11:30 p.m., August 24
Traffic is heavy from Michigan Street through the construction zone. Currently, there is only one lane open through the construction zone. Drivers should expect 10-15 minute delays.
10:00 p.m., August 24
Traffic is heavy approaching the construction zone. Drivers should expect 10-15 minute delays.
The ramp from Spokane Street/West Seattle is now closed.
8:30 p.m., August 24
Traffic is heavy through the construction zone. Drivers should expect 10-15 minute delays.
7:30 p.m., August 24
Traffic is backed up about 1.5 miles to Corson Ave. Drivers should expect 10-15 minute delays through the construction zone.
6:10 p.m., August 24
Traffic has slowed through the construction zone. Drivers can expect up to 40 minute delays. Speeds are currently about 4 mph.
5:10 p.m., August 24
Traffic is backed up to the Michigan curve. It takes drivers about 20 minutes to get through the work zone at speeds of about 10 mph.
3:55 p.m., August 24
The backup is now backed up almost to Albro Place. It takes drivers 20 to 25 minutes to get through the work zone. Average speed is 8 to 10 miles an hour.
1:50 p.m., August 24
The backup begins at the Michigan curve and it takes drivers over 20 minutes to get through the work zone. Average speed is 10 miles an hour.
12:30 p.m., August 24
Crews have finished the mainline paving. Now they are paving the shoulders. There is an over 20 minute delay on northbound I-5. Traffic is moving at an average speed of 7 mph through the construction zone
.
11:30 a.m., August 24
The backup begins 2 1/2 miles from the work zone. It takes about 20 minutes to drive through with an average speed of 8 mph.
10:30 a.m., August 24
The backup begins just south of Albro Place. It takes about 23 minutes to drive through the work zone. Average speed is 23 mph.
9:25 a.m., August 24
The backup is 2 miles long to just north of Albro Place S. Average speed is 10 mph. It takes about 15 minutes to drive through the work zone
.
8:30 a.m., August 24
The backup remains 2 miles long to south of Albro Place S. Average speed is 10 mph.
7:45 a.m., August 24
Traffic is backed up 2 miles to Albro Place S. Drivers have over a 20 minute delay on northbound I-5.
6:45 a.m., August 24
Traffic is backed up on northbound I-5 almost to Albro Place S. Drivers are experiencing about a 20 minute delay
.
6:30 a.m., August 24
Traffic is now backed up one mile to just south of Corson Ave S. Drivers are reminded to stick to alternate routes and alternate plans as we work through the last weekday morning of this construction project.
6:15 a.m., August 24
Traffic has slowed down considerably through the construction zone this morning. Traffic is backed up about a quarter mile just north of Corson Ave. S.
5:00 a.m., August 24
The West Seattle Bridge / Spokane Street on-ramp is back open to traffic this morning.
10:30 p.m., August 23
Traffic is moving steadily through the construction zone with minimal backups. The West Seattle Bridge/Spokane St. on-ramp to northbound I-5 is currently closed and will re-open by 5 a.m. Friday morning.
9:40 p.m., August 23
Traffic is moving steadily through the construction zone with minimal backups. At 10 p.m. crews will close the West Seattle Bridge/Spokane St. on-ramp to northbound I-5. The ramp will re-open by 5 a.m. Friday morning.
Crews have finished paving for the night. They'll return tomorrow morning at 6 a.m. to pave again. They expect to wrap up paving by 2 p.m. Friday and will then begin striping the roadway.
8:15 p.m., August 23
Traffic is now moving steadily through the construction zone in about 10-15 minutes.
Crews will pave until 9 p.m. tonight. They'll rest overnight and return tomorrow morning at 6 a.m. to pave again. They expect to wrap up paving by 2 p.m. Friday and will then begin striping the roadway.
7:00 p.m., August 23
Traffic on northbound I-5 is backed up to Michigan St. It takes drivers about 25 minutes to get through the construction zone, at speeds between 6 and 7 mph.
Traffic is very heavy on northbound I-405 near Renton and from Bellevue to north of Kirkland due to several collisions.
5:25 p.m., August 23
Traffic on northbound I-5 is getting heavier. It takes drivers close to 25 minutes to get through the construction zone, at speeds between 7 and 8 mph.
Traffic on Airport Way is fairly light, while 4th Avenue South is fairly busy. Both are still good alternatives to I-5. Traffic is moving slowly on northbound SR 99 between the West Seattle Bridge and the tunnel.
3:30 p.m., August 23
The current backup extends almost to Albro. Drivers can expect it to take about 20 minutes to get from Albro to Holgate at speeds of about 8.5 mph.
2:50 p.m., August 23
Traffic is still backed up almost to Albro. It takes drivers 20-25 minutes to get to Holgate with an average speed of 8 mph.
1:40 p.m., August 23
A stalled vehicle was blocking the right lane of northbound I-5 just south of the exit to I-90. Construction crews jumped to action and helped to push the vehicle out of the way of traffic.
Traffic is still backed up to Albro Place. It takes drivers 20-25 minutes to get to Holgate with an average speed of 8 mph.
1:15 p.m., August 23
Traffic is still backed up to Albro Place. It takes drivers 20-25 minutes to get to Holgate with an average speed of 8 mph
.
12:00 p.m., August 23
Traffic is backed up to Albro Place. It takes drivers 30 minutes to get to Holgate with an average speed of 10 mph.
10:45 a.m., August 23
Traffic is backed up to Michigan Street. It takes drivers 10-15 minutes to get to Holgate with an average speed of 12 mph.
9:45 a.m., August 23
Traffic is backed up to Albro Place. It takes drivers 15 minutes to get to Holgate with an average speed of 13 mph.
8:40 a.m., August 23
Traffic is backed up to Albro Place. It takes drivers 18 minutes to get to Holgate. Average speed is 10 mph. The backup ends just north of the exit to I-90.
7:45 a.m., August 23
Traffic is now backed-up to to Albro Place. Drivers will experience stop-and-go traffic through the construction zone until they reach Holgate Avenue.
6:45 a.m., August 23
Traffic is backed-up to just north of Michigan Street and travel time through the construction zone is 25 minutes.
Drivers will notice smoother traveling as they reach the north end of the construction zone, The two right lanes now continue through to the I-5 mainline reducing the number of last minute merges. Drivers may still veer right toward the I-90 exit and continue onto the I-5 mainline.
6 a.m., August 23
Traffic is moving smoothly through the construction zone.
5 a.m., August 23 Crews moved 1,900 feet of barrier and opened all lanes of traffic north of the collector-distributor. Drivers will still have only two lanes of northbound I-5 between the West Seattle Bridge on-ramp and the exit to I-90, James and Madison streets.
Crews also reopened the Spokane Street/West Seattle Bridge on-ramp.
Traffic is moving smoothly through the construction zone.
9 p.m., August 22 Traffic is moving steadily through the construction zone with minimal backups and taking about 15-20 minutes.
8:15 p.m., August 22 Traffic is moving steadily through the construction zone in 8-10 minutes at about 15-20 mph.
Overnight, crews will move over 1,900 feet of concrete barrier on the northern end of the project as the largest construction closure in Washington State history moves into its final phase.
Crews completed 2300 feet of mainline paving today.
6:45 p.m., August 22 Traffic is now moving through the construction zone in 10-15 minutes at about 10 mph. Drivers are still encouraged to seek alternate routes including Airport Way, 4th Ave and SR 99.
6 p.m., August 22 Traffic is now moving through the construction zone in 15-20 minutes at about 6-10 mph. Drivers are encouraged to use alternate routes including Airport Way, 4th Ave and SR 99.
4:45 p.m., August 22 Traffic is moving through the construction zone in 15-20 minutes, with backups starting just north of Michigan Street. Drivers are encouraged to use alternate routes including Airport Way, 4th Ave and SR 99.
4 p.m., August 22 Travel times through the construction zone are approaching 20-25 minutes, with backups to Michigan Street. Drivers are encouraged to use alternate routes including Airport Way, 4th Ave and SR 99.
2:45 p.m., August 22 Travel time through the construction zone is now approximately 20 minutes. The back-up is about 1.5 miles to Michigan Street. Drivers are encouraged to use alternate routes including Airport Way, 4th Ave and SR 99.
1:25 p.m., August 22 The back-up is approximately one mile to Michigan Street. The travel time through the construction zone is now approximately 10 minutes. Drivers are encouraged to use alternate routes including Airport Way, 4th Ave and SR 99.
11:45 a.m., August 22 The back-up is now two miles to Albro Place. The travel time through the construction zone is now approximately 20-25 minutes. Drivers are encouraged to use alternate routes including Airport Way, 4th Ave and SR 99.
10:45 a.m., August 22 The back-up is just over one mile to Michigan Street. The travel time through the construction zone is now approximately 10-15 minutes.
Toinght, crews will reduce northbound I-5 through the construction zone to one lane from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. During this time, all traffic will be diverted to the collector-distributor and the 4th Avenue and Seneca Street exits will be closed. Crews will also close the Spokane Street on-ramp to northbound I-5 tonight from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.
9:45 a.m., August 22 Traffic is improving. The back-up is about one mile to Corson Ave. The travel time through the construction zone is now approximately 10-15 minutes.
Crews will close the Spokane Street on-ramp to northbound I-5 tonight from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.
Crews resumed paving this morning at 6:30 a.m. They will continue to work on paving the mainline and shoulders throughout the day.
8:30 a.m., August 22
Traffic is now backed-up about 1.5 miles to Michigan Street. The travel time through the construction zone is now approximately 20 minutes.
7:30 a.m., August 22 Traffic continues to back-up and reaches Albro Place, about two miles. The travel time through the construction zone is now 35 minutes.
7:20 a.m., August 22 Traffic is continuing to back-up quickly. The back-up begins at Albro Place. It currently takes approximately 20-25 minutes to travel through the 2 mile back-up and construction zone.
Alternate routes including 4th Ave, East Marginal and Airport Way are moving freely. SR 599, SR 509 and SR 99 are starting to see higher volumes of traffic.
6:45 a.m., August 22 Traffic is backing-up quickly. The back-up now begins at Albro Place. It currently takes approximately 20-25 minutes to travel through the 2 mile back-up and construction zone.
