TUMWATER – People who travel south on US 101 in Olympia and Tumwater will soon see orange construction signs, heralding the start of roadway improvements.
As early as Friday, May 6, contractor crews working for the Washington State Department of Transportation will begin work to remove and replace several miles of worn roadway on southbound US 101. Later this summer, the project will replace existing guardrail with concrete barrier on the US 101 on-ramp to northbound Interstate 5.
Replace worn asphalt
To create a fresh driving surface and preserve the highway, the top layer of the roadway will be removed. Damaged portions of asphalt will be repaired before it’s repaved.
Work locations
- Left lane of southbound US 101 from Mud Bay to Crosby Boulevard
- Right lane of southbound US 101 from Black Lake Boulevard to the on-ramp to southbound I-5
- Southbound US 101 exit to Second Avenue in Tumwater
Crews will work at night when traffic volumes are lower. Travelers can expect night lane and ramp closures, and a reduced speed limit to 45 mph.
Nearby residential areas may experience nighttime noise. Asphalt grinding is unavoidably loud. Crews will work as quickly as possible to complete the work to reduce inconvenience.
New barrier
After paving is complete, sometime this summer, crews will create a construction zone on the southbound US 101 on-ramp to northbound I-5.
Travelers who use the US 101 on-ramp to northbound I-5 will experience the following:
- Around-the-clock narrowed and shifted lanes.
- Night lane and ramp closures and associated detours.
If the weather cooperates, the $2.19 million project will be completed by September.
Advance notification of ramp closures and other highway roadwork is available on the WSDOT statewide travel map and the WSDOT app.