Interstate 5 North - Seattle to Shoreline

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Interstate 5
Interstate 5 North
Interstate 5 angles northwest over Jackson and King Streets before the Express Lanes begin, 0.75 miles from Exit 165 to Seneca Street and Downtown Seattle. Extending 7.14 miles north to Exit 173 at Northgate, the reversible Express Lanes run between the north and southbound roadways.

Interstate 5 angles northwest over Jackson and King Streets before the Express Lanes begin, 0.75 miles from Exit 165 to Seneca Street and Downtown Seattle. Extending 7.14 miles north to Exit 173 at Northgate, the reversible Express Lanes run between the north and southbound roadways.

08/30/06

The exit to James Street departs from the c/d roadway (Exit 164 B) next for Seattle University, City Hall, and Pioneer Square in Downtown.

The exit to James Street departs from the c/d roadway (Exit 164 B) next for Seattle University, City Hall, and Pioneer Square in Downtown.

07/20/23

The exit to James Street precedes the 7th and Madison Streets exit for the Washington State Convention Center.

The exit to James Street precedes the 7th and Madison Streets exit for the Washington State Convention Center.

07/20/23

The start of the Express Lanes shifted a half mile south of Exit 165 to Seneca Street by 2019. They commence separates from the general travel lanes by a double white line.

The start of the Express Lanes shifted a half mile south of Exit 165 to Seneca Street by 2019. They commence separates from the general travel lanes by a double white line.

08/30/06

7th Avenue runs alongside I-5 north from the James Street to Madison and Spring Streets by the First Hill neighborhood.

7th Avenue runs alongside I-5 north from the James Street to Madison and Spring Streets by the First Hill neighborhood.

07/20/23

Yesler Way passes over Interstate 5 in the foreground while Columbia Center dominates the Seattle skyline.

Yesler Way passes over Interstate 5 in the foreground while Columbia Center dominates the Seattle skyline.

08/29/06

The Express Lanes shift onto a separate roadway ahead of Left Exit 165 onto Seneca Street west at Central Freeway Park.

The Express Lanes shift onto a separate roadway ahead of Left Exit 165 onto Seneca Street west at Central Freeway Park.

07/20/23

The exit to Madison Street departs for 7th Avenue where the ramp meters operate for the c/d roadway (Exit 164 A).

The exit to Madison Street departs for 7th Avenue where the ramp meters operate for the c/d roadway (Exit 164 A).

07/20/23

The Interstate 5 Express Lane travel uninterrupted to the NE 42nd Street ramp at the University District. The lanes shift direction on a weekly schedule to aid in peak hour traffic or during special events.

The Interstate 5 Express Lane travel uninterrupted to the NE 42nd Street ramp at the University District. The lanes shift direction on a weekly schedule to aid in peak hour traffic or during special events.

08/30/06

Exit 165 parts ways with Interstate 5 north for Seneca Street. Seneca Street flows west from First Hill to 1st Avenue across the central business district.

Exit 165 parts ways with Interstate 5 north for Seneca Street. Seneca Street flows west from First Hill to 1st Avenue across the central business district.

08/30/06

The c/d roadway from Exit 164 A concludes where Interstate 5 lowers to pass beneath Madison and Spring Streets ahead of the Central Freeway Park cut and cover tunnel.

The c/d roadway from Exit 164 A concludes where Interstate 5 lowers to pass beneath Madison and Spring Streets ahead of the Central Freeway Park cut and cover tunnel.

07/20/23

Exit 166 is next in a quarter mile for Olive Way and Capitol Hill. The directional T interchange (Exit 167) with the Mercer Street connector near Lake Union follows.

Exit 166 is next in a quarter mile for Olive Way and Capitol Hill. The directional T interchange (Exit 167) with the Mercer Street connector near Lake Union follows.

07/20/23

Interstate 5 north enters the Central Freeway Park tunnel. Seneca Street travels above the freeway beyond the northbound portal.
2 photos

Interstate 5 north enters the Central Freeway Park tunnel. Seneca Street travels above the freeway beyond the northbound portal.

08/30/06

07/20/23

Interstate 5 emerges from the Central Freeway Park tunnel by the University Street entrance ramp and 8th Avenue mini tunnel.

