Be ready for weekend traffic snarls during full closure of northbound I-5

Capitol Hill drivers and transit riders should brace for significant delays this weekend.

The Washington State Department of Transportation has announced a full closure of northbound Interstate 5 through the heart of Seattle, stretching from I-90 past the Ship Canal to NE 45th.

The closure is needed to transition the construction zone on the Ship Canal Bridge after weeks of “Revive I-5” work on the left two northbound lanes. In July, work on the right two northbound lanes will begin.

This weekend’s full closure begins Friday at 9:00 PM as ramp closures get underway. Mainline northbound lanes will completely shut down by midnight and remain closed until Monday at 5:00 AM.

The shutdown is required to safely remove the “Revive I-5” construction barriers from the left lanes of the Ship Canal Bridge. Crews are temporarily clearing the highway to maximize traffic capacity ahead of the upcoming World Cup soccer matches in Seattle. All lanes will remain open until July 10, when a second full weekend closure will be required to shift work to the right lanes.

What to expect:

• Express Lanes: Will remain strictly northbound-only all weekend to help filter traffic out of downtown.
• Detours: Drivers must bypass the area via Interstate 405, State Route 99, or local surface streets.

Expect heavy congestion across Capitol Hill, Eastlake, and surrounding neighborhoods as drivers divert. Travelers are urged to delay non-essential trips, use light rail, or allow extra travel time.

Check out WSDOT’s update on the closures here.

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