Avoid congestion on closed Seattle I-5 highway: Opt for public transportation, authorities recommend
Seattle commuters are bracing for changes this summer as a significant preservation project, Revive I-5, begins on the northbound lanes of the I-5 Ship Canal Bridge. The project, which includes a full weekend closure of all northbound lanes and a four-week period of reduced capacity, will impact travel from July 18 to August 18.
During the work, northbound I-5 travel will be severely restricted, with only two lanes open 24/7 between SR 520 and NE 45th Street. To mitigate the congestion, public transit options are highly recommended. King County Metro and Sound Transit are collaborating to provide transit alternatives, encouraging commuters to use bus transit along alternative routes, especially those serving east-west corridors.
Transit agencies advise riders to plan ahead and use transit experts’ resources to find reroutes and schedules that avoid the work zone. Transit priority measures may be in place on parallel routes during the construction period to facilitate better transit flow. The Express Lanes will remain open northbound around the clock to help keep traffic moving despite lane reductions.
Commuters should expect significant traffic shifts onto alternate highways such as Interstate 405 and State Route 99, and on local surface streets. It is advised to avoid northbound I-5 during peak travel times if possible. To stay informed on real-time lane status and closures, commuters are encouraged to use traffic apps and WSDOT updates frequently. Considering non-commute times for travel can also help avoid the worst congestion periods caused by the construction.
Commuters using public transit can receive up to $25 in free fare at flipyourtrip.org. Some commuters have already experienced the effects of the construction, with increased travel times and traffic delays. However, others have expressed relief of not sitting in traffic using public transit or bikes.
The construction and closures are necessary for concrete repave and are expected to continue through mid-August. Commuters can plan out the most time-effective trip through Commute Seattle's new Commuter Hotline by calling 206-613-3132 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Officials from public transit agencies have reported that traffic volumes turned out as expected and no adjustments to their services were needed. Commuters opting for public transportation, alternative driving routes, and delaying trips to less busy times have kept traffic on the interstate "somewhat manageable", according to WSDOT spokesperson Tom Pearce.
Pearce advises those still driving to pay attention to traffic conditions and updates on the department's website. Tuesday's commute was better but still had heavy traffic on southbound I-5. Trains offer a reliable alternative to commuting on the road, according to Bendon, and have exclusive right of way, come every eight minutes, and can hold up to 1,200 people if needed.
Construction on I-5 has reduced the northbound lanes to two and shifted express lanes to run northbound all day. Henry Bendon, spokesperson for Sound Transit, suggests that mass transit is a beneficial option during traffic congestion, especially with limited road capacity.
As the project progresses, commuters are encouraged to stay informed, plan ahead, and consider alternative transportation options to navigate the construction period effectively.
- Due to the Revive I-5 project, transit agencies like King County Metro and Sound Transit are collaborating to provide bus transit along alternative routes, particularly those serving east-west corridors, as a beneficial option during traffic congestion, especially with limited road capacity in the public-transit industry.
- To mitigate the impact of the lane reductions and construction, transit agencies advise riders to plan ahead, use transit experts’ resources for reroutes and schedules that avoid the work zone, and consider taking bus transit as a recommended alternative mode of transportation in the transportation sector.
