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We knew it was coming, but now it’s here.

I have not been keeping up with the Revive I-5 project plan—I thought the southbound lanes were still being worked on, based on the schedule outlined in October. But no, this week the real work began on the northbound lanes.

According to WSDOT, “Northbound I-5 in Seattle is reduced to two lanes across the Ship Canal Bridge until June. The express lanes will remain open northbound-only 24 hours a day.” Here are the details:

Northbound I-5 Ship Canal Bridge reduced to two lanes until June

Northbound I-5 is reduced to two lanes across the Ship Canal Bridge so crews can repair and resurface the bridge deck.

Schedule of northbound I-5 closures and reductions:

• January 9 – 12: weekend-long full northbound I-5 closure (work zone set up) – complete.
• January 12 – June 5: months-long two LEFT northbound I-5 lane reduction across the Ship Canal Bridge.
• June 5 – 8: weekend-long full northbound I-5 closure (work zone removal).
• June 8 – July 10: all lanes of I-5 reopened for FIFA World Cup games.
• July 10 -13: weekend-long full northbound I-5 closure (work zone set up).
• July 13 – end of 2026: months-long two RIGHT northbound I-5 lane reduction across the Ship Canal Bridge.
• End of 2026: weekend-long full northbound I-5 closure (work zone removal).

Weekend-long full 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, crews will reschedule work for the following weekend.

Express lanes

During lane reductions and full closures, the express lanes will operate in the direction of the work 24 hours a day.

• Those traveling in the opposite direction of the work may also experience delays because the express lanes will not reverse.
• All drivers may use the express lanes. Please observe signage as select ramps will remain HOV-only.

I can attest that there has been a significant backup of cars in the mornings on NE 50th Street as drivers wait their turn to head southbound on I-5. Even though I’m just trying to cross the freeway into the University District, looks like I’ll need to adjust my departure times… for the next year!