6:25 a.m., August 22 Traffic is backed-up to just south of Michigan Street. It currently takes approximately 15 minutes to travel through the 1.5 mile back-up and construction zone. Average speeds are around 8 mph.
5:50 a.m., August 22 Alternate routes including SR 99, 4th Ave, East Marginal and Airport Way are moving freely
5:45 a.m., August 22
Traffic is beginning to back-up approaching the construction zone. It currently takes approximately 10 minutes to travel through the half-mile back-up and construction zone.
5:00 a.m., August 22 Traffic is moving through the construction zone with no backups. Speeds through the work zone is 45 mph.
Construction progress
Crews made good progress last night completing 5,300 linear feet of paving on the mainline and 5,000 feet on the shoulder. Today they will continue paving the mainline and shoulders.
11 p.m., August 21 Traffic is moving well with no backups. Speeds through the work zone are 35 to 45 mph no delays for drivers.
Thank you to the Seattle Department of Transportation for the use of their traffic cameras.
9 p.m., August 22 Traffic is moving steadily through the construction zone with minimal backups and taking about 15-20 minutes.
8:15 p.m., August 22Traffic is moving steadily through the construction zone in 8-10 minutes at about 15-20 mph.
Overnight, crews will move over 1,900 feet of concrete barrier on the northern end of the project as the largest construction closure in Washington State history moves into its final phase.
Crews completed 2300 feet of mainline paving today.
6:45 p.m., August 22Traffic is now moving through the construction zone in 10-15 minutes at about 10 mph. Drivers are still encouraged to seek alternate routes including Airport Way, 4th Ave and SR 99.
6 p.m., August 22Traffic is now moving through the construction zone in 15-20 minutes at about 6-10 mph. Drivers are encouraged to use alternate routes including Airport Way, 4th Ave and SR 99.
4:45 p.m., August 22Traffic is moving through the construction zone in 15-20 minutes, with backups starting just north of Michigan Street. Drivers are encouraged to use alternate routes including Airport Way, 4th Ave and SR 99.
4 p.m., August 22Travel times through the construction zone are approaching 20-25 minutes, with backups to Michigan Street. Drivers are encouraged to use alternate routes including Airport Way, 4th Ave and SR 99.
2:45 p.m., August 22Travel time through the construction zone is now approximately 20 minutes. The back-up is about 1.5 miles to Michigan Street. Drivers are encouraged to use alternate routes including Airport Way, 4th Ave and SR 99.
1:25 p.m., August 22
The back-up is approximately one mile to Michigan Street. The travel time through the construction zone is now approximately 10 minutes. Drivers are encouraged to use alternate routes including Airport Way, 4th Ave and SR 99.
11:45 a.m., August 22
The back-up is now two miles to Albro Place. The travel time through the construction zone is now approximately 20-25 minutes. Drivers are encouraged to use alternate routes including Airport Way, 4th Ave and SR 99.
10:45 a.m., August 22
The back-up is just over one mile to Michigan Street. The travel time through the construction zone is now approximately 10-15 minutes.
Toinght, crews will reduce northbound I-5 through the construction zone to one lane from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. During this time, all traffic will be diverted to the collector-distributor and the 4th Avenue and Seneca Street exits will be closed. Crews will also close the Spokane Street on-ramp to northbound I-5 tonight from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.
9:45 a.m., August 22
Traffic is improving. The back-up is about one mile to Corson Ave. The travel time through the construction zone is now approximately 10-15 minutes.
Crews will close the Spokane Street on-ramp to northbound I-5 tonight from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.
Crews resumed paving this morning at 6:30 a.m. They will continue to work on paving the mainline and shoulders throughout the day
.
8:30 a.m., August 22
Traffic is now backed-up about 1.5 miles to Michigan Street. The travel time through the construction zone is now approximately 20 minutes.
7:30 a.m., August 22
Traffic continues to back-up and reaches Albro Place, about two miles. The travel time through the construction zone is now 35 minutes.
7:20 a.m., August 22
Traffic is continuing to back-up quickly. The back-up begins at Albro Place. It currently takes approximately 20-25 minutes to travel through the 2 mile back-up and construction zone.
Alternate routes including 4th Ave, East Marginal and Airport Way are moving freely. SR 599, SR 509 and SR 99 are starting to see higher volumes of traffic
.
6:45 a.m., August 22
Traffic is backing-up quickly. The back-up now begins at Albro Place. It currently takes approximately 20-25 minutes to travel through the 2 mile back-up and construction zone.
6:25 a.m., August 22
Traffic is backed-up to just south of Michigan Street. It currently takes approximately 15 minutes to travel through the 1.5 mile back-up and construction zone. Average speeds are around 8 mph.
5:50 a.m., August 22
Alternate routes including SR 99, 4th Ave, East Marginal and Airport Way are moving freely
5:45 a.m., August 22
Traffic is beginning to back-up approaching the construction zone. It currently takes approximately 10 minutes to travel through the half-mile back-up and construction zone.
5:00 a.m., August 22
Traffic is moving through the construction zone with no backups. Speeds through the work zone is 45 mph.
Construction progress Crews made good progress last night completing 5,300 linear feet of paving on the mainline and 5,000 feet on the shoulder. Today they will continue paving the mainline and shoulders.
11 p.m., August 21
Traffic is moving well with no backups. Speeds through the work zone are 35 to 45 mph no delays for drivers.
11 p.m., August 21
Traffic is moving freely with speeds of 35 to 45 mph. It's taking just a couple of minutes to drive through the work zone.
10 p.m., August 21
Traffic is moving well with no backups. It's taking drivers three to five minutes to get through the construction zone with speeds between 25 and 35 mph.
9 p.m., August 21
Traffic is moving smoothly through the construction zone. It is taking drivers approximately 10 minutes to travel through the backups and construction zone. Average speeds are around 15-20 mph.
7:25 p.m., August 21
Traffic is slowly working its ways through the construction zone with backups starting just North of Michigan Street. It is taking drivers approximately 15 minutes to travel through at about 15 mph.
6 p.m., Tuesday, August 21
Traffic continues slowly through the workzone. Backups are still reaching to Michigan Street. Average speeds through the workzone are about 10 mph. It is taking drivers approximately 20 minutes to travel through the backups and construction zone.
Crews have completed paving just north of Holgate Street, and still have areas along the shoulders to pave.
5 p.m., Tuesday, August 21
Traffic is backed up 2.5 miles to Michigan Street and is moving at about 6 mph. It takes about 25-30 minutes to move through the construction zone.
Drivers are urged to use alternate routes or stick to alternate plans to avoid delays on northbound I-5. Good alternatives to I-5 are 4th Avenue and Airport Way, where traffic is flowing fairly well.
4:15 p.m., Tuesday, August 21
Traffic continues to be backed up 2.5 miles to Michigan Street and is moving at about 6 mph. It is taking about 25-30 minutes to get through the construction zone.
3:40 p.m., Tuesday, August 21
Traffic is backed up to Michigan Street and moving at about 8 mph. It is taking about 20-25 minutes to get through the construction zone.
2:35 p.m., Tuesday, August 21
The delay on northbound I-5 is approximately 20 minutes through the construction zone. Average speeds are around 10 mph.
1:25 p.m., Tuesday, August 21
The delay on northbound I-5 is approximately 15 minutes from the Michigan curve through the construction zone. Average speeds are around 10 mph.
Crews have resumed paving just north of Holgate Street after the morning rain and are making great progress.
12:25 p.m., Tuesday, August 21
The delay on northbound I-5 is still approximately 20 minutes from the Michigan curve through the construction zone.
Crews have resumed paving just north of Holgate Street after the morning rain delayed progress. Crews are also using 800 degrees of heat from the blower to dry out the bridge deck. The heat from the dryer creates steam as it dries the road and could be distracting to some drivers.
11:25 a.m., Tuesday, August 21
The delay on northbound I-5 is 20 minutes from the Michigan curve through the construction zone. Drivers are urged to use alternate routes to avoid delays on northbound I-5. Crews are using 800 degrees of heat from the blower to dry out the bridge deck so paving can resume before noon.
10:45 a.m., Tuesday, August 21
The delay on northbound I-5 is 30 minutes from the Michigan curve through the construction zone.
9:00 a.m., Tuesday, August 21
The delay on northbound I-5 is 30 minutes from Albro Place through the construction zone. Rain has temporarily halted paving operations. Crews have the high powered blower on site ready to dry out the bridge deck.
8:00 a.m., Tuesday, August 21
The delay through the construction zone is now over 40 minutes. Traffic is backed up south of Albro Place. Drivers are advised to use alternate routes or transit to reach their destinations.
7:30 a.m., Tuesday, August 21
Drivers headed to Seattle on northbound I-5 can expect delays of over 30 minutes. The back-up starts at Albro Place.
7:00 a.m., Tuesday, August 21
Drivers are now experiencing an over 20 minute delay on northbound I-5 starting at Albro Place. Crews started paving at 6:30 a.m. this morning. They had trouble with the mobile mixer attached to the paver. They hooked up a spare mixer and have continued paving.
6:30 a.m., Tuesday, August 21
Traffic has slowed considerably through the construction zone to 11 mph. The delay is about 10 minutes through the work zone. 1st Ave. S., 4th Ave S. and Airport Way are wide open. SR 509.SR 99 is congested south of the 1st Ave. S. Bridge. Traffic is moving smoothly on the Alaskan Way Viaduct.
6:00 a.m., Tuesday, August 21
Traffic is still moving smoother than yesterday morning at an average speed of 23 mph through the construction zone.
5:45 a.m., Tuesday, August 21
Traffic is starting to slow approaching the construction zone.
5:00 a.m., Tuesday, August 21
The Spokane Street on-ramp re-opened at 5 a.m. this morning.
4:30 a.m., Tuesday, August 21
Traffic is moving smoothly through the construction zone. The Spokane Street on-ramp to northbound I-5 will remain closed until 5 a.m. this morning. Overnight, crews prepared the bridge deck surface for paving later today.
9 p.m., August 21
Traffic is moving smoothly through the construction zone. It is taking drivers approximately 10 minutes to travel through the backups and construction zone. Average speeds are around 15-20 mph.
7:25 p.m., August 21
Traffic is slowly working its ways through the construction zone with backups starting just North of Michigan Street. It is taking drivers approximately 15 minutes to travel through at about 15 mph.
