Seattle drivers should prepare for significant traffic impacts as the Revive I-5 project resumes with six weekends of southbound lane reductions on the Ship Canal Bridge. These closures will begin in October and continue into January, affecting thousands of commuters and travelers.
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) has outlined a schedule that will reduce Interstate 5 to two lanes for drainage work. This critical infrastructure project aims to extend the lifespan of a vital transportation corridor in the region.
Key Takeaways
- Six weekends of I-5 southbound closures on Ship Canal Bridge.
- Lanes reduced to two from Friday night to Monday morning.
- Work starts October 10-13, 2025, with a UW Huskies home game.
- Express Lanes will remain open southbound during closures.
- WSDOT aims to preserve a critical transportation link.
Upcoming I-5 Southbound Lane Reductions
WSDOT has announced a series of weekend closures for the southbound lanes of I-5 on the Ship Canal Bridge. These closures are part of the ongoing Revive I-5 initiative. The work will reduce the number of available lanes from Friday night through Monday morning on designated weekends.
Drivers traveling through Seattle should anticipate delays and plan alternative routes. The project focuses on completing essential drainage work on the southbound side of the bridge. This follows similar work performed on the northbound lanes earlier this year.
Fact: Ship Canal Bridge
- Opened: 1962
- Length: Approximately 4,429 feet (1,349 meters)
- Daily Traffic: Carries over 200,000 vehicles per day, making it a critical link for regional travel.
Impact on Weekend Traffic
The first scheduled closure is set for the weekend of October 10-13, 2025. This particular weekend coincides with a University of Washington (UW) Huskies home football game against Rutgers. This means that drivers heading to or from the game, as well as regular weekend commuters, will experience significant traffic impacts.
WSDOT has scheduled three weekends of closures in October. An additional weekend closure is planned for November, one for December, and one for January. This phased approach aims to spread out the disruption over several months.
"We learned a lot from completing the northbound drainage work this summer that we will apply to our work on the southbound side of the bridge," said Brian Nielsen, Northwest Region Administrator for WSDOT. "Completing drainage work at this phase of the project will keep us on schedule, ensuring we can preserve this vital transportation link well into the future."
Project Goals and Scope
The Revive I-5 project is a multi-year effort designed to maintain and improve the structural integrity of Interstate 5 in the Seattle area. The current phase specifically addresses drainage systems on the Ship Canal Bridge. Proper drainage is crucial for preventing water accumulation, which can cause significant damage to bridge infrastructure over time, especially during heavy rainfall.
This work is part of a larger strategy to extend the service life of one of the busiest highway segments in Washington State. Investing in these repairs now helps avoid more extensive and costly repairs in the future. It also reduces the risk of unexpected closures.
Background: Revive I-5
The Revive I-5 project began in 2017. Its goal is to preserve and restore sections of I-5 through Seattle. The project includes replacing bridge expansion joints, repaving lanes, and upgrading drainage systems. These efforts are essential for handling the increasing traffic demands of the Puget Sound region.
Minimizing Disruption: Express Lanes
To help mitigate traffic congestion during these weekend closures, the I-5 Express Lanes will remain open in the southbound direction. This offers a potential alternative for some drivers. However, the Express Lanes have limited entry and exit points, so drivers should check their routes carefully.
Drivers are encouraged to use public transit options, such as Sound Transit Link light rail or King County Metro buses, where possible. Carpooling is another recommended strategy to reduce the number of vehicles on the road during these periods of reduced capacity.
Planning Your Travel
Drivers should stay informed about the specific dates and times of the closures. WSDOT provides real-time traffic updates through its website and social media channels. Using navigation apps that incorporate live traffic data can also help motorists avoid the most congested areas.
For those traveling to events or appointments on closure weekends, allowing extra travel time is advisable. Traffic delays can be substantial, especially during peak hours. The first weekend with a UW game highlights the need for careful planning.
- October 10-13, 2025: First weekend closure, coinciding with UW Huskies vs. Rutgers game.
- October (Dates TBD): Two additional weekend closures.
- November (Date TBD): One weekend closure.
- December (Date TBD): One weekend closure.
- January (Date TBD): Final weekend closure.
The project underscores the ongoing challenges of maintaining critical infrastructure in densely populated urban areas. These planned closures are necessary steps to ensure the long-term safety and efficiency of Interstate 5 for all users.
