Home » Latest Travel News of United States » The United States Issues Urgent Travel Advisory for Seattle as Massive I-5 Infrastructure Revamp Brings Total Northbound Shutdowns, Prolonged Congestion, and Delays for Millions of Drivers and Ferry Commuters
Saturday, July 19, 2025
The United States is bracing for severe travel disruption in Seattle when the Washington State Department of Transportation kicks off an aggressive phase of its Revive I-5 project, leading to full closure of the highway and 24/7 lane reductions which will snarl one of the West Coast’s busiest trade passes. This vital sector of northbound Interstate 5, between downtown Seattle and key neighborhoods, ferry docks and intercity connections, will see total closures and long-term lane reductions from mid-July to August, and beyond. As the area’s major north-south freeway, I-5 is critical not just for local commuters, but for regional travelers to and from Seattle’s main destination ferry terminals. The major changes — which include long-weekend closures, 24/7 two-lane travel across the Ship Canal Bridge, and the permanent closure of traffic diversion lanes from the express lanes — will snarl traffic. The work is necessary to fix degrading pavement and produce long-term safety, yet comes at the height of the summer travel season – further affecting ferry access, airport connections and interstate travel across Washington.
Seattle Braces for Major I-5 Disruptions as Revive I-5 Roadwork Intensifies Through Mid-August
Travelers planning to drive through Seattle on Interstate 5—especially those headed to or from ferry terminals—should prepare for substantial traffic delays as the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) launches a new phase of its Revive I-5 infrastructure project. Beginning this weekend and continuing through mid-August, a series of closures and lane reductions will significantly impact northbound traffic and potentially cause congestion in both directions.
What to Expect This Weekend and Beyond
The disruption kicks off at 11:59 p.m. on Friday, July 18, when all northbound lanes of I-5 between Interstate 90 and Northeast 45th Street will be completely shut down. This full closure will remain in place until 5 a.m. on Monday, July 21, marking the start of an extended traffic slowdown across one of the most heavily traveled highway sections in the Pacific Northwest.
Immediately following the weekend closure, lane reductions will be enforced 24/7 on northbound I-5 over the Ship Canal Bridge from Monday, July 21 through Thursday, August 15. Only two lanes will remain open in this vital corridor, drastically reducing capacity and increasing congestion.
Another full northbound weekend closure is also planned for the night of August 15 through the morning of August 18, compounding delays for travelers during the busy summer travel season.
Northbound Express Lanes Operate Full-Time During Construction
To help alleviate pressure on the mainline highway, WSDOT has announced that I-5 express lanes will operate northbound 24 hours a day, seven days a week for the full duration of the construction. This adjustment is expected to provide some relief for commuters, although it will not fully offset the delays caused by reduced access on the primary roadway.
Despite the focus on northbound lanes, southbound I-5 traffic will also be affected, as congestion and delays often spill over during such large-scale infrastructure projects. The combination of ongoing summer travel, local events, and ferry terminal connections may lead to widespread backups throughout the Seattle metropolitan area.
Tips for Navigating the I-5 Disruptions
WSDOT is urging all drivers—especially those traveling to or from Seattle’s major ferry terminals such as Colman Dock and Fauntleroy—to take proactive steps to avoid frustration and missed departures. With the possibility of lengthy backups and slower travel times, transportation officials recommend the following strategies:
Allow for additional travel time. Expect longer drives to reach ferry terminals or your final destination across the city.Monitor real-time traffic reports using apps, navigation systems, or WSDOT’s official traffic alerts before heading out.Plan alternate routes to bypass the most congested areas of I-5. Arterial roads, I-405, and SR 99 may offer more reliable options depending on the time of day.Use public transportation or rideshare services to reduce vehicle volume on the freeway and simplify terminal access.Adjust your travel schedule to avoid peak traffic hours and spread out demand across less congested periods.Check the Revive I-5 project website for detailed detour maps, updates, and official notices as new phases of the project are rolled out.
Why the Revive I-5 Project Matters
The ongoing Revive I-5 project is part of a long-term effort to upgrade critical sections of aging interstate infrastructure in the Seattle area. This stretch of I-5, originally built in the 1960s, has been showing signs of significant wear, including cracks in expansion joints, worn concrete surfaces, and drainage issues. Through full closures and lane reductions, WSDOT aims to carry out concrete panel replacements, expansion joint repairs, surface grinding, and other upgrades to improve safety and extend the life of this vital roadway.
While the immediate effect is inconvenience, the longer-term goal is a more resilient and smoother corridor for the hundreds of thousands of daily commuters, truck drivers, and ferry passengers who rely on this route.
Summer Travel and Ferry Impact
The construction schedule coincides with Seattle’s busiest summer travel period, when both regional and out-of-state visitors crowd the city’s highways and ferry docks. Those using ferry services between Seattle and destinations such as Bainbridge Island, Bremerton, or Vashon Island should be especially vigilant in monitoring travel times and planning accordingly.
As travelers make their way through the city over the coming weeks, patience, flexibility, and real-time information will be essential tools to successfully navigate the anticipated disruptions.
Key Dates at a Glance
July 18–21: Full northbound I-5 closure between I-90 and NE 45th StreetJuly 21–August 15: Continuous two-lane restriction on northbound I-5 over Ship Canal BridgeAugust 15–18: Another full northbound I-5 weekend closure
To stay ahead of the delays, visit the Revive I-5 project page on the WSDOT website and sign up for alerts tailored to your travel route.
I-5 will be shut down and it’s going to be the ultimate headache: Significant impacts to WSF, summer travel will occur as critical work and reduced lanes start in Seattle — the United States’ first. The Revive I-5 project is an attempt to fix aging infrastructure — but it comes with widespread delays through mid-August.
Tags: ferry impact, I-5, I-5 detours, public transportation Seattle, Revive I-5, seattle, summer roadwork, summer travel, travel disruptions, Travel News, Travel tips
