Weeknights from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m., up to two lanes in both directions of I-5 will close nightly between Koontz Road, near milepost 71 and SR 507 near milepost 81, for paving and bridge repair work. Travelers should expect a bumpy, uneven driving surface until final paving work is complete. See our travel map for real-time travel updates.
Project overview
Beginning in summer 2025, contractor crews repaved 11 miles of northbound and southbound I-5 between Koontz Road (milepost 69.44) and the state Route 507 interchange (milepost 81) in Lewis County.
The project repaired worn pavement by removing old asphalt and replacing it with new pavement. Crews also ground and paved travel and auxiliary lanes, repaired sinkholes, improved drainage and replaced pavement markings.
In April 2026, crews returned to repair five bridges along the same stretch of I-5. The work includes removing worn asphalt from bridge decks, replacing bridge joint structures and making other repairs to help keep the bridges safe and in good condition for years to come.
What to expect
During construction, travelers on both directions of I-5 between Koontz Road near milepost 69.44 and the SR 507 interchange near milepost 81 should expect nighttime lane closures and reduced speeds. Most work will happen at night to help reduce delays, though some daytime work is necessary.
As paving work continues, some sections of the highway may be rough or bumpy until crews complete final paving.
In addition to paving work, crews will repair several bridges along the same stretch of I-5, including:
• Newaukum River bridge, south of Rush Road.
• Rush Road bridge.
• Dillenbaugh Creek bridge, south of state Route 6.
• Salzer Creek bridge, south of state Route 507.
This work includes replacing worn bridge surfaces and joints to help extend the life of the bridges and keep them in good condition.
Once construction is complete, the roads will be smoother, safer and more reliable for all travelers in Lewis County.
Project location for crews improving pavement and repairing bridges along an 11-mile stretch of I-5 in Lewis County, between Koontz Road and the SR 507 interchange.
I-5 is a major highway running 1,381 miles north–south. It connects major cities like Portland and Seattle and serves as the main interstate along the West Coast. Keeping it in good condition ensures people, goods, and services can move safely and efficiently.
Over time, weather and heavy traffic have worn down this stretch of I-5, creating ruts, potholes and uneven pavement. If left unrepaired, the road would continue to deteriorate, leading to safety hazards, costly repairs and possible emergency closures.