Project news

• People traveling southbound I-5 between Spring Street and Lucile Street in Seattle should plan for lane reductions from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. weeknights.
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Why is WSDOT rehabilitating this section of southbound I-5?

The pavement is worn on southbound I-5 as well as on the southbound collector/distributor, which has on- and off-ramps connecting the interstate with southern downtown Seattle and I-90. Since this section of I-5 opened in the mid-1960s, cracks and ruts have developed in the lanes that now carry about 120,000 vehicles each day.

Rehabilitating this section will eliminate cracks and ruts that allow water to collect on the roadway, which reduces traction. Cracks and ruts also eventually could lead to additional roadway damage, which could require costly emergency repairs.

Project details

Between Spring Street in downtown Seattle and South Lucile Street near Boeing Field, contractor crews will replace broken concrete panels, grind the top layer of pavement in all lanes to eliminate ruts, repave several ramps, repair the gate at the south end of the express lanes and create better sidewalk connections for people of all abilities.

What can drivers expect?

Most of the work will take place at night, when traffic volumes are lighter. At least one lane will remain open at all times on southbound I-5 or the southbound collector/distributor. However, up to four lanes may be closed at a time to provide a safe work zone for workers.

The End Result

Rehabilitating this section of southbound I-5 and the collector/distributor will extend the useful life of this section of the interstate. It will create safer and improved driving conditions for the tens of thousands of travelers who use I-5 each day.

Needs & benefits

This project is part of a multi-year effort to preserve I-5 through King County. Benefits include:

• Preservation: Replacing broken concrete panels, grinding to eliminate ruts and repaving ramps improves the driving surface and extends the lifespan of I-5.
• Safety: Eliminating ruts limits the opportunity for water to collect on the roadway, which can reduce traction for drivers.
• Economic: Replacing broken concrete panels, grinding the lanes and repaving ramps preserves the interstate and reduces the need for costly emergency repairs, which can create additional congestion.

Timeline

• May 2018: Project was awarded to MidMountain Contractors.
• Summer 2018: work began.
• Fall 2019: Work will be completed.

Funding

The total estimated project cost is $11.1 million, funded by federal and state Pre-Existing Funds, the 2003 state Nickel gas tax package and Connecting Washington.