Harvard Avenue East On-Ramp Will Reopen October 12

The Washington State Department of Transportation plans to restore access to northbound I-5 in Seattle this month.

Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Remote Work

Isometric editorial illustration of a concrete highway ramp and steel bridge girders, representing Seattle infrastructure construction. — The Washington State Department of Transportation will reopen the Harvard Avenue East on-ramp to northbound I-5 in Seattle on October 12. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Harvard Avenue East on-ramp to northbound I-5 in Seattle will reopen on October 12, 2026. This reopening marks a significant milestone in the state’s ongoing efforts to conclude the northbound portion of the Revive I-5 construction project.

Why it matters

Restoring this ramp will provide a critical transit link for drivers traveling between Mercer Street and the University District. It signals that the extensive bridge work, which has diverted traffic since July, is nearing completion.

The Harvard Avenue East on-ramp is the sole access point between Mercer Street and the University District. Completion of the project requires drivers to merge quickly and transition to the left side of the freeway.

The players

Washington State Department of Transportation

This government agency oversees the design, construction, and maintenance of Washington state's highway and bridge infrastructure.

The details

Crews have made progress on the Ship Canal Bridge, allowing for the removal of barriers as final paving and striping continue. While this ramp will soon be available, commuters should anticipate continued construction activity until all lanes fully reopen.

The Harvard Avenue East on-ramp closed in July 2026.
The Harvard Avenue East on-ramp reopens on October 12, 2026.
All northbound I-5 lanes are expected to reopen in late November or early December 2026.
Construction will shift to the southbound direction of the Ship Canal Bridge in early 2027.
Express lanes will remain southbound 24-7 throughout 2027.

Market Landscape

This development follows the trajectory of the Revive I-5 construction project, a multi-year effort to modernize vital Seattle transit links. The reopening marks a transition from heavy infrastructure overhaul to the final phase of bridge maintenance for the corridor.

Commuters will regain a vital entry point to I-5, reducing the need for alternative routes between South Lake Union and the University District. Drivers should prepare for a quick merge into the left lanes as final striping and paving work continues on the bridge.

The takeaway

Drivers should remain alert to shifting traffic patterns as infrastructure projects in major cities often require ongoing caution even after specific access points reopen. Patience remains a key component for navigating the final stages of the Revive I-5 corridor improvements.