Northbound full weekend closure ahead as Revive I-5 work takes a pause
Critical repair work to the northbound lanes of I-5 across the Ship Canal Bridge is complete and workers will begin removing equipment during a total shutdown in that direction the weekend of Oct. 30, said the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT).
In the event weather is not suitable for restriping the roadway that weekend, the closure will be rescheduled and the two-lane reduction across Ship Canal Bridge will remain in place.
It’s the last step before all repaired northbound lanes permanently reopen.
WSDOT said crews require a full weekend to complete construction pick up activities which, include reconfiguring lanes, picking up pinned barriers and restriping lanes and shoulders. Once pick up is complete, major scheduled Revive I-5 closures will conclude for the year. People should, however, continue to expect overnight closures and early closures of the express lanes, which will return to normal operations, as crews continue with bridge maintenance and drainage improvements on the underside of the Ship Canal Bridge. The northbound express lanes will remain open only until 4 a.m. Monday, Nov. 2.
Support for our riders
To help support ridership demand during Revive I-5 work, Metro will add up to 12 buses on key routes during all full closure weekends. These buses will be deployed flexibly by Metro staff to locations and routes where there is crowding or delays. These additional trips are on top of ongoing, reliability investments. Both are funded, in part, through our partnership with the state legislature.
Transit and drivers will get a respite from work on the bridge in either direction until early 2027, when work zones will be installed to repair the decking on the southbound lanes.
When the work resumes southbound, it will start with the full closure of the two left lanes. The express lanes will remain southbound only for the duration of the project, 24 hours a day.
Another head’s up re regional traffic this weekend: Crews working for WSDOT will close all lanes of southbound I-405 from State Route 527 to SR 522 in Bothell starting at 10 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30, to 4 a.m. Monday, Nov. 2. A detour will be in place, and adjacent ramps also will close.
Be ready for delays
Whether it’s for work or fun, anyone traveling north or south should plan ahead and explore their travel options when work resumes. With significant lane closures, trips through the area will require extra time and flexibility. Transit, carpooling or adjusting travel schedules may be smart alternatives during the disruptions.
The Revive I-5 project is designed to extend the life of the aging Ship Canal Bridge and improve safety and ride quality for years to come. While the short-term traffic impacts will be challenging, the long-term payoff will be smoother, safer travel through this critical stretch of I-5. Learn more about this work from WSDOT.