Smoother roadway surfaces coming to SR 6, SR 508 in Lewis County this summer

LEWIS COUNTY – Travelers who use State Route 6 and SR 508 throughout Lewis County will need to plan ahead to avoid delays this summer.   

On Monday, June 3, the Washington State Department of Transportation will begin work to smooth and rehabilitate the two highways. Contractor crews from Granite Construction Company will use a bituminous surface treatment, or chip seal, in the following locations:

  • SR 6: 23-mile stretch between Interstate 5 and Pe Ell.
  • SR 508: 32-mile section between I-5 and Morton.

“Over time, due to normal wear and tear from passenger and freight vehicles along with weather, the driving surfaces on the existing roadway system begins to breakdown,” said WSDOT Project Engineer Jennette Queen. “The chip sealing process will repair damaged sections of the road and extend the life of these two highways and provide a smoother driving surface for all travelers.”

What to expect during construction

Travelers should expect weekday delays of up to 20 minutes and are asked to follow the direction of flaggers or a pilot car.

The work requires warm, dry weather so travelers will see crews working during the daytime hours, until all work is completed later this summer.

Please be patient when traveling in work zones. Traveling at the posted speed limit in construction zones will ensure the safety of highway users and road crews, while also helping to prevent flying rock from the chip seal process.

During construction, crews will make repairs to the pavement by filling potholes and fixing damaged sections of the pavement. Additionally, crews will add lane markings including restriping and applying fog sealing along the travel lanes.

This weather-dependent work may be rescheduled at any time.

Slow down on ice and snow.

It's easier to skid or lose control traveling at higher speeds. Give yourself more time to stop.

Carry chains, practice installing them.

Winter conditions could mean chains are required on your route. Practice putting them on your vehicle ahead of time.

Pack your winter car kit.

Carry extra supplies like warm clothing, ice scraper and brush, jumper cables and other emergency items.