Nighttime travelers will need to take the scenic route through south Lewis County, but the detour will lead to smoother trips ahead as crews repair a 6-mile stretch of Interstate 5.
Starting Tuesday night, Washington state Department of Transportation (WSDOT) maintenance crews began repairing the driving surface on I-5 between the Jackson Highway and state Route 505 interchanges.
Crews will begin with the southbound lanes then move onto the northbound side. They will grind off the top layer of damaged pavement and replace it with new asphalt. This work improves safety, helps prevent emergency closures and extends the highway’s lifespan for years to come, according to a WSDOT news release.
During the overnight full closures, travelers will follow signed detours, which will add travel time.
All lanes of southbound I-5 were set to close between Exit 63 for state Route 505 and Exit 59 for state Route 506 from 10:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 13, to 5 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 14
For through traffic, a signed detour will be in place from Exit 63. It goes east on state Route 505, south on Jackson Highway South and west on Rogers Road to the southbound I-5 on-ramp. With the southbound I-5 on-ramps at Toledo-Vader Road and state Route 506 closed, local traffic can use Toledo-Vader Road to reach the signed detour on state Route 505 in Toledo.
All lanes of northbound I-5 will close between Exit 57 for Jackson Highway to Exit 60 for Toledo-Vader Road from:
• 10:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 19 to 5 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 20
• 10:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 20 to 5 a.m. Thursday Aug. 21
For through traffic, a signed detour will be in place from Exit 57. It goes east on Rogers Road, north on Jackson Highway South and west on state Route 505 to the on-ramp to the northbound I-5 on-ramp. With the northbound I-5 on-ramps at state Route 506 and Toledo-Vader Road closed, local traffic can use Toledo-Vader Road to reach the signed detour on state Route 505 in Toledo.
For everyone’s safety, WSDOT encourages travelers to slow down, stay focused and expect delays in the work zone.
