Navigating Seattle: Spring construction projects ahead
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Vehicles sit in traffic on Interstate 5 in Seattle. Photo: Chona Kasinger/Bloomberg via Getty Images
A wave of construction projects are ongoing on some of the region's busiest roads over the next few months, from the waterfront to SR 520.
Why it matters: Traffic in and around Seattle is already among the worst in the country, and even short-term closures can send ripple effects across commutes.
- Knowing what's out there can help you dodge the worst backups or at least plan around them.
What's happening: Here's a look at some of the most potentially disruptive street and highway projects in the region this spring, from lane reductions to full weekend closures, per SDOT and WSDOT.
RapidRide J Line
- April to June
- Impact: Harvard Avenue East between Eastlake Avenue East and East Allison Street is closed for more than two months. The closure reduces lanes on a section of Eastlake to one lane in each direction.
Route 40 Project
- Ongoing
- Impact: Short-term lane reductions along Westlake Avenue North expected to last through the spring.
Waterfront Seattle Construction
- Ongoing
Impact: Ongoing work along Alaskan Way with intermittent lane and sidewalk closures, especially near the ferry terminal.
SR 520 Portage Bay lid project
- Ongoing
- Impact: Initial traffic restrictions will begin as crews prepare to replace the aging Portage Bay Bridge and build a landscaped lid at Roanoke Street.
Ballard Bridge project
- Weekend closures: May 9-12, May 30-June 2 and June 6-9
- Impact: Occasional weekend closures through June for paving, seismic retrofits and safety improvements including new pedestrian signals and ADA ramps along a key freight and commuter corridor.
Beacon Avenue South Safety Project
- Ongoing
- Protected bike lanes and other safety features are being added.
Yes, but: The Revive I-5 project — originally expected to bring major weekend lane closures from Yesler Way to Northgate — has been postponed until 2026.
The bottom line: Build in extra time, explore transit options or steer clear of construction when possible.