The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) reports that exciting changes are coming to southwest Pierce County. Contractors have begun construction that will widen I-5 for High Occupancy Vehicle lanes between 41st Division Drive and Mounts Road in DuPont. This is the third in a series of projects that add HOV lanes to I-5 in the area. The existing HOV lanes will be extended in the following areas:
- On southbound I-5, the HOV lane will extend 1.7 miles from 41st Division Drive (exit 120) to the Steilacoom-DuPont interchange (Exit 119).
- On northbound I-5, the HOV lane will begin at Mounts Road (Exit 116) and continue north 3.5 miles to join the existing HOV lane near 41st Division Drive (Exit 120).
A new I-5 overpass and Diverging Diamond Interchange
To widen the interstate, crews must replace the 66-year-old Steilacoom-DuPont Road overpass. The new overpass will be built north of the existing bridge and include a partial Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI). The partial DDI will include a traffic signal, like the new Marvin Road interchange in Lacey. Adding a DDI here improves mobility and safety between I-5, DuPont and JBLM. Pedestrians and bicyclists will have access to a shared-use path over the bridge.
The new bridge over I-5 spans the railroad tracks, eliminating the need for DuPont travelers to stop for passing trains. This safety improvement will reduce travel times for all users of the overpass. Once the bridge is complete and open to traffic, work to remove the original overpass will begin, sometime in late 2025 to 2026. This work will likely require directional overnight closures of I-5.
A roundabout on Steilacoom-DuPont Road
A new roundabout will be installed at the junction of the new I-5 overpass and Steilacoom-DuPont Road. The roundabout will improve safety and reduce congestion for people traveling to or from DuPont and Steilacoom. The roundabout will accommodate vehicles of all sizes, including large trucks, emergency vehicles and buses. The shared-use path for pedestrians and bicyclists will extend from JBLM, over the new bridge, to the roundabout.
East of interchange: improved access at JBLM’s DuPont gate
Redesigning the interchange affords the opportunity to improve how people access I-5. Improvements on the east side of the highway at JBLM’s DuPont gate (exit 119) include:
- Direct access between JBLM and both directions of I-5
- A dedicated northbound I-5 exit lane to DuPont and other communities west of I-5 via the new interchange
- Crosswalks and a pedestrian and bicycle path to the overpass
Auxiliary lane on northbound I-5 between Center Drive and Steilacoom-DuPont Road
Several years ago, WSDOT modified the Center Drive and Weigh Station on-ramp to northbound I-5 as part of the Stage 1 changes on the overall project. The dedicated auxiliary lane is coming back, which will give all highway users more time to merge to mainline I-5. This addition, paired with the northbound I-5 exit lane to the JBLM DuPont Gate, will reduce how often drivers experience backups.
New traffic signal at southbound I-5 and Mounts Road exit
Anyone who uses exit 116 to Yelm knows how backed up the Mounts Road exit gets during the afternoon commute. This project adds a traffic signal at the top of the ramp to help keep travelers moving.
What I-5 travelers can expect
Lane and ramp closures are already underway. Three lanes of traffic will be maintained in both directions of I-5 throughout the project, keeping travel times similar to what they are now. Lane closures will generally occur overnight when traffic volumes are lower. Daytime work may be necessary to safely complete some of the construction.
This project will occur in phases over three years. Each phase involves different types of work with various closures and detours. Be aware of temporary speed limit reductions and ramp closures. Give yourself extra time to follow detours if exiting or entering the highway in the area.
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.
The I-5 Exit Guide is the Internet’s largest and most complete website dedicated to Interstate 5 travelers. Find detailed exit service listings… lodging, camping, food, gas and more for every exit from Washington to California!
On the road? Why not take us with you. The I-5 Exit Guide is mobile-friendly and totally FREE. No App Required.
Traveling another route? Visit our growing family of exit guides:  I-4 Exit Guide, I-5 Exit Guide, I-10 Exit Guide, I-75 Exit Guide, I-80 Exit Guide and I-95 Exit Guide. Detailed exit service listings… discount lodging, camping, food, gas and more for every exit along the way!