Interstate 5 emerges from the Central Freeway Park tunnel by the University Street entrance ramp and 8th Avenue mini tunnel.

07/20/23

A second cut and cover tunnel takes Interstate 5 below the Washington State Convention Center and Pike Street.
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A second cut and cover tunnel takes Interstate 5 below the Washington State Convention Center and Pike Street.

08/30/06

07/20/23

Exit 166 to Olive Way separates from I-5 north just beyond the last of the tunnels. Boren Avenue and Pine Street intersect above the freeway mainline in this scene.

Exit 166 to Olive Way separates from I-5 north just beyond the last of the tunnels. Boren Avenue and Pine Street intersect above the freeway mainline in this scene.

07/20/23

Continuing north, I-5 next meets Exit 167 to Mercer Street and Exit 168 A to Lakeview Avenue. The Mercer Street connector provides direct access to Mercer Street at Fairview Avenue. Mercer Street west to Broad Street leads to Seattle Center for the Space Needle, Climate Pledge Arena (former home of the NBA Seattle Supersonics), Pacific Science Center, and the Seattle Rep theatre among other attractions.

Continuing north, I-5 next meets Exit 167 to Mercer Street and Exit 168 A to Lakeview Avenue. The Mercer Street connector provides direct access to Mercer Street at Fairview Avenue. Mercer Street west to Broad Street leads to Seattle Center for the Space Needle, Climate Pledge Arena (former home of the NBA Seattle Supersonics), Pacific Science Center, and the Seattle Rep theatre among other attractions.

07/20/23

Exit 167 leaves I-5 north at the Denny Way overpass west of Seattle Central Community College and descends into a cut and cover tunnel before combining with the southbound off-ramp ahead of Fairview Avenue. Mercer Street carries a significant amount of traffic between I-5 and SR 99 (Aurora Avenue), north of Downtown and south of Queen Anne Hill.

Exit 167 leaves I-5 north at the Denny Way overpass west of Seattle Central Community College and descends into a cut and cover tunnel before combining with the southbound off-ramp ahead of Fairview Avenue. Mercer Street carries a significant amount of traffic between I-5 and SR 99 (Aurora Avenue), north of Downtown and south of Queen Anne Hill.

07/20/23

Lakeview Boulevard shifts to the east side of Interstate 5 at Belmont Avenue, one half mile ahead of Exit 168 A. Exit 168 B constitutes the eastbound beginning of SR 520 to Bellevue and Redmond. The state route runs 12.82 miles to SR 202 (Redmond Way).

Lakeview Boulevard shifts to the east side of Interstate 5 at Belmont Avenue, one half mile ahead of Exit 168 A. Exit 168 B constitutes the eastbound beginning of SR 520 to Bellevue and Redmond. The state route runs 12.82 miles to SR 202 (Redmond Way).

07/20/23

Pictured here when traffic was flowing well, it is common to see heavy congestion at the "Mercer Street Merge" due to the weaving traffic movements between the Mercer Street entrance ramp and SR 520 exit ramp.

Pictured here when traffic was flowing well, it is common to see heavy congestion at the "Mercer Street Merge" due to the weaving traffic movements between the Mercer Street entrance ramp and SR 520 exit ramp.

08/30/06

Exit 168 A drops from the Interstate 5 viaduct onto Lakeview Boulevard ahead of Boyston Avenue. Boyston Avenue parallels the freeway northward to the North Broadway community between Lake Union and Portage Bay.

Exit 168 A drops from the Interstate 5 viaduct onto Lakeview Boulevard ahead of Boyston Avenue. Boyston Avenue parallels the freeway northward to the North Broadway community between Lake Union and Portage Bay.

07/20/23

SR 520 travels east to the tolled Evergreen Point Floating Bridge, Medina, Clyde Hill and Bellevue. Weaving traffic from the left to right lanes results in heavy traffic congestion during peak hours as SR 520 is one of only two routes across Lake Washington.

SR 520 travels east to the tolled Evergreen Point Floating Bridge, Medina, Clyde Hill and Bellevue. Weaving traffic from the left to right lanes results in heavy traffic congestion during peak hours as SR 520 is one of only two routes across Lake Washington.

