WSDOT announces six weekends of lane reductions on southbound I-5 Ship Canal Bridge beginning this fall

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) will begin lane reductions on southbound I-5 across the Ship Canal Bridge on October 10. The lane reductions will occur over six weekends to facilitate drainage improvements ahead of extensive bridge repairs scheduled for 2026 and 2027. Each weekend, southbound traffic will be limited to two lanes from Friday at 10 p. m. to Monday at 5 a.

m. , impacting travel from Northeast 45th Street to the SR 520 interchange. WSDOT will keep express lanes open to southbound drivers during these reductions while northbound traffic may experience delays. The agency plans to collaborate closely with local partners, including the city of Seattle and King County Metro, to coordinate traffic management during the work. This ongoing project builds on lessons learned from previous construction phases and aims to preserve this vital transportation link.

WSDOT's drainage work this fall sets the stage for the larger repairs planned for the coming years. The work will pause during the 2026 FIFA World Cup to ensure all lanes are open for increased traffic.