LEWIS COUNTY – Future improvements and investments on Interstate 5 between the Harrison Avenue interchange in northern Lewis County and the Grand Mound interchange in southern Thurston County are the focus of an online open house.
Beginning Friday, March 17, the Washington State Department of Transportation invites people who use I-5 in the area to participate in an online open house to provide feedback on the interstate's future.
North Lewis County is a major transportation hub that connects the robust western Washington economy between Vancouver and Olympia. Due to current growth in this area, congestion during weekday peak commute times (typically 6-9 a.m. and 4-6 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 12-2 p.m. on Fridays) has increased, causing significant backups and delays as well as conflicts between travelers sharing the road with freight truck traffic.
Transportation corridor study
With anticipated future growth in this area, WSDOT is studying the corridor to reduce congestion and identify safety and mobility improvements that will mutually benefit local communities and businesses.
The study will also focus on addressing gaps in active transportation including facilities for people who walk or roll, access to public transit, vehicle traffic pain points and ADA compliance.
Virtual open house information
Information about the project is available through the online open house beginning Friday, March 17. Attendees can view the study area and provide their feedback through Friday, March 31.
Online open house
- When: Friday, March 17 to Friday, March 31
- Where: WSDOT online open house website
Content is available in Spanish
Access for participation
Free Wi-Fi access is available at the following Lewis County libraries:
- Centralia Library
110 S. Silver St.
Centralia, WA 98531 - Chehalis (Vernetta Smith) Library
400 N. Market Blvd.
Chehalis, WA 98532 - Winlock Library
322 1st St.
Winlock, WA 98596 - Salkum Library
2480 US Highway 12
Salkum, WA 98582
Additional Wi-Fi locations are provided through the Washington State Department of Commerce.
The North Lewis County corridor study is funded for $1 million through the Connecting Washington transportation package. Funding for future improvements identified in this study are not approved for construction at this time.