The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) reports that I-5 travelers in Olympia and Tumwater are encouraged to plan for two weekends of daytime roadwork approaching US 101.
From 5:00 a.m. to noon Saturday, January 27, Sunday, January 28, Saturday, February 3 and Sunday, February 4, the left lane of I-5 will close in both directions approaching the US 101 interchange. Expect significant congestion approaching the work zone.
WSDOT Needs Help From I-5 Travelers
- Add extra travel time.
- Use alternative routes.
- Consider postponing discretionary trips.
- Travel early in the morning or later in the afternoon.
The daytime lane closures allow Washington State Department of Transportation maintenance crews to make repairs to the center barrier of the highway.
Three sections of the barrier were damaged in recent collisions. To replace the barrier, crews will cast new concrete forms in place on the roadway. This time of year, there is limited availability at concrete plants, which operate during daytime hours only.
“Driver behavior is usually safer during daylight hours as well, and crews can be more easily seen,” said Olympic Region Maintenance Manager Matt Beattie.
While work is scheduled on weekends when volumes are typically lower, congestion is expected in both directions of I-5 approaching the work zone.
This work is weather dependent and may be rescheduled.
Whenever Near I-5 Work Zones Please:
- Slow down – drive the posted speeds for worker and traveler safety.
- Be kind –workers are out there helping to keep people safe and improve the roadways.
- Pay attention – both to workers directing travelers and surrounding traffic.
- Stay calm – expect delays, leave early or take alternate routes if possible; no meeting or appointment is worth risking someone’s life.
What’s happening on Interstate 5 RIGHT NOW! I-5 Real-time traffic information for selected cities along I-5. Maps show updates on road construction, traffic accidents, travel delays and the latest traffic speeds. Traffic cameras show congestion at a glance. Visit I-5 Traffic.
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