Seattle drivers should brace for a challenging weekend, as two major roadway closures are set to cause significant traffic delays across the region.
Starting at 11:59 p.m. Friday, northbound I-5 will be fully closed from the stadium district to the University District, remaining shut down until 5 a.m. Monday. The closure marks the final stage of the Ship Canal Bridge repaving project. While express lanes will still be open, transportation officials are warning that congestion will be heavy. Drivers are encouraged to exit early using Edgar Martinez Drive, Dearborn Street, Madison Street, or James Street. The I-90 interchange will remain accessible for those heading to the Eastside.
The closure coincides with the Seattle Seahawks’ Friday night game at Lumen Field, which kicks off at 7 p.m., meaning fans can expect lane restrictions and traffic challenges as the shutdown begins.
Meanwhile, Highway 18 will be closed in both directions starting 9 p.m. Friday, just south of the I-90 junction. The detour is expected to create major backups along I-405 as vehicles reroute.
Public transit may be the best option this weekend. Light rail service on the 1 Line will run every 10 minutes, and dedicated bus lanes along Aurora Avenue will provide a way to bypass I-5 congestion. For those who can, working from home could help avoid the gridlock altogether.
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) says these disruptions are part of a larger I-5 improvement effort. Even bigger challenges are expected next year, when four months of major construction on the Ship Canal Bridge will begin, though work will pause for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. As WSDOT explained, there simply “aren’t enough weekends in a summer to complete all of these closures individually.”
Bottom line: If you can avoid driving, do so. If travel is necessary, expect long delays and plan alternate routes through downtown Seattle or the Eastside.
