Tamara Greenwell, communications, 360-905-2056
Lori Figone, project engineer, 360-905-1500

Drivers should expect lane closures and prepare for delays

KALAMA – People who travel on southbound Interstate 5 near Kalama should plan ahead for possible lengthy delays due to bridge preservation work this week.

Contractor crews working for the Washington State Department of Transportation will replace expansion joints and resurface the pavement on a stretch of the interstate that spans across railroad tracks in Cowlitz County. The preservation work will extend the life of the highway, reduce the need for costly repairs, and improve safety by creating a smoother surface for drivers.

“Completing this important maintenance work helps extend the life of one of the most significant freight corridors on the West Coast,” said project engineer Lori Figone. “Rehabilitating the joints and pavement on this bridge will provide a safer and smoother drive for the 74,000 drivers who travel this section of I-5 each day.”

WSDOT’s contractor, Granite Construction Inc., will begin the work as soon as April 11. Two lanes of southbound I-5 will remain open during daytime travel, with nighttime closure of up to two lanes. 

Construction details

• One lane of southbound I-5 near Kalama will close continuously for several weeks. Nighttime closure of two lanes may occur during the following times:
  • Monday through Friday from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. daily.
  • Friday night from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. Saturday morning.
  • Saturday night from 10 p.m. to 9 a.m. Sunday morning.
  • Sunday night from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. Monday morning.
• Intermittent nighttime closures of the Todd Road on-ramp to southbound I-5.
• Reduced speed limit of 60 mph through the work zone.
• Construction is weather dependent, with this phase of the project expected to be completed by the end of spring.

Summer paving

In addition to the expansion joint replacement, the asphalt on the bridge deck will be removed and replaced. This portion was paved last year, but upon inspection, it was determined the new pavement will be prone to potholing and cracking sooner than normal. The contractor will complete this work at their expense during the dry summer months.