6 p.m., Tuesday, August 21
Traffic continues slowly through the workzone. Backups are still reaching to Michigan Street. Average speeds through the workzone are about 10 mph. It is taking drivers approximately 20 minutes to travel through the backups and construction zone.
Crews have completed paving just north of Holgate Street, and still have areas along the shoulders to pave.
5 p.m., Tuesday, August 21
Traffic is backed up 2.5 miles to Michigan Street and is moving at about 6 mph. It takes about 25-30 minutes to move through the construction zone.
Drivers are urged to use alternate routes or stick to alternate plans to avoid delays on northbound I-5. Good alternatives to I-5 are 4th Avenue and Airport Way, where traffic is flowing fairly well.
4:15 p.m., Tuesday, August 21
Traffic continues to be backed up 2.5 miles to Michigan Street and is moving at about 6 mph. It is taking about 25-30 minutes to get through the construction zone.
3:40 p.m., Tuesday, August 21
Traffic is backed up to Michigan Street and moving at about 8 mph. It is taking about 20-25 minutes to get through the construction zone.
2:35 p.m., Tuesday, August 21
The delay on northbound I-5 is approximately 20 minutes through the construction zone. Average speeds are around 10 mph.
1:25 p.m., Tuesday, August 21
The delay on northbound I-5 is approximately 15 minutes from the Michigan curve through the construction zone. Average speeds are around 10 mph.
Crews have resumed paving just north of Holgate Street after the morning rain and are making great progress.
12:25 p.m., Tuesday, August 21
The delay on northbound I-5 is still approximately 20 minutes from the Michigan curve through the construction zone.
Crews have resumed paving just north of Holgate Street after the morning rain delayed progress. Crews are also using 800 degrees of heat from the blower to dry out the bridge deck. The heat from the dryer creates steam as it dries the road and could be distracting to some drivers.
11:25 a.m., Tuesday, August 21
The delay on northbound I-5 is 20 minutes from the Michigan curve through the construction zone. Drivers are urged to use alternate routes to avoid delays on northbound I-5. Crews are using 800 degrees of heat from the blower to dry out the bridge deck so paving can resume before noon.
10:45 a.m., Tuesday, August 21
The delay on northbound I-5 is 30 minutes from the Michigan curve through the construction zone.
9:00 a.m., Tuesday, August 21
The delay on northbound I-5 is 30 minutes from Albro Place through the construction zone. Rain has temporarily halted paving operations. Crews have the high powered blower on site ready to dry out the bridge deck.
8:00 a.m., Tuesday, August 21
The delay through the construction zone is now over 40 minutes. Traffic is backed up south of Albro Place. Drivers are advised to use alternate routes or transit to reach their destinations.
7:30 a.m., Tuesday, August 21
Drivers headed to Seattle on northbound I-5 can expect delays of over 30 minutes. The back-up starts at Albro Place.
7:00 a.m., Tuesday, August 21
Drivers are now experiencing an over 20 minute delay on northbound I-5 starting at Albro Place. Crews started paving at 6:30 a.m. this morning. They had trouble with the mobile mixer attached to the paver. They hooked up a spare mixer and have continued paving.
6:30 a.m., Tuesday, August 21
Traffic has slowed considerably through the construction zone to 11 mph. The delay is about 10 minutes through the work zone. 1st Ave. S., 4th Ave S. and Airport Way are wide open. SR 509.SR 99 is congested south of the 1st Ave. S. Bridge. Traffic is moving smoothly on the Alaskan Way Viaduct.
6:00 a.m., Tuesday, August 21
Traffic is still moving smoother than yesterday morning at an average speed of 23 mph through the construction zone.
5:45 a.m., Tuesday, August 21
Traffic is starting to slow approaching the construction zone.
5:00 a.m., Tuesday, August 21
The Spokane Street on-ramp re-opened at 5 a.m. this morning.
4:30 a.m., Tuesday, August 21
Traffic is moving smoothly through the construction zone. The Spokane Street on-ramp to northbound I-5 will remain closed until 5 a.m. this morning. Overnight, crews prepared the bridge deck surface for paving later today.
9 p.m., Monday, August 20
Traffic is flowing smoothly through the construction zone with minimal backups. It is taking drivers approximately 10 minutes to travel through the backups and construction zone. Average speeds are around 10 - 15 mph.
8 p.m., Monday, August 20
There is still a 2 mile backup through the workzone. Drivers can expect 10 minute delays.
7:15 p.m., Monday, August 20
On I-5, traffic is still backed up to Albro Place, about 2 miles from the beginning of the work zone. It is taking drivers approximately 10 minutes to travel through the backups and construction zone. Average speeds are around 10 mph.
6:15 p.m., Monday, August 20
Traffic continues to smoothly, but slowly through the workzone. Backups are still about 2.5 miles long. Average speeds through the workzone are 8 mph. Traffic is flowing fairly well on city streets such as 4th Avenue and Airport Way, so these remain good alternatives to I-5.
5:45 p.m., Monday, August 20
Crews have postponed paving for the day. If the weather cooperates, they will begin paving again at 6 a.m. tomorrow morning.
Traffic is flowing fairly well on city streets such as 4th Avenue and Airport Way, so these remain good alternatives to I-5. On I-5, traffic is still backed up to Albro Place, about 2.5 miles from the beginning of the work zone. It is taking drivers approximately 30 minutes to travel through the backups and construction zone. Average speeds are around 6 mph.
5 p.m., Monday, August 20
Crews have decided postpone paving tonight. Weather depending, they will begin paving again at 6 a.m., Tuesday. The backup is still about 2.5 miles through the workzone. Traffic speeds are between 5 and 10 mph.
4 p.m., Monday, August 20
Crews have completed the steel work on all 34 expansion joints. Now they will turn their focus to paving. The traffic backup is holding steady at 2.5 miles. Drivers can expect 25 - 30 minute delays through the workzone.
3 p.m., Monday, August 20
Drivers can expect a 2.5 mile backup through the workzone. It is still taking drivers approximately 25-30 minutes to travel through the back-ups and construction zone. Average speeds are around 8 mph.
1:50 p.m., Monday, August 20
Current backup begins at Albro, about 2.5 miles from the beginning of the work zone. It is taking drivers approximately 25-30 minutes to travel through the back-ups and construction zone. Average speeds are around 8 mph.
12:55 p.m., Monday, August 20
Current backup begins south of Corson Ave, about 1.5 miles from the workzone. It is taking drivers approximately 20-25 minutes to travel through the back-ups and construction zone. Average speeds are around 10 mph.
Seattle to Bainbridge ferry service is returning to normal after being down to one boat this morning due to a mechanical issue. Expect longer than average wait times at the Bainbridge terminal.
12:15 p.m., Monday, August 20
Current backup begins at Albro Place. It is taking drivers approximately 30 minutes to travel through the back-ups and construction zone. Average speeds are around 10 mph.
12 p.m., Monday, August 20
A jackknifed semi truck was blocking the two left lanes of the collector-distributor. The semi has been cleared but drivers are advised to expect delays.
Current backup begins at Albro Street.
11:30 a.m., Monday, August 20
A jackknifed semi truck is blocking the two left lanes of the collector-distributor lane.
11:20 a.m., Monday, August 20
Traffic is backed up to Michigan Street. Average speed is 7 mph and it takes drivers 14 minutes to get through the work zone.
The Seattle to Bainbridge ferry run is down to one boat due to a mechanical issue. Average wait time at the Bainbridge terminal is three hours. Ferry passengers are encouraged to use the Kingston terminal. Repairs are expected to be finished this afternoon.
10 a.m., Monday, August 20
Traffic is backed up to Michigan Street. Average speed is 15-30 mph through the work zone.
A collision involving a semi truck is blocking the two right lanes of northbound I-5 just south of Enchanted Parkway in Federal Way. Drivers are advised to seek alternate routes into Seattle.
9:15 a.m., Monday, August 20
Traffic is backed up to Michigan Street. Average speed is 12 mph and it takes drivers 13 minutes to get through the work zone.
A collision involving a Metro bus is blocking the right lane of 4th Ave. S. at James St. Drivers are advised to see one of the other alternare routes.
8:45 a.m., Monday, August 20
Rain is slowing traffic. Drivers are reminded that all roads could be slick and to drive carefully.
Traffic is backed-up approximately 2.5 miles to Albro Place. Drivers are averaging about 10-15 mph through the construction zone and it takes about 20-30 minutes to travel through the back-up and project area
7:45 a.m., Monday, August 20
Rain is slowing traffic. Drivers are reminded that all roads could be slick and to drive carefully.
Traffic is backed-up to just south of Corson Ave. Drivers are averaging about 10-15 mph through the construction zone and it takes about 20 minutes to travel through the back-up and project area.
Northbound SR 509 and SR 599 are seeing increased volumes. Drivers are advised to use other alternate routes such as Boeing Access Road, East Marginal Way and Airport way.
6:45 a.m., Monday, August 20
Increasing rain is beginning to slow traffic. Drivers are reminded that all roads could be slick and to drive carefully.
Traffic is backed-up to Corson Ave. Drivers are averaging about 15 mph through the construction zone and it takes about 10 minutes to travel through the project area.
Northbound SR 509 is seeing increased volumes. Drivers are advised to use other alternate routes such as Boeing Access Road, East Marginal Way and Airport way
6:10 a.m., Monday, August 20
Traffic is backed-up to Corson Ave. Drivers are averaging about 15 mph through the construction zone and it takes about 10 minutes to travel through the project area.
5:25 a.m., Monday, August 20
A WSDOT Incident Response Team cleared a stalled vehicle from the left lane of northbound I-5 at Holgate. Backups begin at the Michigan curve.
Construction crews have now completed steel work on 26 of 34 expansion joints. Wet weather may slow or prevent paving today. Crews are still on track to complete the job and get all lanes open to traffic by Saturday morning at 5 a.m.
5:15 a.m., Monday, August 20
A stalled vehicle still blocks the left lane of northbound I-5 at Holgate. IRT is working to clear the vehicle. Backup begins at the Michigan curve.
5 a.m., Monday, August 20
A stalled vehicle is blocking the left lane of northbound I-5 at Holgate.
4:30 a.m., Monday, August 20
Traffic is moving freely through the work zone. Average speed is 20-30 mph.