07/20/23

SR 520 heads east from Exit 168 B through Montlake to Lake Washington. Connections with SR 513 (Montlake Boulevard) north serves Husky Stadium and the University of Washington campus.

SR 520 heads east from Exit 168 B through Montlake to Lake Washington. Connections with SR 513 (Montlake Boulevard) north serves Husky Stadium and the University of Washington campus.

07/20/23

$68 million in construction from August 2021 to May 2025 built a dedicated flyover for HOV-3 traffic between the I-5 Express Lanes and SR 520 (WSDOT, 2025).

$68 million in construction from August 2021 to May 2025 built a dedicated flyover for HOV-3 traffic between the I-5 Express Lanes and SR 520 (WSDOT, 2025).

07/20/23

The second exit from the 7.14 mile long Interstate 5 Express Lanes is for NE 42nd Street and the University of Washington.

The second exit from the 7.14 mile long Interstate 5 Express Lanes is for NE 42nd Street and the University of Washington.

07/20/23

A distributor roadway at Exit 169 links I-5 with NE 45th Street to Wallingford and the University of Washington campus, and NE 50th Street for Meridian and Woodland Park.

A distributor roadway at Exit 169 links I-5 with NE 45th Street to Wallingford and the University of Washington campus, and NE 50th Street for Meridian and Woodland Park.

07/20/23

I-5 crosses the Lake Washington Ship Canal between Lake Union and Portage Bay. Interests to Woodland Park Zoo and Seattle Pacific University are directed onto NE 50th Street west toward Fremont.

I-5 crosses the Lake Washington Ship Canal between Lake Union and Portage Bay. Interests to Woodland Park Zoo and Seattle Pacific University are directed onto NE 50th Street west toward Fremont.

07/20/23

One quarter mile south of the diamond interchange with NE 45th Street on Interstate 5 north.

One quarter mile south of the diamond interchange with NE 45th Street on Interstate 5 north.

07/20/23

NE 45th Street becomes part of SR 513 at University Village. SR 513 is a 3.35 mile long spur northeast from SR 520 to NE 65th Street at Warren G. Magnuson Park.

NE 45th Street becomes part of SR 513 at University Village. SR 513 is a 3.35 mile long spur northeast from SR 520 to NE 65th Street at Warren G. Magnuson Park.

07/20/23

NE 50th Street heads to NE 21st Avenue in the University neighborhood to the east and near the Ballard section of Seattle to the west.

NE 50th Street heads to NE 21st Avenue in the University neighborhood to the east and near the Ballard section of Seattle to the west.

07/20/23

The Express Lanes flyover for SR 522 (Lake City Way) departs in 0.9 miles near Green Lake.

The Express Lanes flyover for SR 522 (Lake City Way) departs in 0.9 miles near Green Lake.

07/20/23

Exit 170 joins the Interstate 5 mainline with Ravenna Boulevard and NE 65th Street near Green Lake. Beginning at Exit 171, SR 522 travels 24.64 miles east to U.S. 2 at Monroe.

Exit 170 joins the Interstate 5 mainline with Ravenna Boulevard and NE 65th Street near Green Lake. Beginning at Exit 171, SR 522 travels 24.64 miles east to U.S. 2 at Monroe.

07/20/23

Intersecting NE 65th Street just west of Interstate 5, Ravenna Boulevard angles northwest from the Ravenna Park area to Green Lake Way at Green Lake. NE 65th Street continues east to the Ravenna and Hawthorne Hills areas of north Seattle.

Intersecting NE 65th Street just west of Interstate 5, Ravenna Boulevard angles northwest from the Ravenna Park area to Green Lake Way at Green Lake. NE 65th Street continues east to the Ravenna and Hawthorne Hills areas of north Seattle.

07/20/23

SR 522 (Lake City Way) arcs eastward along the Lake Washington north shore to Kenmore and Bothell.

SR 522 (Lake City Way) arcs eastward along the Lake Washington north shore to Kenmore and Bothell.

