closely and making operational adjustments where possible as work progresses. Travelers can help by planning ahead, checking real-time conditions before heading out, and considering transit, carpools, or trying one of the many available alternate routes.

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Original blog:

Seahawks game on Saturday and weekend construction

It’s game week in Seattle, and with a Seahawks home game this Saturday, Jan. 17, a lot of people are focused on one thing: How do I get to kickoff without missing the action, and how do I get back home? With Revive I-5 construction already affecting travel around the Ship Canal Bridge, game-day traffic adds another layer to an already busy weekend.

If you’re heading downtown to cheer on the Hawks, transit is strongly encouraged and continues to be the easiest and most reliable way to get to and from the stadium during construction. Transit avoids the most constrained parts of the highway system and helps keep traffic moving for everyone.

In addition to the lane reductions on northbound I-5, this weekend, there is also work planned on northbound I-405 in Bellevue this weekend, which means we have construction on one of the routes people may opt to use instead of I-5.

Up to two lanes of northbound I-405 will be closed from Southeast Eighth Street to Northeast Fourth/Eighth Street from 11 p.m. Friday, Jan. 16, to 4:30 a.m. Monday, Jan. 19, with additional nightly lane closures north of I-90.

The following on-/off-ramps will be closed:

• Southeast Eighth Street on-ramp to northbound I-405
• Northbound I-405 off-ramp to Northeast Fourth/Eighth Street (Exit 13 A/B)

Signed detour routes will be in place for the ramp closures.

Game-day tip: plan ahead, check conditions before you go, and consider transit to get to kickoff and home again with less stress.

We’re Reviving I-5

If you’ve been traveling through Seattle this week, you’ve likely felt the impacts of Revive I-5 in real time. Lane reductions, slower speeds and longer travel times in and around the Ship Canal Bridge have changed daily routines for thousands of people. We know this hasn’t been easy.

The impacts are real. The delays have been long. Commutes have changed. That disruption is felt differently by every driver, and we don’t take that lightly. At the same time, we know from doing this work before that traffic patterns evolve. As people adjust routes, schedules, and expectations, the system does find a new rhythm even if it takes time.

We want to share some updates on what crews worked on, what the early traffic data is showing and what’s coming up next so people can plan with the best information available.

What happened over the full closure weekend

Over the weekend of Jan. 10–11, WSDOT’s contractor, Atkinson Construction, completed the work needed to set up the long-term work zone for the Revive I-5: Ship Canal Bridge Preservation project. This required a full closure of all northbound I-5 lanes across the bridge.

Crews place barrier that will create a safe workzone during the construction on Revive I-5.

During that weekend, traffic patterns shifted across the entire region:

• Saturday traffic volumes were higher than a typical weekend, while Sunday volumes were lower, reflecting normal weekend travel behavior.
• Alternate routes including SR 99, I-405, SR 520, and I-90 all saw increased use as drivers adjusted.
• During the full closure weekend, the northbound express lanes were utilized and carried a share of northbound traffic while the mainline lanes were closed.
• A Sunday afternoon collision in the northbound express lanes briefly reduced volumes, underscoring how sensitive the system can be when capacity is constrained.

What crews accomplished behind the scenes

While drivers were adjusting to closures and detours, crews were laying the groundwork for long-term preservation work.

Over the weekend, crews:

• Pinned traffic barriers to lock in the long-term work zone
• Paved a new through lane and restriped traffic across the bridge

Lane diagram of traffic shift at NE 45th/50th Street off-ramp

Since traffic reopened with lane reductions, crews have continued critical preparatory work, including:

• Installing debris shields to protect vehicles traveling near active work
• Sealing expansion joints to prevent water intrusion ahead of hydro-demolition
• Chipping the bridge deck to assess underlying concrete conditions
• Moving specialized equipment into place for upcoming phases

This early work may not always be visible, but it’s essential to preserving the bridge deck and extending the life of a structure that carries hundreds of thousands of trips every day.

What we’re seeing now that weekday travel has returned

As weekday commuting resumed on Monday, what we have seen in these first few days are traffic patterns resembling what we saw during summer 2025, the first time this corridor experienced sustained Revive I-5 lane reductions.

