WSDOT’s Revive I-5 is resuming, with significant work planned in 2026 and 2027. Graphic: WSDOT Blog stats: 1,000 words | 5-minute read
At-a-glance:
- Travelers, Be Advised: WSDOT’s Revive I-5 project resuming with long-term lane reductions on northbound I-5 around the Ship Canal Bridge throughout 2026 (except during the 2026 FIFA World Cup).
- First Closure: On January 9-12, WSDOT has scheduled a full closure of northbound I-5, from I-90 to NE 45th St, as crews set up the work zone.
- Express Lanes: The I-5 express lanes will be open in the northbound direction while weekend closures and long-term lane reductions take place in 2026.
- How to Prepare:
- While travel will be challenging, you have options to keep moving.
- Ride transit – it’s the best, most reliable way to get around. Youth 18 and under ride free.
- Stay informed, leave extra travel time, and check conditions before you head out.
- Consider traveling outside of peak travel times if you can.
- Visit FlipYourTrip.org to learn about all your travel options in the Seattle area.
- Enjoy the Emerald City: Seattle remains a great place to live, work, and play. We encourage you to continue to enjoy the city’s many cultural attractions, parks, local shops, sports games, concerts, shopping, and more.
- We’re Here for You: You can count on SDOT to work for you year-round, from monitoring traffic and responding to incidents 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to help you safely get around, including during winter weather. We appreciate your support.
- Looking Ahead: Additional work is scheduled to take place in 2027 with long-term lane reductions on southbound I-5 around the Ship Canal Bridge.
WSDOT’s 2026 Construction Schedule – What to Expect
Upcoming Work: (Please note: dates and construction plans are subject to change due to weather conditions or other factors)
- January 9-12: Full weekend closure of northbound I-5, from I-90 to NE 45th St (work zone set up).
- January 12-June 5: Months-long two-lane reduction on northbound I-5 across the Ship Canal Bridge
- June 5-8: Full weekend closure of northbound I-5, from I-90 to NE 45th St (work zone removal)
- June 8-July 10: All lanes of I-5 reopened for 2026 FIFA World Cup games
- July 10-13: Full weekend closure of northbound I-5, from I-90 to NE 45th St (work zone set up)
- July 13-end of 2026: Months-long two-lane reduction on northbound I-5 across the Ship Canal Bridge
- End of 2026 (date TBD): Full weekend closure of northbound I-5, from I-90 to NE 45th St (work zone removal)
The full weekend closures for work zone set up or removal are weather-dependent. Crews need dry weather to re-stripe lanes. That means if the weather is too rainy, WSDOT will generally reschedule work for the following weekend.
During lane reductions and full closures, the I-5 express lanes will operate in the same direction as the work, 24 hours a day. Maps are available on WSDOT’s website.
Stay Informed with WSDOT
WSDOT’s Revive I-5 project is restoring the aging Ship Canal Bridge – an important connection between the North End, Downtown Seattle, and neighborhoods across the city.
We encourage all travelers to stay informed with WSDOT’s updates:
- Visit the project web page
- Sign up for WSDOT email updates
- Follow WSDOT on social media
- Email Revivei5@wsdot.wa.gov or call (206) 440-4350 if you have questions
Flip Your Trip and Help Keep Seattle Moving
Big events and major construction are part of Seattle, but getting around doesn’t have to be a headache. Don’t stress – flip your trip – hop on transit, carpool, bike, scoot, walk, or roll to keep things moving. Whether you’re commuting to work or heading out for fun, we’ve got your back. You can skip the traffic, reduce stress, and turn every trip into a mini adventure.
We encourage you to visit FlipYourTrip.org to explore your travel options. Stay tuned for additional updates and offerings throughout the year.
Looking for more guidance? Check out our video series on YouTube to get started:
- Car-Free in Seattle: Top Transportation Options Explained
- Finding the Light Rail Station at Seattle’s Airport (SeaTac/Airport Station)
- How to Pay for Transit in Seattle: Light Rail, Buses & More
- Why To Use RapidRide Buses in Seattle
- RapidRide Routes: Downtown Seattle to Ballard, Uptown, West Seattle & More
- How to find the Monorail in Downtown Seattle to Seattle Center
- Explore Seattle by Water Taxis & Ferries
- 3 new light rail stations connect Seattle to Federal Way, Kent Des Moines, Star Lake
- Stay tuned – we plan to continue adding more new videos to this list!
How We’re Helping Keep People and Goods Moving
We’re committed to helping people get where they need to go during construction in 2026 and 2027, including long-term lane reductions and closures. SDOT is advancing a 5-part strategy to keep you moving.
This includes:
- Monitoring and operating the transportation system
- Reducing drive-alone trips, especially by encouraging transit
- Collaborating with transportation partners across the region
- Managing and maintaining the public right of way
- Keeping you informed through ongoing communication
We’ve deployed Dynamic Message Signs to help inform travelers on key city streets about the upcoming Revive I-5 work in advance.
We know traffic impacts can be tough, particularly for a longer duration, but with planning, your trip can be smoother. Seattle is full of incredible events, experiences, and local businesses for you to enjoy.
Regional coordination is essential, and we’re working with agency partners from WSDOT to King County Metro to Sound Transit and others, to help people navigate construction and keep the city moving.
This important work better prepares Seattle for major events and construction in the years ahead, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Sound Transit 3 light rail expansion, and SDOT projects funded by the voter-approved 2024 Seattle Transportation Levy. Thanks again for your patience and continued support. From everyone at SDOT, we wish you safe travels.
