Drivers should plan ahead to avoid major traffic delays this weekend.

Weekend drivers need to plan for long travel delays and added congestion as two major construction projects are underway in Seattle and Bellevue this weekend, Aug. 25-28.

#ReviveI5 lane reductions on northbound Interstate 5 between Tukwila and Seattle and a full closure of State Route 520 between Seattle and Bellevue will also add congestion to interstates 90 and 405 as drivers try to avoid the closures.

“These delays will be widespread and we need drivers to plan their weekend trips well in advance,” said WSDOT Traffic Engineer Mike Swires. “Have a plan A, B and C and stay engaged for updated travel delays through the weekend.”

#ReviveI5 expansion joint replacement
The major pavement preservation project on northbound I-5 shifts gears this weekend as contractor crews working for the Washington State Department of Transportation begin expansion joint replacement on the Interurban Bridge. Crews will also pave the Interurban and Duwamish River bridges. Drivers should expect:

  • Only two left lanes between I-405 and the Duwamish River Bridge will be open from 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 25, to 5 a.m. Monday, Aug. 28
  • Lengthy delays getting to and from Sea-Tac International Airport
  • Added travel time to and from the Sounders vs. Timbers match Sunday, Aug. 27
  • Added congestion on I-405 and state routes 167, 518 and 599

Full closure of SR 520 bridge
WSDOT contractor crews will close the SR 520 bridge between the Eastside and Seattle to prepare for the opening of the new westbound SR 520 lanes on Monday, Aug. 28. From 11 p.m. Friday, Aug. 25, to 5 a.m. Monday, Aug. 28, crews will close all lanes and ramps of:

  • Westbound SR 520 between 92nd Avenue Northeast and Montlake Boulevard
  • Eastbound SR 520 between I-5 and 92nd Avenue Northeast
  • The bicycle and pedestrian path on the floating bridge
  • Drivers should expect lengthy delays traveling to and from the eastside of Lake Washington all weekend.

Know before you go
Drivers should stay engaged through the weekend and check their routes before they travel. Several tools are available for drivers:

[Source: WSDOT]