Major I-5 Construction Impacting Patient Northbound Travel to Seattle
If you’re a PacMed patient traveling from the north to Seattle, please plan ahead for significant and ongoing delays due to the Revive I‑5 Ship Canal Bridge Preservation Project. Major lane reductions and periodic full closures on northbound I‑5 will impact traffic throughout 2026.
What to Expect
- Northbound I‑5 is currently reduced to two lanes across the Ship Canal Bridge until June 5, 2026. Crews are repairing and resurfacing the bridge deck and completing critical preservation work.
- Express Lanes remain northbound‑only 24/7 during this period, which may also cause delays for southbound travelers.
- While your previous article referenced delays from July 2025, current 2026 delays will vary daily, especially during peak commute hours. WSDOT advises all travelers to expect backups and consider alternate travel options.
Updated Timeline (2026)
Northbound I‑5 (Current Phase):
- Jan 12 – June 5, 2026: Two‑lane reduction (left lanes closed).
- June 5–8: Full northbound closure (work zone removal).
- June 8 – July 10: All lanes reopen temporarily for 2026 FIFA World Cup.
- July 10–13: Full northbound closure (work zone setup).
- July 13 – end of 2026: Two‑lane reduction (right lanes closed).
- End of 2026: Full weekend closure (work zone removal).
Southbound I‑5 Work:
- Scheduled for 2027, with months‑long lane reductions.
More Information
For the full construction schedule, maps, and the latest updates, visit WSDOT’s official project page.
Plan Ahead
To reduce stress and ensure you arrive safely and on time, we recommend:
- Allow extra travel time when driving to Seattle for appointments.
- Consider alternate routes or public transit (express lanes run northbound-only and remain open to all drivers).
- Adjust appointment times or reschedule non‑urgent visits if travel becomes challenging.
Your health and time matter to us. Thank you for your patience as the region completes this essential infrastructure work.