I-5 Roadwork Update: Traffic and Delays Expected on Scheduled Weekends

The next phase of revitalization work on Interstate 5 across the Ship Canal Bridge will begin in January and continue through most of 2026, with a summertime pause for the FIFA World Cup games. While timing is dependent on weather conditions, the state Department of Transportation has released the following tentative schedule for the coming year:

• As early as Jan. 9-12: Full northbound I-5 closure (set up work zone).
• As early as Jan. 12-June 5: Two left northbound lanes closed across the Ship Canal Bridge.
• June 5-8: Full northbound I-5 closure (remove work zone).
• June 8-July 10: All lanes of I-5 reopened for FIFA World Cup games.
• July 10-13: Full northbound I-5 closure (set up work zone).
• July 13-end of 2026: Two right northbound lanes closed across the Ship Canal Bridge.
• TBD (end of 2026): Full northbound I-5 closure (remove work zone).

Travelers heading north or south are encouraged to use public transportation. Allow extra time for all modes of travel as local trolleys, buses and light rail will be accommodating additional passengers.

Anyone traveling to UW Medicine locations, including Harborview Medical Center, UW Medical Center – Montlake and UW Medical Center – Northwest, is encouraged to explore alternate routes using the King County Metro Trip Planner or preferred navigation app. Seattle’s Flip Your Trip site provides information on alternate modes of transportation. Additional resources are available on the Washington State Department of Transportation’s project page.