So far, we’re seeing:

• Earlier commute start times
• Morning backups on southbound I-5, sometimes stretching north toward the King/Snohomish County line
• Increased use of SR 99 and I-405 as alternate north–south routes
• Continued pressure on SR 520 and I-90 as part of the regional adjustment

These changes are expected. During summer 2025, it took several weeks for traffic patterns to settle as people adjusted routes, schedules, and travel choices. What we’re seeing now follows that same pattern.

It’s also important to note that some alternate routes include tolls, and WSDOT continues to collect tolls on toll roads where tolling is in place.

Why the express lanes operate northbound only

One of the most common questions we’re hearing is why are the I-5 express lanes operating northbound 24 hours a day during this phase of Revive I-5?

During construction, several factors guide how the express lanes operate, including safety, traffic flow, and overall system reliability. With northbound I-5 reduced from five lanes to two across the Ship Canal Bridge, even a single collision or disabled vehicle can significantly disrupt traffic. Keeping the express lanes operating northbound helps reduce the risk of a full northbound shutdown and gives traffic operators greater flexibility to respond to incidents as they occur.

We understand how frustrating this is for people traveling southbound especially when you’re sitting in traffic and see express lanes that may appear lightly used at a given moment. That frustration is real. While the lanes may not always look full, they are being managed as a system-balancing tool, available to absorb surges, incidents, or breakdowns in the northbound lanes as conditions change throughout the day. Their value isn’t measured only by how full they look at one point in time, but by the reliability they provide to the entire corridor over the course of the day.

As weekday travel has returned, the express lanes have continued to play a key role in absorbing peak-period demand and providing flexibility when conditions change throughout the day. They are being managed as part of a regional transportation system, helping balance traffic across I-5, I-405, SR 99, and east-west routes.

View from WSDOT’s traffic camera at NE 45th Street on Wednesday, Jan. 14

It’s also important to note that this express lane operation is tied to specific construction phases and is not a permanent change. Express lane operations are aligned with where capacity has been reduced. When construction shifts to the southbound lanes in 2027, the express lanes are expected to operate southbound for the same reason; to help return capacity where it has been reduced due to construction.

Changing the direction of the express lanes is not as simple as flipping a switch. Each change requires closing the lanes, clearing vehicles, resetting gates and signs, and completing safety checks before reopening in the opposite direction. If an issue is identified during that process, the changeover can be delayed, which can add congestion and create additional challenges.

Traffic patterns also differ by direction. Southbound congestion often builds quickly but typically recovers. Northbound congestion tends to build more gradually, but once it forms, it can persist longer and affect more travelers over the course of the day. Operating the express lanes northbound during this phase helps limit those longer-lasting impacts and maintain balance across the corridor.

Staying informed

We encourage everyone to:

• Check the WSDOT mobile app or Travel Center Map for real-time conditions
• Explore options through Flip Your Trip, Sound Transit, and King County Metro

We’ll continue to monitor traffic daily and share updates weekly as this work continues. Thank you for adjusting, planning ahead and helping keep everyone moving safely while this critical preservation work gets done.

The One Where You Get Where You Want To Go: Seattle Summer Travel Guide

The one where they’re trying to figure it out… just like you planning your summer travel.

Summer in the Pacific Northwest is about as close to perfect as it gets – except for one thing, construction. And with Revive I-5, we have some of that happening.

Between closures, detours, transit, ferries and alternate routes, there are a lot of options and a lot of decisions. We know it can be overwhelming. The good news? No matter which option you choose, you won’t be stuck staring at a crumpled sheet of coffee-stained MapQuest directions, wondering if you missed your exit.

We’ve put together this travel guide to help you get where you want (and need) to go. Whether it’s a ballgame, a festival, a concert or just exploring somewhere new, a little planning goes a long way to make the most of your summer adventures.

Planning resources

• Community Transit – Plan My Trip
  Travelling to Seattle from Snohomish County? Community Transit can get you there.
• King County Metro - Trip Planner
  Enter your starting location and destination to find the best transit route.
• Pierce Transit – Trip Itineraries
  If venturing up from Tacoma and surrounding areas, check out Pierce Transit options.
• Sound Transit
  Find schedules and routes for the light rail, Sounder train, and express buses.