07/20/23

Ramps connect with SR 522 from both the I-5 northbound mainline and Express Lanes at what is otherwise a wye interchange. SR 522 spurs northeast 4.22 miles from Exit 171 to the Lake Forest city line through the Maple Leaf, Lake City, and Briarcrest sections of north Seattle.
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Ramps connect with SR 522 from both the I-5 northbound mainline and Express Lanes at what is otherwise a wye interchange. SR 522 spurs northeast 4.22 miles from Exit 171 to the Lake Forest city line through the Maple Leaf, Lake City, and Briarcrest sections of north Seattle.

07/20/23

Interstate 5 again utilizes viaducts, passing over Ravenna Boulevard, NE 65th Street, and Weedin Place ahead of Exit 171 to SR 522 (Lake City Way).

Interstate 5 again utilizes viaducts, passing over Ravenna Boulevard, NE 65th Street, and Weedin Place ahead of Exit 171 to SR 522 (Lake City Way).

07/20/23

The Express Lanes ramp to SR 522 (Lake City Way) ascends over the northbound mainline to the beginning of the state route.

The Express Lanes ramp to SR 522 (Lake City Way) ascends over the northbound mainline to the beginning of the state route.

07/20/23

Exit 171 also provides access to NE 73rd Street ahead of Roosevelt Way south and 12th Avenue north. Exit 172 for NE 85th Street west to SR 99 (Aurora Avenue) follows in one half mile.

Exit 171 also provides access to NE 73rd Street ahead of Roosevelt Way south and 12th Avenue north. Exit 172 for NE 85th Street west to SR 99 (Aurora Avenue) follows in one half mile.

07/20/23

Exit 172 links I-5 with adjacent with Banner Way to NE 85th Street for Green Lake, Greenwood, Loyal Heights, and North Beach.

Exit 172 links I-5 with adjacent with Banner Way to NE 85th Street for Green Lake, Greenwood, Loyal Heights, and North Beach.

07/20/23

The last exit from the Interstate 5 Express Lanes joins NE 103rd Street and 1st Avenue NE at Northgate Station in one mile.

The last exit from the Interstate 5 Express Lanes joins NE 103rd Street and 1st Avenue NE at Northgate Station in one mile.

07/20/23

Exit 172 leaves Interstate 5 north at the NE 80th Street overpass. SR 99 (Aurora Avenue) travels 12 blocks to the west between Green Lake and North Park.

Exit 172 leaves Interstate 5 north at the NE 80th Street overpass. SR 99 (Aurora Avenue) travels 12 blocks to the west between Green Lake and North Park.

07/20/23

The Express Lanes return to the I-5 mainline north ahead of Exit 176 in Shoreline. Northgate Way constitutes an arterial between SR 99 at North Park and SR 522 at Victory Heights.

The Express Lanes return to the I-5 mainline north ahead of Exit 176 in Shoreline. Northgate Way constitutes an arterial between SR 99 at North Park and SR 522 at Victory Heights.

07/20/23

Ramps from both the Express Lanes and Interstate 5 northbound mainline lead onto adjacent 1st Avenue NE at Northgate Station. The Northgate Station commercial center replaced what was Northgate Mall.

Ramps from both the Express Lanes and Interstate 5 northbound mainline lead onto adjacent 1st Avenue NE at Northgate Station. The Northgate Station commercial center replaced what was Northgate Mall.

07/20/23

The three quarter cloverleaf interchange at Exit 173 for Northgate Way utilizes connections with 1st Avenue NE and Corliss Avenue NE to the west. Exit 173 to Meridian Avenue south leads to North Seattle Community College.

The three quarter cloverleaf interchange at Exit 173 for Northgate Way utilizes connections with 1st Avenue NE and Corliss Avenue NE to the west. Exit 173 to Meridian Avenue south leads to North Seattle Community College.

07/20/23

Exit 174 with NE 130th Street and Roosevelt Way (former SR 513) follows in 1.25 miles.

Exit 174 with NE 130th Street and Roosevelt Way (former SR 513) follows in 1.25 miles.

07/20/23

The Express Lanes return to Interstate 5 north and the HOV-2 lane resumes on the left side of the freeway mainline.

The Express Lanes return to Interstate 5 north and the HOV-2 lane resumes on the left side of the freeway mainline.

07/20/23

Shifting northeast, Interstate 5 advances to the half diamond interchange (Exit 174) with NE 130th Street west and Roosevelt Way east.

