Revive I-5 Ship Canal Bridge Construction Resumes July 10 After World Cup Pause — Long-Term Lane Reductions Return Through End of 2026
WSDOT’s Revive I-5 Ship Canal Bridge Preservation project — the largest active highway preservation effort in Washington state — paused construction and removed lane restrictions from June 8 through July 10 to accommodate FIFA World Cup matches in Seattle, with all lanes open during the tournament. When World Cup matches conclude, long-term lane reductions will resume on northbound I-5 across the Ship Canal Bridge and continue through the end of 2026, with a final full weekend closure of northbound I-5 from I-90 to NE 45th Street planned for late 2026 to remove the work zone. The 2026 construction phase focuses on the northbound bridge deck — repairing and resurfacing the upper deck, replacing aged expansion joints, and improving drainage — with southbound deck work following in 2027 and the full project expected to be complete by end of 2027. For Seattle-area contractors and anyone coordinating deliveries or subcontractor mobilizations across the Ship Canal corridor, WSDOT urges all travelers to plan ahead, use transit where possible, and check WSDOT’s real-time traffic updates before heading out starting July 10. Washington State Department of Transportation + 2
