I-5/Yesler Way to NE 117th St. - Pavement, Deck, and Expansion Joints

I-5 between Yesler Way through the heart of downtown Seattle and Northeast 117th Street just north of the Northgate Mall, was built in the early to mid-1960s.  Much of the concrete is original with some spots replaced here and there, and many patches throughout. It is rutted and cracked. Most of it is also elevated, so portions are technically considered bridges. As a result, there are many expansion joints to allow the bridge portions of the interstate to flex and bend with the weight of traffic and weather conditions.

WSDOT embarked on a large I-5 preservation and maintenance program in the 2010s that has included concrete panel replacement, repaving and expansion joint replacement in other areas north and south of downtown Seattle. I-5 between Yesler Way and Northgate is the next area that needs to be rebuilt.

After funding was received from the Legislature, WSDOT began working with expert traffic engineers and consultants to develop construction and traffic control plans. WSDOT is also consulting with the city of Seattle, transit agencies and other groups as plans are developed. Completing the work will require large-scale closures of I-5. More detailed information will be available as the project progresses.