Save the Date: Lid I-5 North Feasibility Study RFP Launches November 16

October 29, 2026

The U District Partnership (UDP) is moving forward with a $1 million feasibility study exploring opportunities to reconnect neighborhoods and create new public spaces by building a lid over I-5 north of downtown Seattle.

As we prepare to launch this important study, we’re inviting consulting firms interested in working on the project to an in-person pre-submittal conference on Thursday, November 19, 2026. The session will cover the study’s goals, anticipated scope of work, and proposal requirements. It will also provide an opportunity for firms to meet potential collaborators and explore partnerships ahead of the proposal deadline.

Exploring the Future of Lid I-5 North

The U District Partnership, in collaboration with the Lid I-5 North Coalition, has been awarded $1.9 million in federal and City of Seattle funding to conduct a feasibility study for lidding Interstate 5 between NE 45th and NE 50th Streets in Northeast Seattle. The study will examine opportunities to reconnect neighborhoods, enhance multimodal mobility, and advance community-identified economic, environmental, and social outcomes within and adjacent to the Interstate 5 corridor. This feasibility study is the first step in a long process that will occur over a decade or more. The goal is to go beyond simply determining whether a lid is technically feasible and establish a practical roadmap for bringing the project to life through:

• • A comprehensive feasibility analysis
  • Development of conceptual design alternatives
  • Broad community engagement
  • Community-informed criteria for evaluating alternatives
  • Identification of implementation strategies and next steps

UDP Lid I-5 Community Vision Workshop. Photo by Alabastro Photography.

 

The Study is being led by the U District Partnership in collaboration with the City of Seattle, Washington State Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration, community partners, and a Community Advisory Committee representing the neighborhoods surrounding the project area. UDP is seeking a multidisciplinary consultant team to evaluate the potential for a lid and explore options for its design, development, financing, and implementation. The study will bring together engineering, transportation planning, urban design, economic and financial analysis, and community engagement to help identify feasible approaches that advance community priorities and deliver meaningful economic, environmental, and social benefits.

Join us on November 19

The in-person pre-submittal conference will give prospective consultant teams an opportunity to learn more about the study, anticipated scope of work, and procurement requirements. It will also be a valuable opportunity to meet other firms interested in the project. Consultants looking to build a multidisciplinary team or identify potential teaming partners are especially encouraged to attend.

In-Person Pre-Submittal Conference

• • Date: Thursday, November 19, 2026
  • Time: 1:00 -2:30 PM (PST)
  • Location: Graduate by Seattle Hilton, 4507 Brooklyn Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98105 
  • Registration: [LINK]

A second pre-submittal conference is anticipated for December 3, 2026. Both sessions will cover the same material, so prospective proposers only need to attend one to learn about the opportunity. The November 19 in-person session offers an earlier opportunity to connect with potential collaborators.

UDP Lid 1-5 Community Vision Workshop. Photo by Alabastro Photography.

 

RFP at a Glance

• • RFP release: November 16, 2026
  • Contract amount: Up to $1,000,000
  • Anticipated contract period: May 2027–May 2030
  • Intent to Respond deadline: December 7, 2026
  • Proposal deadline: January 22, 2027, at 12:00 p.m. PST

The full RFP, including submission instructions and requirements, will be available beginning November 16.

Interested in participating? RSVP to join us on November 19 to learn more about the project and connect with potential project partners.