When you take advantage of a park and ride, you can drive to a nearby transit stop and head to Seattle without worrying about parking or inner-city traffic. It’s the best of both worlds.

Flip Your Trip is an excellent resource to get to and around Seattle. Check it out for everything you need to bike, scoot, walk, roll, transit, and share rides safely and easily.

Destination: Summer fun!

Seattle Center: You can get there by bus or rail. Take Link light rail to Westlake Station and then hop on the monorail. You’ll arrive right at the Armory. Metro routes 1, 2, 4, 8, 13, 24, 29, 31, 33 and the Rapid Ride D Line will also drop you off at Seattle Center. Rapid Ride E Line and routes 5 and 28 serve the Center along Aurora Avenue North. Get ready for your ride with the King County Metro trip planner.

T-Mobile Park/Lumen Field: Get down to SODO to experience the action. We recommend you walk, park and ride, or take a bus to your nearest light rail station (International District/Chinatown Station is a little closer to Lumen Field, while Stadium Station is a little closer to T-Mobile Park). Special Sounder Game Trains serve the area from as far as Everett and Lakewood. If you’re heading into downtown from West Seattle you can take the King County Water Taxi any day of the week, the Vashon Water Taxi runs on weekdays.

Seafair events: The multi-week event brings people together with fireworks, ships, and running (if you’re into that). Seafair’s main event (Seafair Weekend) happens Aug. 1-3. Seafair invites fans to use public transportation, including Metro and Link light rail, as well as ride-share and bicycle options. Guests arriving via Link light rail can get off at the Columbia City Station and take advantage of free round-trip shuttle service from the station to the park Friday, Aug. 1, through Sunday, Aug. 3, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Seafair’s Torchlight Parade is back at its traditional evening start time this year. The parade kicks off at Alaskan Way and Broad Street before traveling south to its conclusion at the intersection of Alaskan Way and Yesler Way. Several Link light rail stations provide easy access to the route: Pioneer Square and Symphony Station are the closest.

Check out the Seafair website for the schedule and more info.

Prefer to drive?

I-5 express lanes will be northbound only for the duration of the work from July 18 to Aug. 18. They work for getting to the University District, Lake City, Northgate and then back to the I-5 mainline to all other northern destinations.

• July 18-21 and Aug. 15-18 (Full northbound I-5 lane closures from I-90 to Northeast 45th Street):
  Drivers on northbound I-5 heading north of downtown will have the option to take the express lanes. If you want to access downtown, you can use the eastbound I-90, Edgar Martinez Drive or the Dearborn, James or Madison Street exits. All other downtown exits from northbound I-5 will be closed
• July 21-Aug. 15 (Northbound I-5 two-lane reductions):
  Driving on mainline northbound I-5 is still an option. Plan for extra time as lane reductions across the Ship Canal Bridge, north of downtown Seattle, will likely slow your trip. All downtown exits will be open. The express lanes will also be available northbound.

Map showing full closure of northbound I-5 between I-90 and NE 45th Street in Seattle and the available options to drivers.

Heading south into downtown Seattle?

• Southbound I-5 will be open to traffic. Give yourself extra time to get to your destination as the express lanes will be running in the northbound direction during construction.
• Heads up commuters! I-5 express lanes usually operate southbound on weekday mornings. If you commute to downtown Seattle on weekday mornings, check traffic, plan alternates, and expect delays due to decreased capacity.

Heading west into downtown Seattle?

• July 18-21 and Aug. 15-18 (Full northbound I-5 closures from I-90 to Northeast 45th Street):
  Drivers can use westbound SR 520 and exit to southbound I-5 to get downtown. Drivers can also use I-90 to exit at Rainier Avenue South, 4th Avenue South, or Edgar Martinez Drive South.
• July 21-Aug. 15 (Northbound I-5 lane reductions):
  SR 520 or I-90 will be open and able to reach downtown.

But have you tried a ferry?

