Project news

• Get the latest travel information by visiting our travel advisory webpage.
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• Granite Construction Company was awarded this $2.3 million contract on May 25, 2017.

Why is WSDOT resurfacing southbound Interstate 5 at the North Fork Lewis River Bridge near Woodland and the southbound I-5 railroad bridge south of Kalama?
The weight of heavy traffic coupled with an unusually cold wet winter caused damage to the pavement on this stretch of southbound I-5. Between summer 2017 and 2018, contractor crews will replace expansion joints on the bridges, install new waterproof membrane, apply new pavement markings and resurface the bridge decks. 

What can drivers expect during spring construction?

• Beginning in April 2018, people who travel on southbound Interstate 5 near Kalama should plan ahead for possible lengthy delays due to bridge preservation work.
• 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 in 2017, 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.

The End Result
This project will help preserve this section of the interstate and provide a smoother surface for the 74,000 drivers who use this stretch of highway daily. I-5 is the most significant freight freeway on the West Coast, linking markets in Canada, the United States and Mexico and is critical to the regional, state and national economy. Rehabilitating this stretch of I-5 extends the life of the interstate and preserves an important freight corridor for many years to come.

Project Benefits

• Preservation – Resurfacing this section of I-5 will improve the roadway and extend the life of the highway.
• Safety – Resurfacing will produce a smoother highway surface, creating a safer ride for drivers.
• Economic – Resurfacing this section of I-5 will reduce the need for costly emergency repairs and maintenance work.

What is the project timeline?

• Spring 2017: Project scheduled to go to competitive bid.
• Summer 2017: Construction scheduled to begin.
• Fall 2018: Scheduled construction completion.