Project news

• The new Chamber Way overpass opened to traffic on Saturday, Oct. 20.
• For additional traffic impacts, check our current travel conditions.
• View project information from the July 26 Open House:
  • Project Timeline (pdf 80 kb)
  • Temporary Detour Bridge (pdf 292 kb)
  • Chamber Way Overpass Design (pdf 149 kb)
  • Chamber Way Street Alignment (pdf 247 kb)
• Design-build contract awarded to Quigg Bros., Inc. of Aberdeen on May 4, 2017.

Overview
The Washington State Department of Transportation will replace the existing I-5 Chamber Way overpass with a taller, wider structure.

On the morning of Friday, July 22, 2016, a semi-truck hauling a pair of excavators hit a portion of the Chamber Way bridge that spans over southbound I-5 in Chehalis, causing significant structural damage.

For the safety of the traveling public, the damaged span was demolished and a temporary bridge is currently in place.

Why is WSDOT building a new Chamber Way overpass?
The existing overpass was built in 1958 and does not meet modern design standards. The Chamber Way overpass is a two lane bridge spanning across the interstate, and is only 14 feet 8 inches above I-5.

WSDOT demolished a portion of the bridge that was damaged by an oversized load and installed a temporary bridge in the summer of 2016.

The End Result
A wider, taller overpass will keep people in Chehalis connected between a vibrant commercial center west of I-5 and the city center. 

The new overpass will be incorporated into a future project that will add improvements to I-5 and modify the adjacent intersections.

Needs & benefits

Safety - The new overpass will replace the existing structure and temporary bridge that is currently in place.

Mobility - Chamber Way will be widened across I-5, with improved bike and pedestrian access.

Timeline

• Spring 2017 - Design work begins
• July 2017 - Construction begins
• Fall 2017 - Chamber Way traffic will shift to temporary detour bridge
• Fall 2018 - Scheduled completion