• Washington State Ferries from Bainbridge Island and Bremerton will take you right into the city.
• Washington State Ferries from Southworth and Vashon Island arrive in West Seattle. Be prepared for traffic and detours if headed north throughout construction.
• The King County Water Taxi takes you right into downtown Seattle from West Seattle and Vashon Island.
• The Kitsap Fast Ferry takes you right into downtown Seattle from Bremerton, Kingston, and Southworth.

Here are some final quick tips before we go:

• Take transit! It’s the best, most reliable way to get around – and youth 18 and under ride free.
• Check the WSDOT traffic app for real-time information to know before you go and plan your trip.
• Visit the Revive I-5: Ship Canal Bridge Preservation project page for more updates, closure info and a closer look at what’s next.
• Follow us on social media for real-time information and because we are funny over there.

The One With the Big Closure (And the Next Four Weeks)

 By: RB McKeon

No monkey business here — Revive I-5 is moving into the next phase. This weekend’s closure sets the stage for four weeks of work on the Ship Canal Bridge to help keep Seattle moving.

No monkey business here

We’ve been talking about this for months, and now it’s here. We’re swinging into the next phase of Revive I-5 with a full northbound closure this weekend, July 18 – 21, through Seattle. This work sets the stage for four weeks of lane reductions across the Ship Canal Bridge. It’s the kind of preservation work that keeps this vital connection through the heart of Seattle strong and moving for years to come.

What’s happening?

Starting at 11:59 p.m. Friday, July 18, through 5 a.m. Monday, July 21, all lanes of northbound I-5 between I-90 and NE 45th Street will close. This closure gives crews the space they need to restripe lanes and build a protective work zone on the Ship Canal Bridge. Once in place, that work zone allows the next big phase of preservation to get underway.

During the northbound I-5 closure from July 18–21, drivers heading north through Seattle will be routed onto the express lanes. Exits to Edgar Martinez Drive, I-90 eastbound, and downtown Seattle via Dearborn, James, and Madison streets will remain open. The first northbound express lanes exit is at NE 42nd Street in the University District.

But wait, there’s more

This isn’t over Monday morning. From Monday, July 21, through Friday, Aug. 15, northbound I-5 across the Ship Canal Bridge will be reduced to two lanes, 24/7. These lane reductions give our crews the space they need to safely complete this preservation work. The northbound express lanes will remain open 24/7 through Aug. 18 to help keep people moving through Seattle.

From July 21 through Aug. 15, northbound I-5 will be reduced to two lanes 24/7 between SR 520 and NE 45th Street for bridge deck and expansion joint repairs on the Ship Canal Bridge.

For southbound travelers, especially those used to relying on the morning express lanes, now’s the time to plan ahead. Southbound express lanes won’t be available in the mornings during this four-week stretch. That may mean adjusting your route, your timing or considering other options like transit.

This isn’t just a WSDOT project. It takes collaboration across agencies, organizations and communities to help keep Seattle moving through this kind of work.

We’ve been working closely with our friends at the City of Seattle, SDOT, King County Metro, Sound Transit, the Downtown Seattle Association, the Seattle Metro Chamber of Commerce and many others to help people get where they need to go while this important preservation work is underway. Together, we’ve reviewed traffic control strategies, adjusted schedules, and shared information to help employers, travelers and communities plan ahead for this region wide impact.

Once this four-week stretch wraps up, we’ll need one more full closure of northbound I-5 from the night of Aug. 15 through the morning of Aug. 18, to remove the work zone, restripe the lanes and return the freeway to its usual configuration.

We know you’re not on a break (with I-5)

Summer is one of the best times to be in Seattle. The weather, the events, the festivals, the parks – this is when people want to be out and about, not stuck in traffic or figuring out detours. We know this isn’t easy. Closing lanes on I-5 through the heart of the city is disruptive. It changes routines, adds time to trips and creates challenges. But this is necessary work to keep the Ship Canal Bridge in good condition and avoid larger disruptions down the road.

Knowing before you go is the best way to stay ahead of closures and avoid any surprise detours.

Stay connected:

• Project webpage: wsdot.wa.gov/construction-planning/search-projects/revive-i-5-ship-canal-bridge-preservation
• WSDOT app: Real-time traffic updates and tools
• Social media: Follow us on X (formerly Twitter), Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, Threads and Reddit

A little planning now helps keep things moving later. This is the one with the big closure(s). The one with the lane reductions. The one that sets the stage for the future. And with your help and our partners’ help, we’re getting it done.

