Travelers through Seattle face significant disruptions as WSDOT closes northbound I-5 for repairs June 5-8, with detours and congestion expected this weekend.
SEATTLE — Drivers traveling through Seattle this weekend should prepare for major traffic disruptions as the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) plans a full closure of northbound Interstate 5 between Interstate 90 and Northeast 45th Street.
According to WSDOT, the closure is scheduled to begin the night of Friday, June 5, and continue through the early morning hours of Monday, June 8.
Officials said on- and off-ramps in the affected stretch will start shutting down at 9 p.m. Friday. The entire northbound freeway section is expected to close just before midnight at 11:59 p.m. Crews plan to reopen all lanes and ramps by 5 a.m. Monday.
The work is part of the Revive I-5: Ship Canal Bridge Preservation project. During the closure, construction crews will dismantle the current work zone occupying the two left northbound lanes on the Ship Canal Bridge.
WSDOT said the temporary removal of the work zone is intended to keep all mainline I-5 lanes available from June 8 through July 10 while Seattle hosts world championship soccer matches.
After that period, another weekend-long closure is planned from July 10 through July 13 so crews can establish a new work zone in the two right northbound lanes of the bridge.
The I-5 express lanes will remain northbound-only throughout the June closure weekend. Their standard operating schedule, southbound in the mornings and northbound during afternoon and evening hours, will resume Monday, June 8. Following the July closure, the express lanes will again operate northbound-only.
WSDOT is also warning travelers about another major project happening the same weekend near the I-90 and State Route 18 interchange.
From 9 p.m. Thursday, June 4, through 5 a.m. Monday, June 8, SR 18 will close completely at the interchange for paving work. Officials said right-turning ramps will stay open, but drivers should expect heavy congestion and follow posted detours.
Transportation officials are encouraging people to prepare for delays by considering alternate routes, carpooling, adjusting travel times or using transit or bicycles when possible.
Track KING 5’s traffic resources to help you navigate western Washington roads and get to your destination safely.
To ensure diverse coverage and expert insight across a wide range of topics, our publication features contributions from multiple staff writers with varied areas of expertise.
