Will you chip in to support our nonprofit newsroom with a donation today?
Yes, I want to support My MLTnews!
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is advising travelers across the Puget Sound region to expect major congestion and extended travel times throughout May as crews accelerate construction work ahead of a planned June pause for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
According to the WSDOT press release, construction impacts will be concentrated into a shorter timeframe this year to accommodate the five-week suspension of major projects during World Cup matches in Seattle and Vancouver, B.C.
The heaviest impacts are expected during the weekend of May 8-11, when closures and lane reductions will affect I-5, I-405, SR 520 and SR 99 in Seattle and on the Eastside.
Planned closures include:
- Southbound I-405 between Coal Creek Parkway in Bellevue and North 30th Street in Renton will close from 11:30 p.m. Friday, May 8, through 4 a.m. Monday, May 11. During the closure, crews will pave, excavate drainage crossings and complete a traffic switch as part of the I-405/Renton to Bellevue Widening and Express Toll Lanes Project.
- Northbound and southbound I-405 ramps at Northeast 85th Street in Kirkland will close from 11 p.m. Friday, May 8, through 4 a.m. Monday, May 11. Beginning Monday, May 11, travelers will use two new roundabouts on Northeast 85th Street.
- Northbound SR 99 across the First Avenue South Bridge will close from 9 p.m. Friday, May 8, through 5 a.m. Monday, May 11.
- Eastbound SR 520 and related ramps between I-5 and Montlake Boulevard will close from 11 p.m. Friday, May 8, through 5 a.m. Monday, May 11.
- Two northbound lanes on I-5 across the Ship Canal Bridge will also remain closed during the weekend.
WSDOT said drivers should expect miles-long backups approaching Bellevue and Renton, congestion on Kirkland city streets and delays throughout Seattle as travelers seek alternate routes.
WSOT encourages travelers to use transit, park-and-ride options, flexible schedules and real-time travel tools when possible.
Some work is weather-dependent and may be rescheduled if rain is forecast. Updated schedules and traffic information will be available through WSDOT’s Travel Center map, mobile app and King County email updates.
Real first and last names — as well as city of residence — are required for all commenters.
This is so we can verify your identity before approving your comment.
By commenting here you agree to abide by our Code of Conduct. Please read our code at the bottom of this page before commenting.