UPDATE 11:15 a.m. January 29, 2024
Center barrier work on Interstate 5 in Olympia and Tumwater is ahead of schedule and is no longer required on Sunday, Feb. 4. The change is reflected in the release below.
As crews make repairs, travelers are encouraged to go early, late
OLYMPIA – Interstate 5 travelers in Olympia and Tumwater are encouraged to plan for two weekends of daytime roadwork approaching US 101.
From 5 a.m. to noon Saturday, Jan. 27, Sunday, Jan. 28, and Saturday, Feb. 3, the left lane of I-5 will close in both directions approaching the US 101 interchange. Expect significant congestion approaching the work zone.
WSDOT needs help from travelers
- Add extra travel time.
- Use alternative routes.
- Consider postponing discretionary trips.
- Travel early in the morning or later in the afternoon.
The daytime lane closures allow Washington State Department of Transportation maintenance crews to make repairs to the center barrier of the highway.
Three sections of the barrier were damaged in recent collisions. To replace the barrier, crews will cast new concrete forms in place on the roadway. This time of year, there is limited availability at concrete plants, which operate during daytime hours only.
"Driver behavior is usually safer during daylight hours as well, and crews can be more easily seen," said Olympic Region Maintenance Manager Matt Beattie.
While work is scheduled on weekends when volumes are typically lower, congestion is expected in both directions of I-5 approaching the work zone.
This work is weather dependent and may be rescheduled. The latest information for road conditions is available via the WSDOT app and WSDOT Travel Center Map.
Whenever near work zones please:
- Slow down – drive the posted speeds for worker and traveler safety.
- Be kind –workers are out there helping to keep people safe and improve the roadways.
- Pay attention – both to workers directing travelers and surrounding traffic.
- Stay calm – expect delays, leave early or take alternate routes if possible; no meeting or appointment is worth risking someone’s life.
Travelers are encouraged to sign up for email updates about work on WSDOT roads in Thurston County.