The Spokane Street/West Seattle Bridge and S. Columbian Way will be closed Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday nights from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.
9 p.m., Monday, August 20
Traffic is flowing smoothly through the construction zone with minimal backups. It is taking drivers approximately 10 minutes to travel through the backups and construction zone. Average speeds are around 10 - 15 mph.
8 p.m., Monday, August 20
There is still a 2 mile backup through the workzone. Drivers can expect 10 minute delays.
7:15 p.m., Monday, August 20
On I-5, traffic is still backed up to Albro Place, about 2 miles from the beginning of the work zone. It is taking drivers approximately 10 minutes to travel through the backups and construction zone. Average speeds are around 10 mph.
6:15 p.m., Monday, August 20
Traffic continues to smoothly, but slowly through the workzone. Backups are still about 2.5 miles long. Average speeds through the workzone are 8 mph. Traffic is flowing fairly well on city streets such as 4th Avenue and Airport Way, so these remain good alternatives to I-5.
5:45 p.m., Monday, August 20
Crews have postponed paving for the day. If the weather cooperates, they will begin paving again at 6 a.m. tomorrow morning.
Traffic is flowing fairly well on city streets such as 4th Avenue and Airport Way, so these remain good alternatives to I-5. On I-5, traffic is still backed up to Albro Place, about 2.5 miles from the beginning of the work zone. It is taking drivers approximately 30 minutes to travel through the backups and construction zone. Average speeds are around 6 mph.
5 p.m., Monday, August 20
Crews have decided postpone paving tonight. Weather depending, they will begin paving again at 6 a.m., Tuesday. The backup is still about 2.5 miles through the workzone. Traffic speeds are between 5 and 10 mph.
4 p.m., Monday, August 20
Crews have completed the steel work on all 34 expansion joints. Now they will turn their focus to paving. The traffic backup is holding steady at 2.5 miles. Drivers can expect 25 - 30 minute delays through the workzone.
3 p.m., Monday, August 20
Drivers can expect a 2.5 mile backup through the workzone. It is still taking drivers approximately 25-30 minutes to travel through the back-ups and construction zone. Average speeds are around 8 mph.
1:50 p.m., Monday, August 20
Current backup begins at Albro, about 2.5 miles from the beginning of the work zone. It is taking drivers approximately 25-30 minutes to travel through the back-ups and construction zone. Average speeds are around 8 mph.
12:55 p.m., Monday, August 20
Current backup begins south of Corson Ave, about 1.5 miles from the workzone. It is taking drivers approximately 20-25 minutes to travel through the back-ups and construction zone. Average speeds are around 10 mph.
Seattle to Bainbridge ferry service is returning to normal after being down to one boat this morning due to a mechanical issue. Expect longer than average wait times at the Bainbridge terminal.
12:15 p.m., Monday, August 20
Current backup begins at Albro Place. It is taking drivers approximately 30 minutes to travel through the back-ups and construction zone. Average speeds are around 10 mph.
12 p.m., Monday, August 20
A jackknifed semi truck was blocking the two left lanes of the collector-distributor. The semi has been cleared but drivers are advised to expect delays.
Current backup begins at Albro Street.
11:30 a.m., Monday, August 20
A jackknifed semi truck is blocking the two left lanes of the collector-distributor lane.
11:20 a.m., Monday, August 20
Traffic is backed up to Michigan Street. Average speed is 7 mph and it takes drivers 14 minutes to get through the work zone.
The Seattle to Bainbridge ferry run is down to one boat due to a mechanical issue. Average wait time at the Bainbridge terminal is three hours. Ferry passengers are encouraged to use the Kingston terminal. Repairs are expected to be finished this afternoon.
10 a.m., Monday, August 20
Traffic is backed up to Michigan Street. Average speed is 15-30 mph through the work zone.
A collision involving a semi truck is blocking the two right lanes of northbound I-5 just south of Enchanted Parkway in Federal Way. Drivers are advised to seek alternate routes into Seattle.
9:15 a.m., Monday, August 20
Traffic is backed up to Michigan Street. Average speed is 12 mph and it takes drivers 13 minutes to get through the work zone.
A collision involving a Metro bus is blocking the right lane of 4th Ave. S. at James St. Drivers are advised to see one of the other alternare routes.
8:45 a.m., Monday, August 20
Rain is slowing traffic. Drivers are reminded that all roads could be slick and to drive carefully.
Traffic is backed-up approximately 2.5 miles to Albro Place. Drivers are averaging about 10-15 mph through the construction zone and it takes about 20-30 minutes to travel through the back-up and project area
7:45 a.m., Monday, August 20
Rain is slowing traffic. Drivers are reminded that all roads could be slick and to drive carefully.
Traffic is backed-up to just south of Corson Ave. Drivers are averaging about 10-15 mph through the construction zone and it takes about 20 minutes to travel through the back-up and project area.
Northbound SR 509 and SR 599 are seeing increased volumes. Drivers are advised to use other alternate routes such as Boeing Access Road, East Marginal Way and Airport way.
6:45 a.m., Monday, August 20
Increasing rain is beginning to slow traffic. Drivers are reminded that all roads could be slick and to drive carefully.
Traffic is backed-up to Corson Ave. Drivers are averaging about 15 mph through the construction zone and it takes about 10 minutes to travel through the project area.
Northbound SR 509 is seeing increased volumes. Drivers are advised to use other alternate routes such as Boeing Access Road, East Marginal Way and Airport way
6:10 a.m., Monday, August 20
Traffic is backed-up to Corson Ave. Drivers are averaging about 15 mph through the construction zone and it takes about 10 minutes to travel through the project area.
5:25 a.m., Monday, August 20
A WSDOT Incident Response Team cleared a stalled vehicle from the left lane of northbound I-5 at Holgate. Backups begin at the Michigan curve.
Construction crews have now completed steel work on 26 of 34 expansion joints. Wet weather may slow or prevent paving today. Crews are still on track to complete the job and get all lanes open to traffic by Saturday morning at 5 a.m.
5:15 a.m., Monday, August 20
A stalled vehicle still blocks the left lane of northbound I-5 at Holgate. IRT is working to clear the vehicle. Backup begins at the Michigan curve.
5 a.m., Monday, August 20
A stalled vehicle is blocking the left lane of northbound I-5 at Holgate.
4:30 a.m., Monday, August 20
Traffic is moving freely through the work zone. Average speed is 20-30 mph.
The Spokane Street/West Seattle Bridge and S. Columbian Way will be closed Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday nights from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.
9 p.m., Sunday, August 19
Despite a stalled motor home, traffic continued to move smoothly through the workzone. Traffic speeds average 20 mph.
7 p.m., Sunday, August 19
Drivers can expect one mile backups through the workzone. Traffic speeds average 13 - 15 mph.
6 p.m., Sunday, August 19
Crews continue to make progress repaving I-5 and replacing expansion joints. Crews will continue to work through the night. Drivers continue to see 1.5 mile backups near the workzone. It is currently taking drivers 10 - 15 minutes to travel through the workzone.
5 p.m., Sunday, August 19
Crews finished drying the wet pavement and began paving at 5 p.m. Drivers continue to see 1.5 mile backups near the workzone. It is currently taking drivers 10 - 15 minutes to travel through the workzone.
4 p.m., Sunday, August 19
Crews fired up the giant blow dryer around 2 p.m. They making good progress drying the wet pavement and plan to resume paving at around 5 p.m.
Currently, traffic is backed up for just over one mile. Traffic speeds through the workzone average 20 mph.
2:45 p.m., Sunday, August 19
Backups and traffic speeds remain unchanged. Average speed continues to be less than 15 mph and it takes about 15 minuets to travel through the construction zone. The backup begins south of the Corson/Michigan on-ramp.
1:40 p.m., Sunday, August 19
Average speed continues to be less than 15 mph and it takes about 15 minuets to travel through the construction zone. The backup begins south of the Corson/Michigan on-ramp.
12:45 p.m., Sunday, August 19
A collision on northbound SR 99 at the 1st Avenue S. Bridge is now cleared. The back-up is less than one mile.
Crews have found a break in the rain and will resume paving this afternoon around 5 p.m. and work through the night.
Crews are also continuing their work on expansion joints.
Average speed is less than 15 mph and it takes about 15 minuets to travel through the construction zone. The backup begins south of the Corson/Michigan on-ramp. Drivers headed to the Mariners game at 1:05 p.m. are encouraged to seek alternate routes.
12:10 p.m., Sunday, August 19
A collision is blocking the HOV lane on northbound SR 99 at the 1st Avenue S. Bridge. The back-up is approximately one mile. Drivers are advised to seek alternate routes.
Back-ups are increasing approaching the construction zone. Average speed is 15-20 mph. The backup begins just south of the Corson/Michigan on-ramp. Drivers headed to the Mariners game at 1:05 p.m. are encouraged to seek alternate routes.
11:30 a.m., Sunday, August 19
A collision is blocking the two left lanes on northbound SR 99 at the 1st Avenue S. Bridge. Drivers are advised to seek alternate routes.
10:50 a.m., Sunday, August 19
Traffic is slowing through the construction zone. Average speed is 18 mph. The backup begins just north of the Michigan on-ramp. Traffic is expected to build before the Mariners game at 1:05 p.m.
9:45 a.m., Sunday, August 19
An accident on northbound SR 99 on the 1st Avenue Bridge is now cleared. It was blocking the right lane and did not cause any significant back-ups.
The speed through the construction zone is currently around 30 mph.
9:20 a.m., Sunday, August 19
There is an accident on northbound SR 99 on the 1st Avenue Bridge blocking the right lane. It is not currently causing a back-up.
8:30 a.m., Sunday, August 19
Traffic volumes continue to increase as the morning progresses. Currently, there are no back-ups, but traffic is slowing at the north end of the project area where the collector-distributor splits from the mainline. Drivers are reminded that they can use the collector-distributor and rejoin I-5 north of the project zone.
7:00 a.m., Sunday, August 19
Paving has been put on hold while the rainy conditions persist. However, crews continue to work on expansion joints.
Traffic is flowing smoothly through the work zone at about 35 - 45 mph. There are no back ups.
5:30 a.m., Sunday, August 19
Overnight, maintenance crews covered the "exit only" sign over the right lane of I-5 to help drivers understand that they can stay in the right lane and reconnect with I-5.
