Northbound Ship Canal Bridge closed this weekend

SEATTLE — The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is launching critical preservation work on the aging Ship Canal Bridge as part of its Revive I-5 project. This initiative marks the first major maintenance effort in 40 years, aiming to address significant wear and tear on the bridge, which sees nearly 240,000 vehicles daily. Starting this weekend, drivers can expect lane closures and detours as crews begin their work.

Upcoming Lane Closures and Detours

The initial phase of the project will see the northbound lanes of Interstate 5 closed from Interstate 90 to NE 45th Street, beginning just before midnight on Friday, July 18, and lasting until 5 a.m. on Monday, July 21. During this time, crews will establish a work zone to facilitate repairs. Fortunately, the express lanes will remain open in the northbound direction throughout the closure, providing an alternative route for commuters.

Following this initial closure, starting July 21, the northbound I-5 across the Ship Canal Bridge will be reduced to two lanes for a four-week period, continuing until August 15. Again, the express lanes will operate northbound, allowing for continuous traffic flow. A subsequent full closure of the northbound lanes is scheduled from late Friday night on August 15 to Monday, August 18, as crews dismantle the work zone.

Container Rates Alert: Spot rates rally on key Far East trade lanes after latest GRI moves

Motorists heading to downtown Seattle during these closures will need to utilize alternate routes, including Edgar Martinez Drive or the Dearborn, James, or Madison Street exits, as all other northbound I-5 exits to downtown will be closed. For those traveling north of downtown, the I-5 express lanes and other routes will remain available.

Long-Term Repairs and Future Work

This fall and winter, additional lane reductions will occur on the southbound side of the bridge, with work expected to continue into 2026 and 2027. The contractor, Atkinson Construction, will focus on repairing and resurfacing 20% of the northbound bridge deck, improving drainage systems, and partially repairing five expansion joints. These efforts are crucial, as the bridge, built in the 1960s, has required over 200 emergency repairs since 2019 due to its deteriorating condition.

WSDOT emphasizes the importance of these repairs to ensure the safety and longevity of the Ship Canal Bridge. As the most-traveled section of I-5, the bridge plays a vital role in Seattle’s transportation infrastructure. For further updates and information on the Revive I-5 project, visit the WSDOT website.