By Aaron Allen, Seattle Medium News
Seattle drivers should brace for major delays this weekend as all northbound lanes of Interstate 5 will be closed from the I-90 interchange to Northeast 45th Street. The closure begins at 11:59 p.m. Friday, Aug. 15, and will last until 5 a.m. Monday, Aug. 18.
The work is part of WSDOT’s “Revive I-5” preservation project, focused on restoring the Ship Canal Bridge and returning it to full four-lane capacity.
“We have seen extensive travel delays during the morning and evening peak covers,” said Ganth Lingam, interim director of Interagency Programs for the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT). “The travel volume is down, which is good, but we’ll still see an impact to travel time.”
Express lanes will run northbound around the clock throughout the closure. While these lanes have no downtown exits, the Cherry/Columbia on-ramp—normally HOV-only—will be open to all drivers.
Ramp closures will also add to the challenge. On-ramps at Dearborn, Cherry, and University streets will close at various times Friday evening and remain shut through Monday morning. The westbound I-90 off-ramp to I-5 north will also be closed.
Lingam advised commuters to consider transit, carpooling, or altering travel schedules.
“Use the transit. That is the way to go,” says Lingam. “Plan your trip, drive safe, and you’ll be fine.”
For updates, check the WSDOT website or SDOT’s social media channels.