Traffic update
Traffic is flowing smoothly through the work zone.
The Spokane Street/West Seattle Bridge and S. Columbian Way on-ramps are closed for the weekend.
Construction progress
Crews have finished work on expansion joints 16-20 and 22 - 34. Work continues on joint 21. Yesterday crews paved 2100 feet on the east 15 feet of the work zone, and 1600 feet on the west 12 feet of the work zone.
10:30, Saturday, August 18
It's started to rain and that may be contributing to backups still to the Michigan on-ramp. Delays and speeds are holding at 12-15 minutes and 10-15 mph.
9:30 p.m., Saturday, August 18
Traffic is in a serious holding pattern -- backed up to Michigan ramp, 10 -15 mph with 12-15 minute delays. On the other hand, alternate routes except for I-405 between I-5 and SR 167 are wide open.
7:30 p.m., Saturday, August 18
A broken-record report: Traffic is still backed up to the Michigan on-ramp, with average speeds of 12 miles an hour causing 14-minute delays.
5:30 p.m., Saturday, August 18
Drivers can expect travel speeds of 12 mph and a 14-minute delay through the workzone. Traffic is congested back to the Michigan Street on-ramp.
4:40 p.m., Saturday, August 18
Drivers can expect a 1.5 mile backup and a 15 to 20 minute delay through the workzone.
3:40 p.m., Saturday, August 18
Drivers can expect a 2.5 mile backup and upto a 20 minute delay through the workzone.
2 p.m., Saturday, August 18
Northbound traffic is still backed up to Albro Place. Travel speeds remain 10 - 20 mph through the workzone.
1 p.m., Saturday, August 18
The northbound I-5 backup is 2.5 miles, approaching Albro Place. Current speeds average 10- 20 mph through the work zone.
12 p.m., Saturday, August 18
The northbound I-5 backup is about two miles, approaching Corson Ave/Michigan Street. Current speeds average 10- 20 mph through the work zone.
10 a.m., Saturday, August 18
The northbound I-5 backup is about two miles to Michigan Street. Current speeds average 10- 20 mph through the work zone.
8:15 a.m., Saturday, August 18
Traffic is moving slowly through the work zone in part because many drivers are merging out of the collector-distributor lane. Both lanes travel through to northbound I-5. We installed additional signs overnight to remind drivers that they can stay in the right lane and reconnect with I-5. Speeds average 11 mph.
5:30 a.m., Saturday, August 18
Traffic is moving freely through the work zone. There are no backups at this time.
Both lanes of I-5 through the work zone travel through to northbound I-5. We installed additional signs overnight to remind drivers that they can stay in the right lane and reconnect with I-5.
10 p.m., Friday, August 17
Traffic continues to travel smoothly through the construciton zone. Current backups stretch to Corson Avenue. Traffic speeds remain unchanged at 20 mph.
8:20 p.m., Friday, August 17
Traffic is still backed up to Corson. Traffic speeds remain unchanged at 20 mph.
6:20 p.m., Friday, August 17
Traffic is backed up to Corson Ave and traffic is still slow through the construction zone. Drivers are advised to seek alternate routes to avoid 20 minute delays on I-5.
Both lanes of I-5 through the work zone travel through to northbound I-5. We will install additional signs overnight to remind drivers that they can stay in the right lane and reconnect with I-5.
5:45 p.m., Friday, August 17
Traffic is moving through the workzone at 5 mph, which means 40 minute delays for drivers.
4:35 p.m., Friday, August 17
Traffic speeds and delays through the workzone have improved. Traffic is moving through the workzone at 6 mph, which means 30 minute delays for drivers.
3:55 p.m., Friday, August 17
Traffic remains slow through the workzone. The backup extends for 2.5 miles to Albro Place. Drivers on I-5 can expect a 50 minute delay.
2:55 p.m., Friday, August 17
Traffic remains backed up to Albro. Speeds through the workzone have slowed to 4 mph. Drivers are now seeing 50 minute delays as over 1,100 vehicles per hour are currently traveling through the workzone.
1:15 p.m., Friday, August 17
Traffic is still backed up to Albro Place on northbound I-5. Drivers are advised to take alternate routes to avoid over 20 minute delays through the construction zone. Traffic is very congested on I-405 in both directions near Renton due to several collisions in the area.
11:30 a.m., Friday, August 17
Traffic is backed up to Albro Place but speeds have picked up through the construction zone. Drivers should take alternate routes to avoid 20 minute delays on northbound I-5.
10:45 a.m., Friday, August 17
The longest back up this morning was 45 minute delay from Albro Place through the end of the construction zone. WSDOT maintenance crews are taking advantage of the I-5 closures to do some pothole repair in the right lane of northbound I-5 just north of the construction zone.
10:00 a.m., Friday, August 17
Traffic is still backed up to the Michigan curve and has been for most of the morning.
8:35 a.m., Friday, August 17
Traffic is backed up over a mile on northbound I-5 to the Michigan curve with delays still over 30 minutes. Drivers should take alternates or use transit.
7:22 a.m., Friday, August 17
Drivers headed northbound I-5 through the construction zone will experience delays of more than 30 minutes. Traffic is backed up two miles to just south Albro Place. Good alternative routes are Airport Way S, E Marginal Way, 1st Avenue and SR 99.
6:55 a.m., Friday, August 17
About 1,000 vehicles per hour per lane are getting through the construction zone on I-5 this morning. This compares to about 1,400 vehicles per hour yesterday. Traffic is backed up on I-5 from the work zone to Albro and traffic is starting to slow on SR 99. Traffic continues to flow smoothly on city street alternate routes like Airport Way S. and E. Marginal Way S.
Both lanes of I-5 through the work zone travel through to northbound I-5. Crews have added and revised signs to help make this clear to drivers during the past few days. Traffic management center staff changed the closest overhead electronic sign to indicate "Do not change lanes. Both lanes to I-5 NB" (NB=northbound). Crews are making additional signs today. They will install them as soon as safely possible.
6:25 a.m., Friday, August 17
Traffic is backed up on northbound I-5 over a mile to Albro Place. Drivers are advised to take alternate routes or transit options. Drivers should not change lanes through the construction zone. Both lanes through the work zone take drivers through to northbound I-5.
5:45 a.m., Friday, August 17
Airport Way S. is a good alternate right now for drivers.
5:05 a.m., Friday, August 17
Two lanes are now open on I-5 northbound. The Spokane Street on-ramp re-opened at 4:45 a.m. Traffic is backed up about a mile to Corson Ave. S.
4:15 a.m., Friday, August 17
Traffic was shifted to the right side of the freeway overnight. Currently only one lane of traffic is getting through the construction zone. Crews plan to open an additional lane by 5 a.m. this morning.
10:30 p.m., Thursday, August 16
Only one lane is open on northbound I-5 through the workzone as crews shift traffic to the right side of the freeway. Drivers should expect long delays and plan alternate routes from midnight to 1 a.m. as crews conduct a rolling slowdown to move the concrete barrier. Two northbound lanes will be open at 5 a.m. for the morning commute.
Traffic continues to move through the workzone at a slow pace. The backup begins at Michigan Street. Traffic speeds through the work zone average 15 to 30 mph.
8:30 p.m., Thursday, August 16
Crews have closed the right lane in preparation for tonight's traffic shift. One more lane will close at 10 p.m., leaving just one northbound lane.
Traffic continues to move through the workzone at a slow pace. There are no major northbound backups. Traffic speeds through the work zone average 15 to 30 mph.
6:45 p.m., Thursday, August 16
Traffic continues to move through the workzone at a slow pace. The northbound I-5 backup is still approximately 3/4 mile from the work zone.
Traffic speeds through the work zone average 10 mph.
4:20 p.m., Thursday, August 16
The northbound I-5 backup begins at Michigan Street, 3/4 mile from the work zone. Traffic speeds through the work zone average 10 mph.
3:50 p.m., Thursday, August 16
Traffic speeds through the workzone average 10 mph. The drive through the work zone is approximately 7 minutes.
2:45 p.m., Thursday, August 16
Traffic will be shifted to stage 3 late tonight. Two northbound lanes will be open through the work zone tomorrow morning. One those lanes will be the collector-distributor. Please check this diagram (pdf 148kb) for more infromation.
12:20 p.m., Thursday, August 16
Traffic is slowing through the construction zone to approximately 16 mph. The drive through the work zone is approximately 5 minutes.
Please be aware that the right northbound I-5 lane veers away from I-5 near I-90 (known as the collector distributor lane). This lane meets back up with northbound I-5 just past I-90. Drivers can also exit to I-90, James St. and Madison St. from this far right lane.
Crews just completed striping the two lanes that traffic will be traveling on early tomorrow morning.
11:00 a.m., Thursday, August 16
Traffic is slowing through the construction zone, but there are no back-ups leading to the project area.
It appears that fewer drivers took I-5 this morning than yesterday, as there were no significant back-up at any point in the morning.
It will be especially important for drivers to continue avoiding I-5 beginning tomorrow, when there will be only two open lanes. Many of the alternate routes, including Airport Way, have been wide open the past few days.
Crews are currently working to finish paving near the 4th Ave ramp and the collector-distributor lane.
Crews are also under the west side of northbound I-5 preparing expansion joints for work tonight.
9:45 a.m., Thursday, August 16
Traffic is slowing through the construction zone, but there are no back-ups leading to the project area.
It appears that fewer drivers took I-5 this morning than yesterday, as there were no significant back-up at any point in the morning.
It will be especially important for drivers to continue avoiding I-5 beginning tomorrow, when there will be only two open lanes. Many of the alternate routes, including Airport Way, have been wide open the past few days.
8:15 a.m., Thursday, August 16
Traffic is moving through the construction zone at about 15 to 20 mph. There are no back-ups leading to the project area
7:30 a.m., Thursday, August 16
Traffic is moving through the construction zone at about 15 mph. Traffic is starting to build around Spokane Street.
7:00 a.m., Thursday, August 16
Traffic is moving through the construction zone at about 30 mph. There are no back-ups at this time.
Currently, crews are sweeping and cleaning the construction site so the striping crew can apply permanent striping.
6:00 a.m., Thursday, August 16
Crews are finishing paving work on the 4th Ave exit ramp. The ramp should open in time for the evening commute.
