In order to re-stripe lanes on the busiest highway in the state, contractor crews will close the northbound I-5 mainline and collector/distributor ramp that connects from I-90 in four, four-hour intervals overnight beginning Wednesday, Feb. 15. The closures will occur on two consecutive nights each of the next two weeks, the last of which is scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 23.
People traveling on northbound I-5 can access downtown by exiting near the I-90 interchange, while those continuing north of downtown will be able to use the express lanes.
Contractor crews working for the Washington State Department of Transportation will close the I-5 mainline and the collector/distributor lanes from I-90 to Olive Way between 11:59 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 15, and 4 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 16. The contractor plans to conduct the same closure from 11:59 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 16, until 4 a.m. Friday, Feb. 17. The crews will return a week later to conduct the same four-hour closure Wednesday, Feb. 22, and Thursday, Feb 23. This work is weather-dependent.
I-5 Drivers Going Downtown
People traveling to downtown Seattle should use the Edgar Martinez Drive exit or take eastbound I-90 and exit at Rainier Avenue. The off-ramps to James, Madison, Cherry and University streets will be closed.
WSDOT will also close the on-ramps to northbound I-5 at Dearborn, University and Cherry streets. Signed detours will guide drivers to the nearest open on-ramp. People driving on I-90 will not be able to head northbound directly onto I-5 and must use a detour route.
I-5 Drivers Going Northbound
Drivers going north of downtown can move to the express lanes, although their first opportunity to exit is at Northeast 42nd Street in the University District. The express lanes also exit to Lake City Way and Northgate before rejoining the mainline.
During the closure, crews will re-stripe freeway lanes to the regular driving configuration. Once crews complete this project later this summer, drivers will be able to use a third through lane on northbound I-5 in what is now an exit-only lane to Seneca Street.
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