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