Late Night Closures Planned For Northbound I-5 In Seattle

SEATTLE — Travelers driving north through Seattle will have to navigate some late-night closures next week, according to the Washington State Department of Transportation. WSDOT plans to close northbound lanes on the state's busiest highway for four hours on two nights, which officials said will allow crews to re-stripe lanes through downtown Seattle.

Once complete in the summer, the re-striping will allow drivers to utilize a third lane that is currently exit-only to Seneca Street.

During the upcoming closure, crews will close off the mainline and collector/distributor lanes from Interstate 90 to Olive Way. The first two closures are scheduled overnight Wednesday, Feb. 15, and Thursday, Feb. 16, between 11:59 p.m. and 4 a.m. Initially, WSDOT planned a second round of closures for Feb. 22 and Feb. 23, but officials canceled those dates Wednesday citing a scheduling conflict.

Drivers with northbound trips planned during those periods will be able to access downtown by exiting the freeway near the I-90 interchange, while those heading further north will still have access to the express lanes.

WSDOT advises drivers heading to downtown use the Edgar Martinez Drive exit or take eastbound I-90 to the Rainier Avenue exit. Several ramps will also be closed during the work, and drivers can follow marked detours to find the closest exit.

The work is weather-dependent and can be rescheduled as necessary.