Traffic is increasing through the construction zone, but there are no back-ups.
5:00 a.m., Thursday, August 16
Crews did not complete the traffic switch last night. They decided that there was too great of a risk that there would only be one lane open for the morning commute.
The traffic shift will occur tonight.
10:20 p.m., Wednesday, August 15
Crews have decided to delay the traffic shift to stage 3 to Thursday night. Three northbound lanes will be open for the Thursday morning commute. The contractor was concerned there would not be enough time to complete the necessary work to reopen the freeway in time for the Thursday morning commute. We are still on track to complete the project on Aug. 25.
8:35 p.m., Wednesday, August 15
Crews have been working quickly to complete stage 2 of this project. The closures will shift to the left side of the freeway beginning tomorrow morning. Two lanes are open to traffic right now. Between 1 a.m. and 2 a.m. crews will conduct a rolling slowdown to move the concrete barrier. Drivers are advised to expect long delays and seek alternate routes.
6:35 p.m., Wednesday, August 15
There is an increasing chance, now 60%, that crews will reach their milestone which will allow them to switch lanes from the West side to the East side to Stage 3 tonight. We will know shortly after 8 p.m. tonight.
6:15 p.m., Wednesday, August 15
Average time through the work zone right now is about five minutes, at about 15 mph.
4:45 p.m., Wednesday, August 15
Paving did not progress as quickly as we had hoped today. There is a 50/50 chance that crews will reach their milestone tonight which will allow them to switch lanes from the West side to the East side to Stage 3. We will know between 7 and 8 p.m. tonight.
3:55 p.m.
Crews are working to complete paving the section near 4th Avenue South, aiming for 8 p.m. completion to determine whether the switch to the next stage will be able to happen tonight. Engineers are working with the contractor to get a better estimate by 4:30 p.m.
3:30 p.m.
At one time this morning, the longest backup on I-5 took 13 minutes to get through the work zone to Spokane Street.
1:15 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 15
Traffic is moving at smoothly through the work zone. There is a Mariners game at 1:35 p.m. today.
Sound Transit reports there was a slight decrease in the number of riders today compared to the last two days. We also noticed increased traffic on I-5 this morning. We encourage drivers to keep taking transit or using alternate routes so we don't see large backups, especially with I-5 reduced to two lanes tomorrow.
11:30 a.m., Wednesday, Aug. 15
Ramp closures
As part of tonight's traffic switch, crews will close the West Seattle Bridge/Spokane Street on-ramp, the exit to I-90 and the collector distributor from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. The 4th Ave exit will reopen at 5 a.m. Thursday morning and the Columbian Way on-ramp will remain closed through out the project.
Traffic is moving at smoothly through the work zone. There is a Mariners game at 1:35 p.m. today.
11:00 a.m., Wednesday, Aug. 15
Work is five days ahead of schedule
Crews have announced that they are five days ahead of schedule. Barring unforseen problems, they will complete this project by 5 a.m., Friday, Aug. 24 or faster.
Traffic shift tonight
Crews will reduce northbound I-5 to two lanes between Spokane Street and I-90 beginning at 8 p.m. tonight and to one lane at 10 p.m. tonight. This allows crews to shift traffic to the two right lanes by 5 a.m. for tomorrow's commute. As part of the traffic switch, crews will also close the West Seattle Bridge/Spokane Street on-ramp to northbound I-5 between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m.
Traffic is moving at approximately 20 mph through the work zone.
9:30 a.m., Wednesday, Aug. 15
Crews have completed 32 halves of 34 joints and are now working on the last two halves. They will continue paving and deck prep work through the day and plan on reducing northbound I-5 to one lane by 8 p.m. This will allow them to switch traffic to the two right lanes by 10 p.m. and begin work on the other halves.
Traffic is moving smoothly through the work zone and there are no residual back-ups.
8:12 a.m., Wednesday, Aug. 15
A stalled vehicle was removed from the right lane on I-5 just south of I-90.
8:05 a.m., Wednesday, Aug. 15
There is a stalled vehicle blocking the right lane on I-5 just south of I-90.
Traffic is stop-and-go from Corson/Michigan through the construction zone.
7:30 a.m., Wednesday, Aug. 15
Traffic is moving at 20 mph through the work zone. We continue to see back-ups to Albro.
1st Avenue S. and Airport Way S. are both wide open. If northbound I-5 drivers exit at Boeing Access Road, they can connect to these excellent alternate routes into Seattle.
6:45 a.m., Wednesday, Aug. 15
Traffic is backed-up 1.5 miles to Albro. Through the work zone, traffic is moving 14 mph and taking 11 minutes to clear.
Traffic has thinned out on northbound I-5 between Federal Way and SR 516. Airport Way S. is wide open and an excellent alternate route this morning.
The city of Seattle traffic center is seeing increased congestion. They are currently adjusting signal timing to help keep traffic flowing.
6:15 a.m., Wednesday, Aug. 15
It's taking drivers approximately seven minutes to get from Albro to Holgate. This is twice the time it usually takes, and a direct result of the increased volumes this morning.
We have completed work on the east half of 30 out of 34 expansion joints.
5:30 a.m., Wednesday, Aug. 15
At 1:15 a.m., crews completed paving a 1600-foot section between S. Lander and Holgate. Two paving teams will arrive around 6 a.m. to start the work between the 4th Avenue ramp and I-90.
We are seeing increased congestion on northbound I-5 between Federal Way and Midway near SR 516. We need drivers to continue taking alternate routes or modes of transportation. The past two days have been light because drivers helped. To keep traffic moving smoothly, we need drivers to stay the course.
5:00 a.m., Wednesday, Aug 15
Crews kept three lanes open overnight. Traffic was light as paving and expansion joint work continued.
We are waiting for a progress report from engineers and will post this information shortly.
10 p.m., Tuesday, Aug 14
Expect the next update shortly after 4:30 a.m. Wednesday.
WSDOT traffic engineers report that volumes increased today in the afternoon and evening compared to Monday, particularly on I-5 and SR 99. We're asking drivers to continue to help out by taking alternate routes, carpooling, using transit, and avoiding or rescheduling trips.
Later Tuesday evening crews expect to complete paving a 1600-foot section on the east half of northbound I-5 between Lander and Holgate streets. Crews continue to work on expansion joints and have replaced 23 expansion joints on the east half of the work zone.
8:30 p.m., Tuesday, Aug 14
Traffic is flowing smoothly through the work zone at this hour. WSDOT engineers observed drivers being attentive and leaving additional space between them and the vehicle in front. This has led to fewer work zone collisions.
7 p.m., Tuesday, Aug 14
The Mariner's game is having minimal impacts on traffic tonight. Traffic through the workzone segment is traveling at 25 mph and taking about three minutes.
5 p.m., Tuesday, Aug 14
Although traffic volumes increased slightly from yesterday's afternoon commute, vehicles are moving at a steady pace in around the construction zone.
3:45 p.m., Tuesday, Aug 14
Crews began paving lanes and ramps between Spokane Street and I-90 beginning at 1 p.m. and will continue to 10 p.m.
As of 2:30 p.m. traffic through the 1.4 mile workzone segment was traveling at 15 mph and taking about five minutes.
2 p.m., Tuesday, Aug 14
Three through lanes are open on northbound I-5 through the work zone. The right lane takes drivers onto the collector-distributor, which allows through traffic to reconnect with I-5 near Madison and provides access to off-ramps to I-90, James Street and Madison Street.
12 p.m., Tuesday, Aug 14
Drivers made alternate plans and traffic volumes through the construction zone this morning were 40 percent lower than a typical workday. Anyone going to the Mariners game tonight is urged to avoid freeway backups by leaving early and taking alternate routes.
Crews are working hard to finish scheduled paving in advance of potential showers forecasted for Thursday.
10:30 a.m., Tuesday, Aug 14
Drivers continue to help and traffic is moving easily through the construction zone and on alternate routes.
Today, crews are working on paving 1,500 feet just north of the Spokane Street and Columbian Way on-ramps. They are also working on expansion joints just north of the exit to I-90.
9 a.m., Tuesday, Aug 14
Crews from SDOT and WSDOT are monitoring traffic lights south of Seattle and making changes as needed.
I-5 northbound: Drivers can stay in the right lane through the construction zone and remain on northbound I-5.
Drivers continue to help and traffic is moving easily through the construction zone and on alternate routes.
8:05 a.m., Tuesday, Aug 14
A disabled bus that was blocking mulitple lanes on 4th Ave S. just north of Jackson is now cleared.
8 a.m., Tuesday, Aug 14
There is a disabled bus blocking all but one lane of northbound 4th Ave S. just north of Jackson Street.
7:15 a.m., Tuesday, Aug. 14
I-5 northbound : Traffic is still moving through the construction zone thanks to drivers making alternate plans.
Airport Way S. is wide open.
SR 99 at the First Avenue S. Bridge is moving and a little heavier than normal.
6:30 a.m., Tuesday, Aug. 14
Traffic is moving about 20 mph on northbound I-5 from S. Albro Place through the construction zone. Traffic on SR 99 northbound is heavier than normal but moving. Airport Way S. is wide open.
Crews are a quarter of the way done with expansion joint replacement work. They also finished paving 1,300 feet overnight.
6:15 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 14
Traffic volumes are starting to build through the construction zone. Traffic is backed up about a mile. Some drivers remain confused about the right lane through the construction zone. Drivers can use the right lane to stay on northbound I-5.
5:45 a.m. Tuesday, Aug 14
Crews area quarter of the way done with expansion joint replacement work. They also finished paving 1,300 feet overnight.
4:15 a.m., Tuesday, Aug 14
Crews have reopened the two additional lanes they closed overnight. There is now three lanes through the construction zone.
The city of Renton opened Rainier Avenue S. ahead of schedule.
12:30 a.m., Tuesday, Aug 14
Crews have reduced northbound I-5 to one lane through the construction zone.
Tonight crews are on schedule and are planning to set the bar even higher. They hope to increase their paving rate from 15 cubic feet per hour to 20 cubic feet per hour, and expect to finish paving over 1,300 feet just south of the I-90 interchange by early this morning.
