SEATTLE – A third through lane will soon create more capacity for drivers on northbound Interstate 5 through the heart of downtown Seattle. To restripe I-5 for the Seneca mobility project, contractor crews working for the Washington State Department of Transportation will conduct overnight closures on the freeway Tuesday, July 25, and Saturday, July 29. This work is weather dependent.
The closures will affect people traveling on northbound I-5 between the I-90 interchange and Olive Way, involving both the mainline lanes and the collector/distributor ramp.
People traveling north of downtown Seattle can use the express lanes to continue through the area but will not be able to exit into downtown. Travelers who want to reach downtown Seattle should exit on northbound I-5 near the I-90 interchange.
July 25 and 29 closure details
- Tuesday, July 25: Crews will close the northbound I-5 mainline lanes at 9 p.m. Then, at 11:59 p.m., the northbound collector/distributor lanes from I-90 to Olive Way will close. All lanes of the mainline and collector/distributor ramp will reopen at 4 a.m. the following day.
- Saturday, July 29: Crews will close the northbound I-5 mainline lanes at 10 p.m. Then, at 11:59 p.m., the northbound collector/distributor ramp from I-90 to Olive Way will close. All lanes of the mainline and collector/distributor ramp will reopen at 5 a.m. the following day.
- The northbound I-5 on-ramps from Dearborn, Cherry and University streets will close at 11:59 p.m. both nights. Signed detours will assist drivers to the nearest open ramp. People driving on I-90 will not be able to head northbound directly onto I-5 and must use a detour route.
Going downtown
People traveling to downtown Seattle on I-5 should use the Edgar Martinez Drive exit or take eastbound I-90 and exit at Rainier Avenue. The off-ramps to James, Madison, Cherry and University streets will be closed.
Going north of downtown
Travelers going north of downtown can use the express lanes, keeping in mind the first exit is Northeast 42nd Street in the University District. The express lanes also exit at Lake City Way and Northgate before rejoining the mainline.
During the closure, crews will focus on restriping the freeway to create a third lane and improve mobility. Since the start of the project, crews moved several sections of barrier to create room for the third through lane. When the project finishes, ramp meters and electronic signs will help move people through this section of I-5 in a more harmonious manner.
People can get real-time traffic information on mobile phones with the WSDOT traffic app, the WSDOT statewide travel map and by following WSDOT traffic on Twitter.