Project news

• On June 1, 2020 - this project was awarded to Farline Bridge, Inc. 

In summer 2020, contractor crews working for the Washington State Department of Washington, will begin working to replace the damaged northbound span of the 13th Street overpass which spans over I-5, near Chehalis, in Lewis County. 

Needs & benefits

On Oct. 5. 2019, an over height load was traveling northbound on I-5 when it struck and damaged the overpass. Following a thorough examination of the overpass by WSDOT bridge crews, it was determined that when the over height load struck the bridge it caused significant structural damage to two of the girders. Due to the extent of the structural damage, it was determined that the entire northbound span must be replaced. Additionally, traffic was revised across the bridge span, restricting traffic from traveling over the damaged girders. However, replacing the northbound overpass span will ensure that folks can travel safely across the highway, in Lewis County for many more years to come.  

On Nov. 14, 2019, Governor Inslee declared a State of Emergency as a result of the above mentioned situation, and directed the plans and procedures in the Washington State Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan be implemented, directing WSDOT to utilize state resources to do everything reasonably possible to respond and recover from this incident. 

What can travelers expect

On Monday, Oct. 19, 2020 - the contractor will close all northbound lanes of I-5 at the 13th Street overpass and detour traffic using the 13th street off- and on-ramps. During the closure, crews will install new bridge girders over the freeway. All lanes of I-5 will reopen by 5 a.m., Tuesday, Oct. 20.  

The overpass will remain closed for the duration of the project. 

Timeline 

• June 1, 2020: Project was awarded to Farline Bridge, Inc. 
• Fall 2020: Construction is scheduled to begin 
• Winter 2020: Project scheduled for completion

Funding 

The estimated cost of this project is approximately $1 million dollars