Drivers are doing their part to reduce traffic congestion. During Monday's afternoon commute we saw 39 percent less traffic on northbound I-5, and 9 percent more traffic on northbound I-405. We need drivers' help to keep traffic moving as construction continues. Drivers should keep taking alternate routes, carpooling, using transit and avoiding or rescheduling trips to make Tuesday's commute as smooth as Monday's.
Thanks to the Seattle Department of Transportation for use of their traffic cameras.
9 p.m., Monday, Aug 13
Drivers are doing their part to reduce traffic congestion. There was 39% less traffic on I-5 Northbound, and 9% more traffic on I-405 Northbound.
And, even though traffic congestion was minimal today, WSDOT wants to remind drivers to continue to use alternate routes for the rest of the week to keep numbers low.7:45 p.m., Monday, Aug 13
Traffic volumes remained light with minimal backups through the afternoon commute despite a Seattle Mariner's game at Safeco Field, several stalled vehicles and one fender bender in the construction zone. Traffic speeds through the construction zone have increased to nearly 40 mph.
Meanwhile, crews are making good progress on paving lanes and replacing expansion joints. They have been able to pave about 10 to 15 yards per hour.
5 p.m., Monday, Aug 13
While traffic is moving well through the construction zone on northbound I-5, an accident on southbound I-5 is blocking the right lane at the end of the on-ramp from the west Seattle Bridge. Traffic has backed up about two miles southbound.
4 p.m., Monday, Aug 13
Construction is progressing well late this afternoon. Traffic is flowing at 22 mph, causing a four minute delay in the construction zone.
Traffic has been light today and WSDOT is thanking drivers for their help.
3 p.m., Monday, Aug 13
Construction is progressing well this afternoon. Right now a paving truck and its crew are working near the Spokane Street exit.
Traffic is still mostly light with a significant number of drivers staying away from the construction zone.
Going to the Mariner's game tonight? Here's some advice from the M's Web site on how to avoid the expected traffic backups on I-5.
From the south: Exiting early at the Boeing Access Road off ramp (exit 158), and following Airport Way, East Marginal Way, SR 99, 4th Avenue or 1st Avenue north to the ballpark is a good choice.
From the north: If you are coming to the ballpark from the north, exiting early in downtown Seattle, and following 2nd Avenue or 1st Avenue South to the ballpark, is your best bet.
2 p.m., Monday, Aug 13
Traffic is moving smoothly through the construction zone. We appreciate drivers' help and patience. Please continue to plan ahead, use transit, take alternate routes or adjust your schedule so we can keep traffic moving.
Crews continue to make make good progress. At 1 p.m., they began paving sections of the highway near Holgate Street. They will pave until midnight or 1 a.m. tomorrow morning.
Top questions into the phone bank (206.440.4704) this morning:
Q: You're a real voice!?
A: Yes, we have the phone bank staffed from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. to answer your questions.
Q: Are there closures on southbound I-5?
A: No. Traffic is moving smoothly on southbound I-5 and we will not be closing any lanes.
Q: Is I-90 open?
A: Yes. All ramps to and from I-90 are open.
Q: How can I get to the Mariner's game?
A:
Going to the Mariner's game tonight? Here's some advice from the M's Web site on how to avoid the expected traffic backups on I-5.
From the south: Exiting early at the Boeing Access Road off ramp (exit 158), and following Airport Way, East Marginal Way, SR 99, 4th Avenue or 1st Avenue north to the ballpark is a good choice.
From the north: If you are coming to the ballpark from the north, exiting early in downtown Seattle, and following 2nd Avenue or 1st Avenue South to the ballpark, is your best bet.
12:45 p.m., Monday, Aug 13
Traffic is moving smoothly through the construction zone. We appreciate drivers' help and patience. Please continue to plan ahead, use transit, take alternate routes or adjust your schedule so we can keep traffic moving.
In the meantime, crews are making good progress. They have completed work on five expansion joints and will begin a long day of paving starting at 1 p.m. They will pave until midnight or 1 a.m. tomorrow morning.
11 a.m., Monday, Aug 13
The morning peak commute is over but traffic continues to building slightly through the construction zone. Most vehicles are slowing to about 15 to 25 miles per hour through some of the work zone but no back-ups are visible.
Traffic appears to be light on all suggested alternate routes into downtown Seattle.
10 a.m., Monday, Aug 13
Thanks to drivers, we saw no major backups on I-5 during the morning commute. Traffic is slowing through the work zone to about 30 to 40 miles per hour.
Many would-be drivers took transit. Here's what we hear happened this morning on transit:
King County Metro reports that most buses had a smooth ride. They estimate an increase in ridership, but no over-packed buses. They did not use any of their back-up buses.
Sound Transit reports they saw many new riders early in the morning. About three times as many people boarded the first train out of Tacoma this morning. They encourage people to take transit to reach the stations.
The West Seattle Water Taxi is a popular option. There were reports of large loads the first few boats and parking around the dock filled up about half an hour earlier than normal.
8:20 a.m., Monday, Aug. 13
Three through lanes are open on northbound I-5 through the work zone.
Traffic:
Thanks to drivers, traffic is flowing freely through the construction zone.
Going to the Mariner's game tonight? Here's some advice from the M's Web site on how to avoid the expected traffic backups on I-5.
From the south: Exiting early at the Boeing Acess Road off ramp (exit 158), and following Airport Way, East Marginal Way, SR99, 4th Avenue or 1st Avenue north to the ballpark is a good choice.
From the north: If you are coming to the ballpark from the north, exiting early in downtown Seattle, and following 2nd Avenue or 1st Avenue South to the ballpark, is your best bet.
The Spokane Street on-ramp to northbound I-5 and the collector-distributor lane are open to traffic. The 4th Avenue off-ramp is now closed. Rainier Ave. S. is closed in the city of Renton.
7:25 a.m., Monday, Aug. 13
Three through lanes are open on northbound I-5 through the work zone. The right lane takes drivers onto the collector-distributor, which provides access to off-ramps to I-90, James St. and Madison St. and allows through traffic to reconnect with mainline I-5 near Madison.
Thanks to drivers, traffic is flowing freely through the construction zone. We are seeing slightly increased congestion on SR 509 at SR 99, and traffic appears to be slightly heavier than normal on many of the alternate routes. Traffic back-ups on I-405, due to earlier collisions, continue.
6:20 a.m., Monday, Aug. 13
WSDOT incident response crews promptly cleared our first stalled vehicle in the work zone. The vehicle was blocking the one of three lanes of traffic.
5:40 a.m., Monday, Aug. 13
The 4th Avenue ramp is now closed. The Spokane Street on-ramp to northbound I-5 and the collector distributor lane are open.
We are seeing increasing traffic volumes as the morning progresses. Traffic appears to be slightly heavier than normal on many of the alternate routes.
Three lanes are open through the construction zone. The right lane takes drivers onto the collector-distributor, which provides access to off-ramps to I-90, James St. and Madison St. and allows through traffic to reconnect with mainline I-5 near Madison.
Through the early morning, crews have been working to finish paving over 1,100 feet of highway and relocate over 1,000 feet of concrete barrier to reopen the Spokane Street on-ramp and the off-ramps to I-90, the collector-distributor, and S. Dearborn Street.
Crews made good progress over the weekend. They successfully replaced the east half of eight expansion joints and began paving on the north and south ends of the project.
Looking ahead, Monday brings work on six expansion joints on both the north and south end of the project. Crews will pave north of Spokane Street.
5 a.m., Monday, Aug. 13
Crews have reopened the Spokane Street on-ramp to northbound I-5. They are now working to close the 4th Avenue off-ramp.
Three lanes are open through the construction zone. Traffic is flowing smoothly. Crews are working to close the 4th Avenue off-ramp.
4:20 a.m., Monday, Aug. 13
Crews have reopened the collector distributor lane. They are now working to open the Spokane Street on-ramp.
4:15 a.m. , Monday, Aug. 13
Crews have reopened a second northbound lane. Traffic is flowing smoothly. Crews will reopen the Spokane Street on-ramp and the off-ramp to I-90 and the collector distributor by 5 a.m.
1:30 a.m., Monday, Aug. 13
Traffic has lightened up and vehicles are now getting through the work zone at 30 to 40 mph.
1 a.m., Monday, Aug. 13
Traffic is now slowing down a bit with just one lane open. Speeds have slowed down to 15-20 mph. Just one lane will remain open until 4:30 a.m.
12:30 a.m., Monday, Aug. 13
Crews have reduced northbound I-5 to one lane through the construction zone until 4:30 a.m. Despite the extra lane restriction, traffic is moving well with little or no delays.
10:30 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 12
Traffic is moving well on northbound I-5, with speeds averaging 30 to 40 mph.
8:30 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 12
Crews made good progress over the weekend. They successfully replaced 10 expansion joints and began paving on the north and south ends of the project. Through the evening, crews will work to finish paving over 1,100 feet of highway and relocate over 1,000 feet of concrete barrier to reopen the Spokane Street on-ramp and the off-ramps to I-90, the collector-distributor, and S. Dearborn Street.
6:30 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 12
Currently, travel speeds through the work zone are 18 mph. That means it will take drivers about four to five minutes to travel through the construction zone.
5 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 12
Currently, travel speeds through the work zone are about 16 mph. That means it will take drivers about five minutes to travel through the construction zone.
3:45 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 12
Crews continue to make progress with paving the bridge deck. Traffic volumes have increased through the construction zone.
Currently, travel speeds through the work zone are about 13 mph.
2:45 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 12
Crews have starting paving the bridge deck. The production rate on removing the steel strip from the old expansion joints has improved significantly, from approximately 12 feet per hour to approximately 20 feet per hour.
Currently, travel speeds through the work zone are about 20 mph.
1:45 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 12
Crews are still preparing the bridge deck and expect to start paving soon. Some sandblasting remains for the northbound collector-distributor on-ramp. Crews are also working on joints in the the Spokane Street area.
Currently travel speeds through the work zone are about 16 mph.
1 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 12
Thank you, drivers, for your help yesterday. Recently processed traffic data shows that 42% fewer drivers were on northbound I-5 near the work zone yesterday. The longest I-5 northbound backup was from the work zone to Spokane Street. The longest it took to drive from the end of the back up through the work zone was 10 minutes. Delays on I-405 yesterday appear to be a result of drivers avoiding I-5 and Rainier Avenue South, which the city of Renton and Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway have closed to remove a railroad overpass.
