6 Road Closures in Washington State That Could Affect Your Trip

Whether you’re planning a mountain retreat, a coastal visit, or a cross-state adventure, knowing about current road closures can save you time and frustration. Below are key situations, ranging from unusual disruptions to seasonal restrictions, that may influence your route choices.

1. I-5 Ship Canal Bridge Repairs in Seattle

When the Ship Canal Bridge entered its latest phase of repairs, Seattle commuters braced for months of adaptation. Crews are working to improve the surface, expansion joints, and overall safety of this critical link between downtown and the University District. Lane reductions and frequent weekend closures stretch into 2026, adding complexity to daily routines.

Riders who typically glide over the bridge might now find themselves exploring alternative public transit options or adjusting travel times. The Washington State Department of Transportation communicates regularly about progress, so checking updates is practical before any drive. Some residents recall previous bridge work that lasted for weeks, and the current repairs may feel familiar.

This bridge, built in the 1960s, was once considered an engineering marvel. Today, its maintenance reflects the challenges of keeping aging infrastructure reliable for a growing population. The work reminds drivers how essential planning is in busy urban corridors.

2. I-5 Repaving in Fife

Late summer evenings in Fife have taken on a different rhythm this year, as crews moved swiftly to repave northbound I-5. Between August 16 and August 23, 2025, overnight work transformed the road surface just south of Wapato Way up to the new bridges. Drivers traveling through Pierce County noticed detours and changing traffic patterns.

While the bulk of repaving is now complete, travelers are wise to remain alert for lingering lane adjustments and possible brief closures. Occasional slowdowns can still occur as workers tidy up remaining sections or monitor for issues post-construction. Commuters and commercial drivers alike have learned to factor in a few extra minutes.

This repaving project was part of a larger effort to improve safety and efficiency along this busy corridor. Locals might recall how smoother pavement can make a routine drive noticeably more comfortable and reduce vehicle wear over time.

3. I-90 Mount Baker Tunnel Closures (Seattle)

Weekend travel across Lake Washington looks different in 2025, as WSDOT temporarily shuts down the I-90 Mount Baker and Mercer Island tunnels. Crews are upgrading ventilation, lighting, and safety systems to extend the lifespan of these vital passageways.

From Friday night through early Monday, both directions close, sending traffic onto I-5, SR 520, or local arterials. While detours add time, the work is necessary for keeping Seattle’s east–west link reliable.

The twin tunnels, in service since 1989, remain central to daily commutes and cross-state trips. Planning ahead is essential, especially during summer festivals and sporting events when traffic can swell quickly.

4. I-405 Southbound Closure in Renton

Not every highway closure comes with fanfare, but southbound I-405 in Renton is currently the talk of local traffic reports. Between North Southport Drive and SR 169, the corridor closes fully over select weekends for the ongoing widening and Express Toll Lanes project. Nighttime closures begin just before midnight and last until the early hours of Monday.

Regular commuters find themselves recalculating drive times and checking maps for possible alternate routes. Businesses near the closure area may experience shifts in customer flow as people adjust travel habits. WSDOT publishes closure dates and suggested detours online to help ease the transition.

This stretch of highway has long been a choke point during peak travel periods. Improvements aim to reduce future congestion, but for now, patience and flexibility are essential for those navigating the affected area.

5. Fairfax Bridge Closure on SR 165

The closure of the Fairfax Bridge on State Route 165 marks the end of an era for local explorers and park visitors. On April 22, 2025, safety concerns led to its permanent closure, cutting off traditional vehicle and pedestrian access to Carbon River and Mowich Lake. The locked gates signal a dramatic change in how people reach northwest Mount Rainier National Park.

With no public detour, travelers are faced with new challenges in accessing campgrounds and viewpoints. Some have turned to backroads or remote trails, but these are not officially maintained or open to traffic. The closure impacts not just recreation but also local history, as the bridge was first opened in 1921.

A quirky fact: This bridge was once the tallest single-span structure of its kind in the state. Now, its silent span serves as a reminder of evolving infrastructure needs and the natural forces that shape them.

6. I-90 Vantage Bridge Lane Reductions

Travelers crossing central Washington know the I-90 Vantage Bridge as a critical link between eastern and western parts of the state. Deck replacement work is underway, resulting in lane reductions that transform the bridge into a slower, more deliberate crossing. Work crews take advantage of the dry summer months to tackle structural upgrades.

During busy holidays like Labor Day, all lanes reopen temporarily, offering a glimpse of normalcy amid the construction. At other times, drivers should expect delays and narrow passages as construction continues. Local businesses sometimes notice shifts in customer patterns when traffic slows on this stretch.

The Vantage Bridge, first opened in 1962, replaced an earlier structure lost to rising waters from the Wanapum Dam’s reservoir. Today, its maintenance is vital for both freight and leisure travelers moving across the Columbia River’s scenic expanse.