
A preservation project on Interstate 5 in Washington state was scheduled to begin in March. Now, that project is being delayed until 2026.
The Washington State Department of Transportation said in a blog post on its website that this decision was made to align construction spending with the available budget.
“A significant gap in funding, driven by changes in the financial environment, meant the original plan would exceed budget projections,” WSDOT said. “This shift also gives us more time to work with our community and business partners to prepare for future closures.
FRIENDS: We’ve shifted our Revive I-5 preservation work on the Ship Canal Bridge in Seattle from 2025 to 2026. We may do some work this year, but nothing major til NEXT year & don’t worry, we haven’t forgotten about The One When World Cup Comes to Seattle. https://t.co/AzXCQ5lyq2
— WSDOT Traffic (@wsdot_traffic) January 27, 2025
Rehabilitation work on the Ship Canal Bridge will become a priority, transportation officials added.
Another concern with the 2026 timeline is Seattle serving as one of the host sites for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Since 2019, nearly 200 emergency repairs have been made on the I-5 bridge. WSDOT said it anticipates failing expansion joints, large potholes and other emergencies given the current condition of the bridge deck.
“There’s no perfect time to carry out the extensive preservation work needs on I-5, especially considering its current condition,” WSDOT said. “We’ve been working with key transit partners for over two years in preparation for this project, and we’ve committed to not implementing long-term lane closures or full closures on I-5 during the World Cup matches in Seattle and Vancouver, B.C.”
Grays Harbor County rest area to close temporarily
The Elma rest area, approximately 85 miles from Seattle via I-5, is set to close on Monday, Feb. 3 for upgrades to the facility’s water system.
In November 2024, new well pumps and an automated water management system were installed. This closure, which is expected to last until Feb. 14, will include the installation of larger water pipes. These upgrades will reduce long-term maintenance costs, WSDOT said.
During the closure, motorists can utilize the Scatter Creek or Maytown rest areas on I-5 in Thurston County.
The Elma rest area features restrooms, picnic areas, vending machines, visitor information, short-term parking and an RV disposal area. It opened in 1967. LL
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