Olympia and Tumwater commuters heading north on I-5 are facing nightly lane closures that will last through the end of October.
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) began shutting down lanes between Lacey and DuPont on Tuesday, Sept. 1, for a $3 million concrete panel replacement project.
Crews are replacing worn-out panels on both directions of the highway, some of which have been in place since I-5 first opened through the Nisqually area in 1969, according to WSDOT's project page.
Closures started on the northbound side, The Olympian reported. As the project progresses, crews will switch to southbound lanes. Either direction could be reduced to a single lane as the evening goes on.
Closure schedule
Lane closures run on the following schedule through October:
- Tuesday through Thursday: 6 p.m. to 6 a.m.
- Friday night: 5:30 p.m. to 9 a.m. Saturday
- Saturday night: 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 a.m. Sunday
No closures are scheduled on Sunday or Monday nights. Rain can cancel work on short notice.
Ramp closures and detours
Temporary ramp closures begin after 10 p.m. each work night. Four interchanges are affected:
- Marvin Road on-ramp to northbound I-5
- Northbound I-5 exit to Martin Way East
- Southbound I-5 exit to Martin Way East
- Southbound I-5 exit to Mounts Road
WSDOT spokesperson Doug Adamson told The Olympian on July 30 that "signs will be placed on each ramp before each closure."
Speed cameras in the work zone
The speed limit drops from 60 mph to 45 mph through the construction zone. WSDOT is deploying 10 speed cameras that will rotate through the area, marked by signs at each location.
The agency said the camera program is meant to slow drivers, not generate infractions. According to WSDOT, more than 90% of those injured in work zone collisions are drivers and their passengers.
Why closed lanes may look empty
Drivers may see closed lanes with no visible work happening. New concrete panels need time to cure after installation. WSDOT's Tacoma office posted Wednesday, Sept. 2, on X that closures were active that night and Thursday, Sept. 3.
ACME Concrete Paving, Inc., which won the contract on June 23, is performing the work. WSDOT expects the project to wrap up by the end of October.
Drivers can call the project hotline at 888-606-9711 for updates.