Mission: Not-So-Impossible – Operation Ship Canal Bridge

MISSION REPORT: Operation Ship Canal Bridge – Weekend Work Complete

Status: ✅ Mission Accomplished
Date: June 23, 2025
Location: Northbound I-5 across the Ship Canal Bridge
Operational period: June 20-23

What we did

• Reduced northbound I-5 to two lanes between SR 520 and Northeast 45th Street.
• Completed drainage and scupper work, setting the stage for the July/August main event.
• Pulled off two overnight full closures to restripe the lanes first to allow two through-lanes on I-5 while we were working, then to return traffic to its normal configuration before reopening.

How it went

Traffic volumes were moderate, and many travelers adjusted their routes or schedules. Partner coordination and public messaging helped reduce surprises and improve predictability. We completed all planned work and reopened three hours ahead of schedule.

In addition to all of you who played an important role in this successful mission, we’d like to give special thanks to our field crews, partners, traffic engineers and communications teams for flawless execution and coordination throughout the weekend.

Lessons learned

This weekend validated our closure and detour plans, signage placement and our communications and outreach approach. It also gave travelers a chance to test out alternate routes and helped us identify a few minor adjustments ahead of the July 18 – Aug. 18 stretch.

Next steps

🎬 The feature presentation is coming. Starting Friday, July 18, northbound I-5 will:

• Fully close July 18–21
• Reduce to two lanes July 21–Aug. 15
• Fully close again Aug. 15–18

Mission resources: Know Before You Go

Revive I-5 project page
Real-time Traffic Updates
WSDOT App for iOS / Android

Closing note

Mission Not-So-Impossible isn’t just a name, it’s a mindset. Thanks for helping us get one step closer to a safer, stronger Ship Canal Bridge.

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By: RB McKeon

A photo of the Ship Canal Bridge taken from above shows a patchwork of repairs that have been needed in recent years as the deck surface continues to show signs of wear and tear.

This is your mission, Seattle – should you choose to accept it.

Starting 10 p.m. Friday, June 20 through 5 a.m. Monday, June 23, northbound I-5 across the Ship Canal Bridge will be reduced to two lanes from SR 520 to Northeast 45th Street. Think of it as a preview of this summer’s big feature: a four-week-long two-lane reduction starting July 18.

But don’t worry, this mission is not impossible. Why? Because we’re giving you everything you need to plan head, test your options and ace the mission.

The objective: Set the stage and stay on track

This weekend’s mission isn’t just a dress rehearsal, it’s a critical setup for the summer’s main event that begins the weekend of July 18 and runs four weeks, ending on Aug. 18.

Crews will complete drainage and demolition work this weekend and prepare the bridge for upcoming around-the-clock lane reductions. Specifically, they’ll work on drainage and replace about 80% of the bridge’s scuppers in the northbound section. This work also allows our contractor to test their plan and make sure the work will go smoothly, helping us stay on schedule.

For you, this weekend is a chance to test your alternate routes, adjust travel times or try transit before the real mission begins. July’s work will be longer and more intense, but certainly not impossible, especially if you’ve already got a plan.

Mission details: What’s happening June 20-23

Northbound I-5 will have lane reductions and shift traffic from SR 520 to Northeast 45th Street from Friday night, June 20, through Monday morning, June 23.

• Northbound I-5 will be reduced to two lanes across the Ship Canal Bridge all weekend.
• To create two through lanes we will restripe the shoulder to use as a temporary lane. This requires short full closures of northbound I-5 and several ramps that will occur twice:
• Between 12:01 and 1 a.m. on Saturday, June 21 and again on Monday, June 23, to allow for restriping.
• The Mercer Street and westbound SR 520 on-ramps to northbound I-5 will be closed.
• If the weather is bad, we won’t be able to restripe to create two through lanes, but the drainage work will still take place because it is not weather dependent.