> Traffic volume on northbound I-5 north of Boeing Access Rd (63,500), down 42% (45,500 vehicles) compared to last August (109,000)
> Traffic volume on northbound I-405 @ NE 30th St. (80,000) up 15% (10,500 vehicles) compared to last August (69,500)
> Traffic volume on northbound SR 99 @ 1st Ave Bridge (37,200) up 27% (8,000 vehicles) compared to last August (29,300)
> We saw a roughly 55% reduction in traffic through the work zone north of Spokane Street yesterday, which differs slightly from the 60% estimate we released yesterday.
11:30 a.m., Sunday, Aug. 12
Traffic volumes have picked up through the work zone and speeds have dropped to approximately 17 mph. There is no back-up outside of the project limits.
The city of Seattle Traffic Management Center reported that city streets look good and they aren't seeing extra volumes yet.
10:00 a.m., Sunday, Aug. 12
Crews finished replacing the east half of five expansion joints near the exit to I-90 yesterday. They are now working on the east half of three more joints near the I-90 exit and five near Spokane Street. Construction is on schedule.
Traffic is moving smoothly through the construction zone. Reductions in traffic this week end indicate that drivers heeded our pleas for help. We are hopeful that drivers will do the same tomorrow morning.
9:00 a.m., Sunday, Aug. 12
The giant blow dryer is at the northend of the construction zone ready to dry out the bridge deck after wet conditions so crews can continue paving.
7:30 a.m., Sunday, Aug. 12
Traffic is still light through the construction zone and around the greater Puget Sound.
5:45 a.m., Sunday, Aug. 12
Traffic is moving smoothly through the construction zone this morning. Drivers are reminded to use caution. Showers are in the forecast today so our contractor will have a giant blower on site to quickly dry out the bridge deck so we can begin paving.
8 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 11
As day turns into night and volumes subside, traffic moving well on northbound I-5 and all alternate routes. I-405 in Renton has unclogged after being congested for much of the day.
Crew are making good progress on paving near Spokane Street and removing and replacing five expansion joints at the northbound exit to I-90 and the collector distributor roadway. WSDOT expects crews to complete the five joints by 10 p.m. Saturday and the paving near Spokane Street by 11 p.m. Crews will switch ends of the freeway overnight with the paving team moving north to the I-90 exit and the expansion joint team going south to work near Spokane Street.
4:15 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 11
Traffic is slowing down a bit on northbound I-5 the construction zone, and flowing smoothly on alternate routes, except for I-405 in the Renton S-curves, which is congested in both directions.
Thank you, drivers! Our traffic engineers estimate that northbound I-5 traffic is about 60 percent lighter than a normal Saturday. But this is no time for complacency. We need you to keep taking alternate routes, carpooling, using transit and avoiding or rescheduling trips to keep traffic moving.
Due to the forecast of drizzle Sunday morning, the contractor, CBI, is bringing in a giant blow dryer to dry the pavement on the north end of the project. The pavement must be completely dry before they can apply the polyester material.
3:15 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 11
Drivers are continuing to help out. Traffic is slowing down a bit approaching the construction zone, but otherwise is flowing smoothly on I-5 and northbound alternate routes heading north into downtown Seattle.
The I-5 Express Lanes are operating southbound all weekend.
This afternoon crews are paving the Spokane Street on-ramp and on two lanes of I-5 near Spokane Street. Work continues on removing and replacing five expansion joints at the exit to I-90 and the collector-distributor roadway. Crews expect to complete the joint work at around 6 p.m. Saturday. Crews are on schedule.
1 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 11
SR 99 northbound traffic at the First Avenue S. Bridge is heavier than normal but still flowing at the speed limit.
11:45 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 11
Traffic has slowed down through the construction zone to an average of 17 mph. Traffic south of the construction zone is still moving smoothly. The crew has started paving the Spokane Street on-ramp.
10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 11
We expect volumes to climb slowly as we get into the afternoon, however yesterday's traffic patterns hint that drivers may have started taking early action to avoid congestion. Crews will begin paving on the Spokane Street on-ramp shortly.
9 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 11
Traffic is moving smoothly through the construction zone. Construction progress is moving smoothly. Crews are on deck to start paving at 10 a.m. after grinding and removal of old pavement is complete.
7:30 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 11
I-5 traffic is still moving smoothly. The city of Renton and the Burlington Northern Railway Company have shut down Rainier Ave. S through Renton to replace a railroad bridge until Aug. 15 at 10 p.m. Construction progress is moving smoothly. Crews are on schedule to pave at 10 a.m.
6 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 11
Crews are on deck to start resurfacing the Spokane Street on-ramp once the final grinding and removal of old pavement is completed. WSDOT Incident Response Team is roving the construction site. Traffic is moving smoothly. Drivers are reminded that the speed limit is 45 mph in the construction zone and to stay alert and use caution.
4:30 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 11
Two narrow left lanes are now open through the construction zone. The following ramps will remain closed through the weekend: the Columbian Way on ramp to northbound I-5, the West Seattle freeway and Spokane Street on ramps to northbound I-5, and the northbound I-5 ramp to I-90 and Dearborn.
Two narrow lanes are now open through the construction zone after overnight work closed an additional lane to set up the work zone. Work is under way on the expansion joingts at the ramp to the collector-distributor, re-striping I-5 into a three lane configuration and placing the rest of the concrete jersey barrier.
3 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 11
Crews are setting up a concrete jersey barrier through the work zone. They are also removing existing lane striping and moving northbound I-5 into a temporary three lane configuration with narrower lanes. Work is under way on the expansion joints at the ramp to the collector-distributor.
11:30 p.m., Friday, Aug. 10
Work remains on schedule and as planned. The three right lanes of northbound I-5 between Spokane Street and I-90 are now closed. The off-ramp to I-90, the northbound collector-distributor, the S. Columbian Way on-ramp and S. Spokane Street on-ramp are also closed.
Traffic is light and moving smoothly through construction.
9 p.m., Friday, Aug. 10
Crews started closing the first lane at the south end of the project near the Albro exit at 9 p.m. As they slowly drive their trucks north to Spokane Street, they place orange barrels to close off the two right lanes.
8 p.m., Friday, Aug. 10
Crews will begin closing lanes at 9 p.m. after deciding it would be more efficient to close two lanes at 9 p.m. rather than one at 7 p.m. and one at 9 p.m. A third lane will close at 10 p.m., as well as the following ramps: the Columbian Way on ramp to northbound I-5, the West Seattle freeway and Spokane Street on ramps to northbound I-5, and the northbound I-5 ramp to I-90 and Dearborn. Crews will also start setting barrier at 10 p.m. and expect to complete that work by 6 a.m.
2 p.m., Friday, Aug. 10
Crew members are working underneath the bridge deck to get the expansion joints ready for removal and are preparing equipment and supplies and getting ready to mobilize onto lanes and ramps of I-5 starting at 7 p.m. tonight. Earlier today they participated in a safety briefing.
10 a.m., Friday, Aug. 10
Work overnight progressed smoothly as crews preped the worksite for the start of around-the-clock lane closures tonight. Crews will start to close lanes and ramps at 7 p.m. tonight. By 10 pm three lanes of I-5 northbound will be closed and the Spokane Street on-ramp to northbound I-5, the ramp to I-90 from northbound I-5 and the Columbian Way on-ramp to northbound I-5 will also be closed.
Preliminary expansion joint work
Crews will work underneath the bridge deck throughout the day getting the expansion joints ready for removal.
6:30 a.m., Friday, Aug. 10
Around-the-clock lane closures will be in place by 10 p.m. tonight.
Drivers should watch for new traffic revisions this morning. Through the construction zone lanes are as narrow as 10 feet and the HOV lane signs have been covered opening up the lane to all traffic through the construction zone. The right lane on Airport Way S. is now officially designated as a truck/transit and emergency vehicle only lane.
6:30 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 9
Overnight Work
Crews will be busy tonight covering HOV signs on northbound I-5 and uncovering signs on Airport Way S. to officially designate the right lane for truck and transit only.
4:00 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 8
Hot topics today from I-5 hotline callers (206-440-4704)
Q: Will there be lane closures on southbound I-5 from Aug. 10-29?
A: No, only northbound I-5 closures are planned during that time.
Q: How long will it take me to get to SeaTac during the construction?
A: We can't estimate travel times because we don't know how many drivers will help us during the closure by carpooling, riding the bus or train, working from home, changing their schedules, etc. Allow ample time to get to and from the airport. Be ready to jump to routes other than I-5.
Q: When do the lane closures start, exactly?
A: Friday, August 10 at 10 p.m.
2:00 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 8
Lane closures tonight
Crews will close three left lanes of northbound I-5 overnight from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. to prep the work zone for around-the-clock lane closures starting at 10 p.m. Friday Aug. 10.
Traffic Revisions
Airport Way S.: The right lane of Airport Way S. will be designated as a truck and transit lane only starting tomorrow, Aug. 9.
Northbound I-5: Overnight HOV lane diamonds and stripes will be removed through the work zone. Narrower and shifted lanes could slow traffic tomorrow. Drivers are reminded to drive carefully through the work zone.
We have launched our project hotline at 206-440-4704 for questions and feedback on the project.
6:30 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 8
Lane closures tonight
Crews will close three left lanes of northbound I-5 overnight from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. to prep the work zone for around-the clock lane closures starting at 10 p.m. Friday Aug. 10.
Possible lane shifts
As early as tomorrow morning drivers may notice HOV lane diamonds and stripes removed through the work zone. Also narrower and shifted lanes could slow traffic. Drivers are reminded to drive carefully through the work zone.
Thanks to the Seattle Department of Transportation for use of their traffic cameras.
4:00 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 7
WSDOT is getting ready to start around-the-clock lane closures on northbound I-5 from Spokane Street to I-90 starting at 10 p.m. Aug, 10.
Lane closures tonight:
Crews will close the two right lanes of northbound I-5 between Spokane Street and I-90 overnight tonight between 7 p.m. and 5 a.m. They are getting a jump on work required to complete freeway repairs.
Project hotline:
We have launched our project hotline at 206-440-4704 for questions and feedback on the project. From August 6-9, staff will answer the hotline between 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.; from August 9 until the construction is complete staff will generally answer the hotline between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m.