The Washington State Department of Transportation reports that this weekend travelers using northbound Interstate 5 through downtown Seattle will want to plan ahead for delays or consider adjusting their trips. Both northbound I-5 and the I-5 express lanes will intermittently close beginning at 10:00 p.m. Friday, May 19, through 10:00 a.m. Sunday, May 21.
The closures are needed to place girders over the interstate for a new flyover ramp connecting State Route 520 to the express lanes.
- Travelers on northbound I-5 between Lakeview Boulevard and the SR 520 interchange will detour around the closure using SR 520 and Montlake Boulevard from 10 p.m. Friday, May 19 to 10 a.m. Saturday, May 20. Signed detours and uniformed police officers will be in place to guide travelers around the work.
- The I-5 express lanes will close from 11:00 a.m. Saturday, May 20 to 10:00 a.m. Sunday, May 21. The northbound I-5 mainlines will have reopened when this part of the closure begins.
I-5 Detours in place
All traffic on northbound I-5 between Lakeview Boulevard and exit 168B to eastbound SR 520 will detour at SR 520 and use Montlake Boulevard and East Hamlin Street to turn around and enter westbound SR 520. From there, travelers will be able to rejoin northbound I-5 just past the work area. Uniformed police officers will be on hand to help guide travelers through the detour. People who remain on eastbound SR 520 past the Montlake Boulevard exit will need to pay the SR 520 bridge toll.
What is happening
Walsh Construction Co. II crews working for the Washington State Department of Transportation will set and assemble steel bridge girders for the new flyover ramp connecting SR 520 to the I-5 Express Lanes.
The process to set the girders involves using two cranes that will lift them into position and assemble them in midair. Crews will then bolt them to the newly constructed piers and crossbeams. Following this closure, crews will complete final assembly by tightening the entire structure into its final setting.
People should plan ahead for delays in their travel and consider adjusting their trips if able. Construction can be unpredictable, and any delays related to this work will be shared immediately by WSDOT.
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