• The Mercer on-ramp to the express lanes will remain open.
• The Harvard Avenue East on-ramp will remain open.
• Express lanes will run northbound all weekend to help ease congestion.
• Expect lane reductions in the express lanes:
• 7 p.m. Saturday, June 21 until 5 a.m. Sunday, June 22.
• 7-11:59 p.m. Sunday June 22.

Mission strategy: smart planning and strategic timing

In any good mission, success starts with smart planning, and that includes when it takes place and where and how we divert traffic.

Why now?

In a region as active and fast-moving as the greater Puget Sound, there’s never a perfect time for major construction. That’s why we’ve worked closely with our partners to minimize conflicts with key summer events in Seattle. The timing of this work was carefully selected to avoid overlapping with the Seafair Torchlight Parade, Bite of Seattle, a series of sold-out concerts and the Seattle Mariners’ Ichiro Hall of Fame weekend festivities.

We know how important Seattle summers are, and we want to make sure people know what to expect when traveling to and through Seattle. With a little planning and coordination, you can still experience everything Seattle has to offer while we carry out the mission to preserve I-5 for the future.

Mission support tools:

The mission doesn’t require secret codes or spy gear, just a little planning. We’ve already chosen these dates to minimize impacts, and we have a lot of resources to help you succeed:

• I-5/Yesler Way to Northgate Vic - Pavement, Deck, Joints and Drainage | WSDOT
• Download the WSDOT App from Google Play or the Apple Store
• SDOT’s Flip Your Trip Program
• Transit options like buses or light rail
• Carpool with fellow agents (aka your family and friends)
• Follow us on social media

Try a different route, take transit, adjust your timing. This is your opportunity to experiment before July’s four-week operation.

Coming Soon: The Feature Film

2025: Four-week lane reduction on northbound I-5

• July 18–21: Full closure
• July 21–Aug. 15: Two-lane reduction
• Aug. 15–18: Full closure

2026: Extended northbound I-5 lane reductions

2027: Extended southbound I-5 lane reductions

The trilogy ends with a new long-lasting bridge deck.

Your mission is simple: Know before you go. Plan ahead. And help us keep the region moving while we make essential repairs that will last for decades.

This message will not self-destruct. It’ll just help you survive summer traffic.

The One Where We Know You Know Before You Go

By RB McKeon

They don't know that we know they know we know … but you will know before you go.

Because this summer, knowing is everything, especially when it comes to getting to and through Seattle. With full closures and lane reductions on northbound I-5, we're giving you the inside scoop early so you can plan ahead and travel easier.

Whether you're a Monica-level planner or more of a Joey just-going-with-it, we've got the tools to help you.

When is this happening?

May 29 marks 50 days out from a major milestone in the Revive I-5 Yesler to Northgate project: the first of two full weekend closures of northbound I-5 from the I-90 interchange to Northeast 45th Street. The July 18 closure sets the stage for four weeks of lane reductions across the Ship Canal Bridge. During all of this work, the express lanes will be open northbound 24/7.

• June 20 – 23: Weekend-long lane reduction, 24 hours a day, to prepare for the four-week summer two-lane reduction.
• July 18 – 21: Full northbound I-5 closure from I-90 to Northeast 45th Street to set up the work zone for the four-week lane reduction.
• July 21 – Aug. 15: Four-week northbound two-lane reduction across the Ship Canal Bridge.
• Aug. 15 – 18: Full northbound I-5 closure from I-90 to Northeast 45th Street to pick up the work zone.

Fall/winter: Several southbound I-5 two-lane reductions coming
Work will shift to southbound I-5 lanes this fall/winter. Dates to be announced soon.

What are we doing?

During this summer's closures, contractor crews from Atkinson Construction will:

• Repair and resurface about 20% of the northbound Ship Canal Bridge deck.
• Partially repair five expansion joints.
• Replace bridge drain inlets.

Know before you go

We get it, closing lanes on I-5 in the summer is a big deal and that's why we're here to make sure you know before you go.

• We encourage you to ride transit — it's the best, most reliable way to get around and youth 18 and under ride free.
• You can expect longer travel times, so consider adjusting when you travel, if you can.
• Stay informed—find the most up to date info on our project website: bit.ly/ConstructionI-5
• Use travel planning tools like WSDOT's app and following us on social media for the latest

Same Friends, new look

It's still us, but we've got a new look to help you find our information.

