Major highway closures across the Seattle region are expected to cause significant delays from Friday evening, October 16, as Washington State transportation crews carry out work on Interstate 405, Interstate 90 and Interstate 5.
The most disruptive closure will affect all northbound lanes of I-405 through Bellevue, where the motorway will shut between Southeast Eighth Street and Northeast Fourth Street from 11pm on Friday until 4am on Monday, October 19.
The Southeast Eighth Street entrance to northbound I-405 will also be closed, along with the northbound exit to Northeast Fourth Street and Northeast Eighth Street, known as Exit 13A/B. Signed diversion routes will be in place, although officials warn they will not be able to absorb normal traffic volumes.
Crews working on the I-405 widening and express toll lanes project will use the closure to lay paving, install concrete panels and put up an overhead sign structure.
Further I-90 and I-5 restrictions
On eastbound I-90 near Snoqualmie, the two left lanes will close from 6am to 9pm on Saturday and Sunday. The restriction will run between State Route 18 and Southeast North Bend Way, around mileposts 26 to 27, while bridge deck maintenance is carried out.
Northbound I-5 through Seattle is already restricted to two lanes across the Ship Canal Bridge as part of the Revive I-5 preservation project. The arrangement is expected to remain in place until the end of 2026, with the express lanes operating northbound around the clock.
The Ship Canal Bridge work involves repairing and resurfacing the upper deck, replacing ageing expansion joints and improving drainage. WSDOT says the bridge carries almost 240,000 vehicles a day and has not undergone a major preservation project for about 40 years.
Transportation officials are urging motorists to consider public transport, park-and-ride facilities or alternative travel times. Drivers have also been advised to check live road conditions before setting out and allow extra time for their journeys.
The work is dependent on dry weather, meaning the planned closures could be postponed if rain prevents paving, concrete or bridge repairs from going ahead. WSDOT has warned that traffic conditions on local roads in Bellevue, Seattle and surrounding areas will depend on the routes drivers choose.
Motorists travelling through work zones should reduce their speed, avoid using mobile phones and remain alert for road workers and changing lane arrangements.
