I-5/Yesler Way to Northgate Vic - Pavement, Deck, Joints and Drainage

Project overview

We will rehabilitate Interstate 5 between Yesler Way in Seattle and the Northgate vicinity with new concrete panels, pavement, expansion joints and deck repaving through downtown Seattle and Lake Washington Ship Canal Bridge. In summer 2024, Guy F. Atkinson Construction was selected as the design-build contractor for the project. Overnight lane reductions for surveying began earlier this summer. Starting in spring 2025, and extending for approximately nine months, we will have a double-lane work zone on I-5 through the heart of downtown Seattle for major construction activities.

What to expect

The Express Lanes will be reduced to two lanes on the Ship Canal Bridge nightly from 7 p.m. to  their regular closing time of 11 p.m. All lanes will open at their usual times, 5 a.m. weekdays and 8 a.m. weekends.

Early construction includes overnight lane reductions, with a double-lane work zone on I-5 for nine months each year beginning in spring 2025 through 2027. The long-term work zone will reduce sections of I-5 to two lanes on the Ship Canal Bridge and south to Yesler Way. The express lanes will support travel in the direction of the work zone. The work zone will be in place in one direction of I-5 at a time. The opposite direction of the freeway will remain fully open. Full weekend directional closures of I-5 are needed when crews install concrete barriers to set the double-lane work zone and then remove the barrier after crews are done with the work.

Travelers who use I-5 should anticipate significant traffic back-ups when the double-lane work zone begins in spring 2025. The work will pause during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.