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Traffic in Wallingford—is it getting worse? Stories have circulated about standoffs between motorists navigating opposite directions on our single-lane side streets. (Hint: it’s our neighborhood courtesy to pull over to the curb if you can to let the other car pass. Don’t forget to wave when you pass!) And I-5-bound cars cause rush hour backups to spill onto 45th and 50th Streets most days.

Well, that’s about to get a lot worse. Word has been out for a while about WSDOT’s Revive I-5 project, which will close swaths of our arterial freeway from Yesler Way to Northgate over the next few years. Starting today, it will be the Ship Canal Bridge that will be affected.

A recent newsletter from Councilmember Maritza Rivera gives an overview of this summer’s plans:

Please note that the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is launching the Revive I-5 work this summer to rehabilitate I-5 and the Ship Canal Bridge. This crucial work will help keep I-5 safe and in good condition for years to come. You can learn more about Revive I-5 here.

 

Please plan for significant northbound I-5 traffic disruptions on the following dates (express lanes will stay open):

•    June 20 – 23: Lane reductions to complete early work on the Ship Canal Bridge
•    July 18 – 21: Full closure to set up the work zone
•    July 21 – August 15: Two lanes closed 24/7 across the Ship Canal Bridge
•    August 15 – 18: Weekend closure to remove the work zone

Plan Your Commute
•    Ride transit: Consider commuting via buses and light rail
•    Shift your schedule: Travel off-peak hours when you can, if possible
•    Plan ahead: Explore alternate routes to bypass I-5 detours
•    Stay informed: Check live traffic and construction alerts

Resources:
•    Use and share FlipYourTrip.org for easy travel tools

Another resource: WSDOT Blog is posting updates and information on the Revive I-5 project and accompanying traffic impacts.

While the work this summer is on northbound I-5, southbound motorists can also expect delays due to the express lanes being northbound only during the closures. Further, per KIRO News Radio, “According to WSDOT, this will be a four-week preview of what people can expect for approximately nine months out of the year in 2026 and 2027.” Oh joy.

Even if you don’t drive much on I-5, there will likely be more traffic in Wallingford as people traverse to other north/south arterials, like Aurora Avenue. When walking or biking, please be extra cautious when crossing streets. When driving, remember to plan ahead, take a deep breath, and try to channel courtesy and grace to fellow motorists.