Northbound Interstate 5 through Seattle will experience significant disruptions this summer as the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) begins major repair work on the 60-year-old Ship Canal Bridge.
The project, part of the agency’s ongoing “Revive I-5” rehabilitation program, includes resurfacing and structural repairs to approximately 20% of the bridge deck and is scheduled to span several weeks beginning next week.
Starting next Friday, WSDOT will reduce the bridge to two lanes over a weekend. A full closure is scheduled for July 18–21, followed by four weeks of 24/7 construction limiting northbound I-5 to two lanes through August 15.
The final full closure will take place August 15–18, with all lanes reopening early August 18.
“This is going to be a really challenging project for us and for the public,” said Tom Pearce, WSDOT spokesperson, in a statement. “We’ve done more than 200 repairs on this bridge in the past five years. This work is long overdue.”
Originally planned as a longer-term project, this condensed schedule aims to get ahead of additional repairs slated for next year.
Express lanes will remain open northbound throughout construction. However, delays are expected in both directions, especially during closures. Drivers are encouraged to take alternate routes, adjust travel schedules or use public transit.
“This is going to impact everyone who uses I-5,” Pearce said.
Source: KIRO7.com, Kcemployees.com