Shifting northeast, Interstate 5 advances to the half diamond interchange (Exit 174) with NE 130th Street west and Roosevelt Way east.

07/20/23

NE 130th Street extends west from Roosevelt Way and Exit 174 to Haller Lake and Broadview in north Seattle. Roosevelt Way connects NE 130th Street with NE 125th Street east to Pinehurst and Lake City. The east to west route was a part of SR 513 until 1991 (AARoads Wiki, 2023).

NE 130th Street extends west from Roosevelt Way and Exit 174 to Haller Lake and Broadview in north Seattle. Roosevelt Way connects NE 130th Street with NE 125th Street east to Pinehurst and Lake City. The east to west route was a part of SR 513 until 1991 (AARoads Wiki, 2023).

07/20/23

The elevated Sound Transit light rail accompanies Interstate 5 north to Lynwood.

The elevated Sound Transit light rail accompanies Interstate 5 north to Lynwood.

07/20/23

A modified diamond interchange joins I-5 with SR 523 (NE 145th Street) at the Seattle and Shoreline city line. SR 523 straddles the city limits along NE 145th Street for 2.45 miles between SR 99 (Aurora Avenue) and SR 522 (Lake City Way) at Kenwood.

A modified diamond interchange joins I-5 with SR 523 (NE 145th Street) at the Seattle and Shoreline city line. SR 523 straddles the city limits along NE 145th Street for 2.45 miles between SR 99 (Aurora Avenue) and SR 522 (Lake City Way) at Kenwood.

07/20/23

Restricted ramps connect Interstate 5 with Metro Transit's North Base 0.75 miles ahead of Exit 176. The diamond interchange with NE 175th Street is the main connection from Interstate 5 to Shoreline.

Restricted ramps connect Interstate 5 with Metro Transit's North Base 0.75 miles ahead of Exit 176. The diamond interchange with NE 175th Street is the main connection from Interstate 5 to Shoreline.

07/20/23

NE 175th Street runs west to SR 99 (Aurora Avenue) at Richmond Highlands and east to 15th Avenue NE at North City.

NE 175th Street runs west to SR 99 (Aurora Avenue) at Richmond Highlands and east to 15th Avenue NE at North City.

07/20/23

SR 104 (NE 205th Street) angles northwest from Lake Forest Park to meet Interstate 5 at Exit 177 on the Shoreline and King County line.

SR 104 (NE 205th Street) angles northwest from Lake Forest Park to meet Interstate 5 at Exit 177 on the Shoreline and King County line.

07/20/23

SR 104 is one of a handful of state routes that utilize ferry crossings of Puget Sound to make connections. SR 104 continues west from Edmonds via ferry to Kingston in Kitsap County.

SR 104 is one of a handful of state routes that utilize ferry crossings of Puget Sound to make connections. SR 104 continues west from Edmonds via ferry to Kingston in Kitsap County.

07/20/23

SR 104 follows NE 205th Street west to Edmonds Way in Edmonds. Downtown Edmonds lies 4.67 miles to the northwest at SR 524 (Main Street).

SR 104 follows NE 205th Street west to Edmonds Way in Edmonds. Downtown Edmonds lies 4.67 miles to the northwest at SR 524 (Main Street).

07/20/23

SR 104 travels 31.75 miles overall between Lake Forest Park and U.S. 101 south of Discovery Bay.

SR 104 travels 31.75 miles overall between Lake Forest Park and U.S. 101 south of Discovery Bay.

07/20/23

Interstate 5 crosses the Snohomish County and Mountlake Terrace city lines at the SR 104 under pass.

Interstate 5 crosses the Snohomish County and Mountlake Terrace city lines at the SR 104 under pass.

07/20/23

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References:

Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT). (2025, May 9). SR 520 I-5 Express Lanes Connection Project - Completed. https://wsdot.wa.gov/construction-planning/search-projects/sr-520-i-5-express-lanes-connection-project

AARoads Wiki. (2023, September 8). Washington State Route 513. AARoads Wiki. Retrieved September 2, 2025, from https://wiki.aaroads.com/wiki/Washington_State_Route_513

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Washington State Route 520State Route 520

Page Updated Tuesday September 02, 2025.