The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) has detailed a schedule for the extensive "Revive I-5" preservation project on the Ship Canal Bridge. Starting as early as January 9, 2026, commuters will face months-long lane reductions with crews working around the clock to speed up the process. The project aims to repair and resurface the northbound lanes initially, then focus on the southbound lanes the following year. This undertaking is essential for the upkeep of one of the busiest stretches of I-5, with nearly 240,000 vehicles crossing daily.
According to a release from WSDOT, there will be a full weekend closure of northbound I-5 from I-90 to Northeast 45th Street for the setup of the work zone if the weather is cooperative. Post-setup, two lanes on the Ship Canal Bridge will remain open until early June. Governor Bob Ferguson expressed the importance of this project, “Preservation is how we take care of what keeps Washington moving. For too long, we’ve deferred the maintenance our system depends on, and we cannot defer any longer,”.
The schedule for the 2026 Revive I-5 project includes several phases, with full lane reopenings during the FIFA World Cup games in Seattle. After the sporting event, another phase of work will begin with a weekend-long closure to set up a new work zone. The entire project is expected to wrap up by the end of 2026, including work on northbound I-5. The final year, 2027, will focus on southbound lanes, ensuring the economic viability of this critical infrastructure.
Traffic is bound to be impacted, and as Julie Meredith, Washington State Secretary of Transportation, said, "These months-long lane reductions across the Ship Canal Bridge and the weekend-long full closures will impact regional traffic." Travelers are encouraged to adjust their travel times and routes accordingly to minimize delays. The express lanes will operate northbound-only, 24 hours a day, during the lane reductions to help balance the system during construction.
It is clear that this project, which WSDOT calls Washington state’s largest preservation effort, is no small feat. Not having undergone significant maintenance in over four decades, the Ship Canal Bridge’s upcoming repairs and resurfacing are paramount for its longevity. With contractor crews poised to work diligently within permit limits, the result should be a smoother, more durable bridge service ready to support the flow of Seattle's economy for years to come.
