TRAFFIC ALERT: Weekend closure of I-5 lanes between I-90, Convention Center

SEATTLE — Northbound lanes of Interstate 5 are shut down in South Seattle this weekend so workers can replace expansion joints.

The expansion joints between the slabs of concrete are 50 years old and are worn out.

"They're worn, they're aging.  And if we leave these in any longer, there's a risk that they could pop up and really do some damage to somebody's car,” said Bart Treece, from Washington State Deparment of Transportation.

The northbound I-5 lane closures will occur between Interstate 90 and just south of the Washington State Convention Center.

The I-90 collector-distributor lanes to I-5 will be open.

The weekend closure started Friday night, and will last until 11 p.m. on Sunday and reduces traffic to two left lanes.

In addition, the northbound I-5 ramp to Edgar Martinez Drive South will close from 10 p.m. Friday to 2 a.m. Saturday, and again from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday.

The closure is the second in the series of nine.

The next closure will occur in the southbound lanes in the same area on Presidents Day weekend, from Friday night to early Tuesday morning.

Workers inside WSDOT’s traffic center will be monitoring the closure and suggesting alternate routes.

KIRO 7 traffic reporter Alexis Smith  recommends State Route 599, Hwy 99, and Interstate 405 as other options.

For more information on the project and a map of the closure, see the WSDOT web site.

KIRO