Express lanes

The I-5 Express Lanes help traffic flow during busy travel times. These lanes move in the direction that will relieve the most congestion and are on a typical daily schedule that changes on weekends and occasionally for major events.

I-5 Express Lanes schedule

Monday-Friday

• Southbound - 5 a.m. to 11 a.m.
• Northbound - 11:15 a.m. to 11 p.m.
• Closed: 11 p.m. - 5 a.m.

Saturday & Sunday

• Southbound - 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
• Northbound - 1:45 p.m. to 11 p.m.
• Closed: 11 p.m. - 8 a.m.

Special events schedule

Express lanes reverse to southbound and remain open overnight from July 11-12

The I-5 Express Lanes will reverse from northbound to southbound at 9 p.m. on Friday, July 11. They will remain open and in the southbound direction overnight; continuing into the regular weekend schedule at 8 a.m. on Saturday morning, July 12. This is to facilitate the planned full southbound I-5 closure for maintenance work in the Convention Center tunnel.

Express lanes to remain in northbound direction around-the-clock beginning July 18 - August 18

To facilitate the upcoming northbound I-5 lane reductions, the I-5 Express Lanes will remain open and in the northbound direction only around-the-clock beginning at  11:15 a.m. on Friday, July 18 until 5 a.m. Monday, August 18. Travelers are advised to plan ahead for additional congestion in the express lanes and consider alternate routes if possible. 

I-5 Express Lanes map