As WSDOT closes I-5 northbound for repairs June 5-8, travelers passing through Seattle will face significant disruptions, with detours and congestion expected this weekend.
SEATTLE — Drivers passing through Seattle this weekend should prepare for major traffic disruptions as the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) plans a complete closure of northbound Interstate 5 between Interstate 90 and Northeast 45th Street.
The closures are scheduled to begin on the evening of Friday, June 5, and continue into the early morning hours of Monday, June 8, according to WSDOT.
Officials said entrance and exit ramps on the affected stretch of road will be closed starting at 9 p.m. Friday. The entire northbound highway segment is expected to close at 11:59 just before midnight, with crews planning to reopen all lanes and ramps by 5 a.m. Monday.
This work is part of the Revive I-5: Ship Canal Bridge Preservation Project. During the closure, construction crews will remove the work area that currently occupies the two northbound left lanes of the Ship Canal Bridge.
WSDOT said the purpose of the temporary demolition work zone is to keep all I-5 mainline lanes usable while Seattle hosts the World Championship Soccer game from June 8 to July 10.
After that, another weekend closure is planned from July 10 to July 13 so crews can establish a new work zone on both right northbound lanes of the bridge.
During the June closure weekend, I-5 express lanes will be northbound only. Its standard operating schedule (southbound in the morning, northbound in the afternoon and evening) will resume on Monday 8 June. Following its closure in July, the express lanes will once again operate northbound only.
WSDOT is also warning travelers that another major project is happening that same weekend near the intersection of I-90 and State Highway 18.
SR 18 will be completely closed at the interchange for paving work from 9pm on Thursday, June 4th to 5am on Monday, June 8th. Right-turn ramps will remain open, but drivers should prepare for heavy congestion and follow posted detours, officials said.
Transportation officials encourage people to prepare for delays by considering alternative routes, carpooling, adjusting travel times or using public transportation or bicycling when possible.
Track KING 5’s transportation resources to help you navigate Western Washington’s roads and get to your destination safely.
