Two projects to improve the driving surface of Interstate 5 in Thurston County are complete, a news release from the Washington state Department of Transportation (WSDOT) announced this week.
Contractor crews working for the WSDOT worked on both directions of the highway from August through October.
Crews removed and replaced nearly 7 miles of worn asphalt from Grand Mound to Maytown. The $9.3 million project wrapped up Oct. 12.
From Lacey to DuPont, crews replaced 87 concrete panels. The $3 million project finished Oct. 28.
Additionally, crews replaced damaged guardrails in both areas. Highway driving surfaces are generally asphalt or concrete. For asphalt repairs, workers grind out the old asphalt and add a new layer. For concrete repairs, crews cut out damaged panels and pour a new surface. The work takes more time to complete but also lasts longer.
