Traffic is piling up on Interstate-5 in the construction area south of downtown Seattle. Drivers are encouraged to take less-congested alternative routes such as Airport Way, Highway 99 or First Avenue.

DOT says:

Crews moved traffic onto the east side of northbound I-5 overnight. Drivers will see a very different looking work zone with only two lanes on northbound I-5 open for this morning's commute. This configuration will continue through the end of the project.

With one less lane of traffic, drivers are encouraged to use alternate routes, ride the bus or train, carpool, vanpool, work from home, shift their schedules and plan ahead by using our alternate routes.

Drivers traveling in the far right lane will be diverted onto the collector-distributor roadway, which provides access to off-ramps to I-90, James St. and Madison St. but also reconnects with the I-5 mainline. Drivers using the collector-distributor will be able to stay in two lanes as they rejoin mainline I-5, unlike today's single lane.