Revive I-5 Project To Bring Major Closures And Lane Reductions

Major construction is now underway on Seattle’s I-5 Ship Canal Bridge as part of the Washington State Department of Transportation’s (WSDOT) Revive I-5 project—a multi-year effort to repair aging infrastructure and reduce the risk of emergency closures on one of the region’s most critical transportation corridors.

The project kicked off last weekend (July 18–21) with a full closure of northbound I-5 from I-90 to Northeast 45th Street. That marked the start of a busy summer for Seattle drivers, with significant lane reductions, closures, and traffic delays expected on I-5 through mid-August.

Built in the 1960s, I-5 serves as Washington’s main north-south artery. The Ship Canal Bridge alone carries nearly 240,000 vehicles daily through Seattle’s core. Despite its heavy use, the bridge has not undergone major preservation work in more than 40 years. Since 2019, WSDOT crews have completed over 200 emergency repairs—many resulting in unexpected lane closures and traffic backups.

Through the Revive I-5: Ship Canal Bridge Preservation project, WSDOT and contractor Atkinson Construction are tackling long-overdue repairs. Work includes resurfacing the upper bridge deck, replacing worn concrete and bridge expansion joints, improving drainage, and addressing other maintenance issues. The agency says this planned work will extend the bridge’s lifespan and help avoid disruptive emergency fixes in the years ahead.

This summer’s work is expected to last about four weeks. The first major phase began Monday, July 21, with a reduction of northbound I-5 to two lanes across the Ship Canal Bridge. These lane reductions will remain in effect 24/7 until Friday, August 15. During this time, the speed limit through the work zone is reduced to 50 mph.

From August 15 to August 18, crews will close northbound I-5 again—from I-90 to Northeast 45th Street—to remove the work zone and complete key repairs. Northbound lanes are scheduled to reopen by Monday morning, August 18.

To help keep traffic moving, the I-5 express lanes will remain open northbound around the clock during both the lane reductions and full closures. WSDOT will also temporarily lift HOV restrictions on some downtown express lane ramps during closure weekends. Even with these adjustments, drivers should expect congestion in both directions and are encouraged to plan alternate routes, use transit, or consider biking or walking when possible.

In a city already grappling with traffic challenges, the project is likely to create ripple effects across the region. WSDOT officials are advising travelers to stay informed and allow extra time, especially during peak hours.

Once northbound work wraps up, construction will shift to southbound I-5 this fall and winter, with several weekend-long lane reductions planned. WSDOT expects to announce those dates later this year.

The work planned for this summer includes resurfacing up to 20% of the northbound bridge deck, partial repairs to five expansion joints, and drainage improvements. The agency acknowledges the inconvenience but stresses the importance of preserving critical infrastructure before it reaches a point of failure.

Looking ahead, drivers can expect additional phases in 2026 and 2027. Northbound I-5 will see months-long lane reductions in 2026, with work paused during the FIFA World Cup to accommodate visitors and local traffic. In 2027, southbound I-5 will face similar long-term lane reductions, with periodic full weekend closures to allow crews to install and remove work zones.

Throughout the project, WSDOT will continue running the I-5 express lanes in the direction of the lane closures to help manage congestion. However, even with these measures, significant regional traffic impacts are anticipated. Officials encourage drivers to stay updated on closure schedules, consider alternate travel modes, and plan ahead to minimize disruptions.