The Washington State Department of Transportation says that a lower speed limit and shifted lanes in both directions of I-5 in Fife will help protect highway construction crews on the State Route 167 Completion project and people driving through the work zone.
As early as Wednesday, February 15 the Washington State Department of Transportation will establish a temporary 50 mph speed limit between milepost 137.5 near 54th Avenue East and Porter Way at milepost 139.
- The northbound speed reduction takes effect as early as Wednesday, February 15.
- The southbound speed reduction takes effect as early as Saturday, February 25.
- Travelers on I-5 will see new speed limit signs and work activity on the shoulders and medians of I-5.
- The temporary speed limit is expected to last through summer 2023.
- WSDOT will work with the Washington State Patrol to manage enforcement.
I-5 Lane Shift
I-5 lanes will be shifted toward the right shoulder in combination with the temporary speed reduction. Weather-permitting, the northbound shift will occur first:
- 7 p.m. on Tuesday,February 14 – Lanes will begin to close on northbound I-5 south of 54th Avenue East to Porter Way for roadway restriping.
- 10 p.m. on Tuesday, February 14 – The 54th Avenue East on-ramp to northbound I-5 will be closed. Travelers will follow a signed detour route.
- 11 p.m. on Tuesday, February 14 – Four lanes of northbound I-5 south of 54th Avenue East to Porter Way are closed for roadway restriping.
- 1 a.m. on Wednesday, February 15 – 15-minute rolling slowdown for roadway striping.
- 3:30 a.m. on Wednesday, February 15 – The 54th Avenue East on-ramp reopens.
- 4:30 a.m. on Wednesday, February 15 – All lanes of I-5 reopen with the new 50 mph speed limit in effect.
Southbound lane closure hours to complete the shift will be announced the week of February 21.
The lane shifts and speed reduction are necessary to create safe work zones in the median of I-5. Construction crews will work in the median to build new bridges on I-5 that will cross the project’s relocated Hylebos Creek, as part of the Hylebos Riparian Restoration Program. The restoration program will improve the flow of the creek and reduce flooding on I-5, supporting the larger the Puget Sound Gateway program.
Benefits of I-5 speed reductions
Speed reductions enhance driver awareness and the safety of both construction crews and travelers:
- Reducing speeds in work zones have been shown to increase driver awareness by encouraging travelers to slow down, follow posted speed limit signs and remain alert while traveling through a work zone.
- Construction crew members are spouses, parents, children, siblings and friends – and they all deserve to go home safe at the end of their shift.
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