WSDOT has announced the 2026 Revive I-5 construction schedule.
This work is part of a multi-year preservation project that brings vital safety repairs to the Ship Canal Bridge. The project began in summer 2025 and construction will continue in phases through 2027.
Travel will be tricky during construction. Plan ahead to minimize disruption!
What can I expect in 2026?
⛔ Jan. 9 – 12 (if weather permits): Northbound I-5 will be fully closed from I-90 to NE 45th Street so that crews can safely and efficiently set up the work zone. This work is weather-dependent, so be sure to subscribe to updates from WSDOT for construction timeline changes. If the weather is too rainy, crews will reschedule work for the following weekend.
🗓️ Starting as early as January 12 until June 5: Northbound I-5 across the Ship Canal Bridge is reduced to two lanes, 24/7.
⛔June 5 – 8: Weekend-long work zone removal in preparation for FIFA World Cup. Northbound I-5 fully closed all weekend from I-90 to NE 45th Street to remove the work zone.
⚽June 8 – July 10: All lanes of I-5 open for FIFA World Cup games.
⛔July 10 – 13: Weekend long work zone set-up. Northbound I-5 fully closed from I-90 to NE 45th Street all weekend to allow crews to safely set-up the work zone.
📆July 13 – end of 2026: Months-long northbound I-5 lane reduction across the Ship Canal Bridge.
⛔End of 2026: Weekend long work zone removal. Northbound I-5 fully closed from I-90 to NE 45th Street all weekend to allow crews to safely remove the work zone.
🚗 Express Lanes will stay open northbound 24/7 during construction. Express lanes will not operate southbound into downtown Seattle.
🚧 More work is on the way! Expect months-long southbound lane reductions in 2027.
Will Express Lanes be open?
Yes, express lanes will stay open northbound 24/7 during construction. Express lanes will not operate southbound into downtown Seattle during construction. Keeping express lanes open northbound-only allows WSDOT to better balance the entire highway system during this work in the event of collisions or other disruptions.
Plan your exit and entrance onto express lanes with this one-pager from WSDOT.
Why is this work needed?
Bridges age and need repair in order to keep people safe and goods moving efficiently.
I-5 was built in the 1960s. It’s our state’s primary travel corridor. The busiest section runs through Seattle, with 240,000 vehicles traveling across the I-5 Ship Canal Bridge every day.
It’s been 40 years since the bridge last had major preservation work. Emergency repairs have increased, resulting in unplanned traffic disruptions.
We all get a safer, more reliable system on the other side of Revive I-5.
I want to avoid driving. How can I get around during construction?
Fewer cars on the road means smoother travel for everyone. With construction beginning just after the new year, why not make a resolution to try a new way of getting around in 2026?
Transit Tips
- New to taking transit? Start here by watching our Tools & Tips for Taking Transit webinar.
- ORCA cards work across nine transit agencies, making it easy to transfer from light rail, to buses, fast ferries, and more. Just tap and go. Don’t waste money on gas idling in traffic when most transit rides cost $3. Save even more by talking to your employer about a workplace transit benefit.
- Streamline your everyday carry by paying for transit on your phone through the Transit Go Ticket app or get a digital ORCA card in Google Wallet.
Link light rail provides fast and frequent service into downtown Seattle from as far north as Lynwood and, starting December 6, as far south as Federal Way downtown.
King County Metro routes 40, 48, and RapidRide D and E provide north/south service.
Biking
- Need a helmet? Find a free or low cost option here.
- Need a bike? Try Scooter and Bikeshare.
- Don’t know how to ride a bike? Cascade Bicycle Club offers learn-to–ride classes.
- Need route planning? Beat the bottleneck with one of these routes created by Cascade Bicycle Club.
I need to drive. What do I need to know?
Give yourself extra travel time in either direction and check current traffic conditions before you head out the door. If you need to drive north of downtown Seattle during the full closure weekends, take the I-5 express lanes.
If you’re traveling south at any point during construction, keep in mind the express lanes will be closed.
Reduce congestion and pass the drive-time with company by carpooling. Save money by creating or joining an existing Vanpool. Everything is covered, from gas to insurance to roadside assistance with one monthly fee. You may have access to vanpool at no additional cost if you already receive an ORCA card benefit. Ask your Transportation Coordinator or HR team.
Where can I find more information about Revive I-5?
To stay informed about WSDOT’s Revive I-5 project:
- Visit WSDOT’s project page
- Sign up for WSDOT email updates
- Email revivei5@wsdot.wa.gov or call (206) 440-4350
Other Resources for getting around:
Check out Flip Your Trip from SDOT for useful tips for taking transit, ridesharing, walking, biking, and scooting around Seattle.
Transit Resources:
- King County Metro Trip Planner
- King County Metro Customer Service number: (206) 553-3000
- Hopelink Find a Ride
- ORCA Lift for low income households
Bike Resources: