Seattle commuters should prepare for major road disruptions next year as the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) begins its largest “Revive I-5” project to date.
Traffic in this area already has a bad reputation, and it’s about to get worse. The ambitious plan will fix an 8-mile stretch of Interstate 5 (I-5) between Yesler Way and Northgate, addressing infrastructure needs on one of the state’s freeways.
KIRO Newsradio was the only station present at a press conference Thursday morning where the major traffic plan was announced.
Beginning in spring 2025, both northbound lanes of the Ship Canal Bridge will be closed 24/7 for nine months. This creates a big problem for drivers. Additionally, the expressways only support northbound traffic at all times during this time, making southbound traffic more difficult.
“Beginning in March 2025, the northbound Ship Canal Bridge will reduce to two to three lanes of traffic,” Ed Kane, WSDOT’s Northwest region representative, said. “We will be making concrete barriers and we will be working on the other two lanes of the bridge. The express lanes will be open northbound at all times. “
Project includes major repairs to an 8-mile stretch of I-5
The project, set to continue in the fall of 2027, includes many maintenance and repair efforts. Construction will be done one large section at a time. According to Kane, this step is necessary to maintain the safety and efficiency of this important transportation corridor.
“Over the next three years, on the 8-mile section of I-5 between Yesler and Northgate, we will repair and replace the Lake Washington Ship Canal Bridge and the south side of the Lakeview Viaduct between Ship Canal and Denny Way,” Kane said. . “We will also replace some worn concrete panels on southbound I-5 between Yesler and Ship Canal, and repair about 30 on and off ramps between Ship Canal and Northgate, and replace a number of bridge extension joints.”
The decision to undertake such a large project depends on the age of the highway and the number of emergency repairs. The Ship Canal Bridge alone required 49 emergency repairs between August 2022 and 2023, with nearly 200 repairs in total out of 200.
In order to speed up the work and minimize long-term disruptions, WSDOT has chosen an intensive construction schedule.
“In order to complete this work as quickly as possible, we are allowing our contractor to close two lanes of I-5 in one direction for up to nine months of the year,” Kane explained. “This is the most efficient and safe way to get the job done. It provides a safe work environment for the people doing the work and allows for daylight hours, which is the most efficient way to get the job done.”
The project will be carried out in phases, with extensive road narrowing and full closures planned to facilitate construction. In 2026, the focus will go to the southern roads.
“In the spring of June, we will reduce I-5 southbound to two lanes from the Ship Canal Bridge down to Denny Way,” Kane said. “We will reopen all roads in June for World Cup events, so there will be no road restrictions at that time. Our contractor will come back in July, stop the road closures, and work through the fall,” Kane said.
The I-5 recovery plan is the last phase in 2027
The final phase in 2027 will see the continuation of work on the southbound lanes from the Ship Canal Bridge to Mercer.
“In the spring of 2027, in the fall, the developer will have two lanes closed and two lanes reopened on southbound I-5, this time from the Ship Canal Bridge to Mercer,” Kane said. “Also, the express lanes will be open to the south at all times.”
The project also includes the construction of up to 30 ramps, which will mainly take place during night and weekend closures. A full I-5 closure will be required to set up and clear the work zones.
“Every year, we’ll have a full shutdown weekend to get the job done,” Kane explained. “In the middle of the year, we will have another closure to change the workplace.”
WSDOT encourages drivers to plan accordingly
WSDOT appreciated the impact this project will have on commuters and encouraged the public to plan accordingly.
“We know this work will cause a lot of disruption to people traveling up and down I-5,” Kane said. “We recommend that you travel by car, use public transport and travel at unscheduled times whenever possible. The WSDOT website has several planning tools. As WSDOT says, ‘Know before you go.’ Look at the website, see where the traffic is, and it might be your best way to get to your destination.”
Regardless of the intended title, the Revive I-5 project is seen as a necessary step to ensure the long-term viability of Seattle’s primary north-south artery.
“It’s time to finish the job,” Kane said. “This is the most efficient and safe way to get the job done.”
To learn more about the project and view a map, visit the WSDOT website.
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