You'll see this visual identity on all project materials moving forward whether from us or our many regional partners that are playing a role in helping you move throughout the region. We'll be out and about in a neighborhood near you soon so be on the lookout for us.

The One Where You Think it’s an April Fools’ Joke about Revive I-5 (but it isn’t)

By: RB McKeon

*** MAY 5 UPDATE: The dates of the closures on the northbound I-5 Ship Canal bridge have shifted. The first weekend-long northbound I-5 closure will be Friday night, July 18 through early Monday, July 21. Northbound I-5 on the Ship Canal Bridge will be reduced to two lanes July 21 to Friday, Aug. 15. The second weekend-long closure will take place from Friday night, Aug. 15, to early Monday, Aug. 18. These changes were made in partnership with the city of Seattle to accommodate summer activities in the downtown corridor.

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We get it – after many changes on the I-5 Yesler to Northgate project, when we say we've got some work to do this summer you might think this is a well-timed April Fools' joke – but it isn't. As negotiations with our contractor continue, we have identified approximately four weeks of critical construction activities in 2025 as the best way to complete the project by the end of the 2027 construction season.

Last time we talked about this project, we shared that the long-term linear lane closures originally planned for 2025 were pushed to 2026 to align construction spending with available funding. That's still true. While we pivoted away from long-term lane closures in 2025, a shortened season of work this summer will allow crews to understand the condition of the bridge below the surface and get back some of the time we lose next season when most work across the region is paused during the FIFA World Cup.

What's happening in 2025

We have four weeks of lane closures on northbound I-5 at the Ship Canal Bridge and two weekend closures of northbound I-5 between I-90 and Northeast 45th Street happening between Friday, July 18 and Monday, Aug. 18.

During this summer's closures, contractor crews from Atkinson Construction will:

• Repair and resurface up to 20% of the northbound Ship Canal Bridge deck.
• Partially repair five expansion joints.
• Replace bridge drain inlets.

Full closures and lane reductions

To complete this critical preservation work, construction crews will:

• Close all lanes of northbound I-5 from I-90 to Northeast 45th Street from Friday night, July 18 to early Monday morning, July 21. During the closure, crews will set up work zone barriers, restripe lanes and replace bridge drain inlets.
• When northbound I-5 reopens on July 28, it will be reduced to two lanes for approximately four weeks, with the speed limit reduced to 50 mph.
• Close all lanes of northbound I-5 for a second weekend from I-90 to Northeast 45th Street from Friday night, Aug. 15, to early Monday morning, Aug. 18, when all lanes reopen. During the closure, crews will remove the work zone, restripe lanes and replace bridge drain inlets.

There's never a good time to do this work

Recognizing the difficulty of closing lanes on I-5 during Seattle's busy summer, WSDOT scheduled this work to avoid major holiday weekends and peak events, such as Fourth of July, Labor Day and Ichiro Suzuki's Hall of Fame celebration at T-Mobile Park.

And, to help mitigate the effect on traffic:

• The I-5 express lanes will remain open in the northbound direction around-the-clock during the lane reductions.
• Drivers can use I-90 exits, the collector-distributor lanes or alternate routes to navigate closures.

Why now?

The I-5 Ship Canal Bridge carries nearly 200,000 vehicles a day, and its deck has reached a point where delays in repairs will only lead to more frequent and severe rehabilitation needs. The summer 2025 work allows WSDOT to:

• Prevent more emergency repairs that cause unexpected traffic disruptions.
• Stay on track for the 2026-27 bridge rehabilitation project, avoiding conflicts with the FIFA World Cup in 2026.
• Gather critical data on the bridge's condition below the surface to better prepare for future work in 2026 and 2027.
• Evaluate the effect on traffic of a northbound closure, especially with express lanes running northbound around-the-clock during this period.

This isn't an April Fools' joke, and we promise, it's for a good reason. There's never a perfect time to close lanes on I-5, but these four weeks of work help keep us on track for the bigger preservation project ahead.

We'll keep working with our partners, sharing updates, and making sure you know before you go.

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.