Commute Seattle Provides Tools to Navigate Revive I-5

If it feels like everyone is talking about Revive I-5, that’s because they are. The Washington State Department of Transportation’s project truly affects everyone, not just those who regularly drive on Interstate 5.

Construction on the Ship Canal Bridge’s northbound lanes in Seattle began on Jan. 9, setting up for long-term reductions that began on Jan. 12, continuing with periods of lane reductions and full closures throughout 2026. There will be a brief pause during the men’s FIFA World Cup in June.

This next phase of Revive I-5 includes critical drainage upgrades, resurfacing and other repairs needed to keep one of the region’s most heavily traveled corridors safe and functional. The Ship Canal Bridge carries more than 240,000 vehicles per day, according to WSDOT, meaning impacts will ripple far beyond I-5 itself, influencing downtown streets, freight movement, transit reliability and commute times across the region.

Ship Canal Bridge construction is slated to continue in 2027, with work shifting to the southbound lanes. The entire project is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2027.

To help businesses, employees and residents prepare, DSA/MID partner Commute Seattle has created a helpful tip sheet outlining key construction dates and what to expect. The flyer is designed to be easily shared with tenants and teams and includes strategies for navigating downtown during construction.

Commute Seattle also partnered with WSDOT on a Jan. 7 webinar to walk through the year ahead. During the discussion, WSDOT staff explained why this work must happen now, outlined anticipated timelines and shared tools to help reduce drive-alone trips during construction. The webinar also highlighted non-drive-alone options — from transit and carpools to flexible schedules — that can make a real difference during peak disruption.

While lane reductions will create challenges, they also present an opportunity. Shifting trips outside peak hours and encouraging transit use can reduce congestion for everyone. Commute Seattle offers customized commute planning support for downtown employers looking to help their teams navigate this period more smoothly.

Revive I-5 is a long-term investment in the safety and reliability of our transportation system. With planning, flexibility and shared responsibility, downtown can continue to function — and thrive — through construction.