Avoiding traffic congestion on Seattle's I-5 due to closure advised; public transportation urged as an alternative, according to authorities
In the heart of summer, a significant roadwork project on the northbound Interstate 5 Ship Canal Bridge in Seattle has caused noticeable traffic disruptions. To help commuters navigate this challenging period, here are some strategies to avoid the worst of the delays.
Firstly, avoid northbound I-5 between State Route 520 and NE 45th Street during peak construction times, especially from July 18 through August 18, when lane reductions and full weekend closures occur. This advice comes from officials who recommend avoiding bumper-to-bumper traffic on I-5 by using alternative routes or modes of transportation such as public transit (King County Metro, Sound Transit), biking, or vanpooling.
If you decide to stick with your car, WSDOT spokesperson Tom Pearce advises paying close attention to traffic conditions and updates on the department's website. For those opting for public transit, trains offer a routine and reliable alternative to commuting on the road. Henry Bendon, spokesperson for Sound Transit, recommends that especially during construction and closures, commuters consider using public transit as an alternative to driving.
The train, with an exclusive right of way, comes every eight minutes and can hold up to 1,200 people. Some commuters are sharing their positive experiences with using public transit, with one commuter, Zing Uttam, saying "Many were surprised by how nice it is to take the train!" Lizzy Canarie, a commuter from Seattle's Lake City neighborhood, plans to take the bus for her commute, estimating a 40-minute to 1-hour ride.
Commuters using public transit could even get up to $25 in free fare at flipyourtrip.org. The Commuter Hotline takes calls to help commuters map their transit itineraries, pinpoint park-and-ride or vanpool options, plan safe bike routes, and recommend trip planning tools like OneBusAway, Google Maps, Metro Trip Planner, and more. Commuters can plan out the most time-effective trip through Commute Seattle's new Commuter Hotline by calling 206-613-3132 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
It's also worth considering travelling outside rush hours. Backups have been significant during peak periods due to lane closures—northbound I-5 was reduced to two lanes over the Ship Canal Bridge until about August 15, with full closure over a weekend for concrete work from August 15 to 18.
Seattle streets such as 23rd Avenue, Denny Way, and Fremont Avenue have also seen noticeable slowdowns. Monday morning's southbound commute from Lynnwood to Seattle via I-5 took over 80 minutes, according to the Washington State Department of Transportation. Tuesday morning's commute on southbound I-5 was better but still heavy.
Despite the challenges, commuters are finding ways to adapt to the month-long construction. Commuters opting for public transportation have helped keep traffic on the interstate "somewhat manageable", according to WSDOT spokesperson Tom Pearce. As the roadwork continues intermittently through 2027, staying informed on current closures will help commuters make informed decisions and minimise traffic delays.
- In light of the traffic disruptions caused by the roadwork on the northbound Interstate 5 Ship Canal Bridge, commuters could consider using public transit alternatives as recommended, such as King County Metro, Sound Transit, biking, or vanpooling.
- For those preferring to travel by car during this challenging time, WSDOT advises keeping updated with traffic conditions and updates on their website, while those opting for public transit could benefit from using trip planning tools like OneBusAway, Google Maps, Metro Trip Planner, and more.
- Commuters using public transit could potentially save up to $25 in free fare by visiting flipyourtrip.org, and the Commuter Hotline offers assistance in mapping transit itineraries, finding park-and-ride or vanpool options, planning safe bike routes, and suggesting other trip planning tools.
