The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is reminding motorists to plan for another round of long delays on northbound Interstate 5 at the Lewis and Thurston County line.
From 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 16, a two-mile section of northbound I-5 between the Lewis and Thurston county line and Exit 88 in Grand Mound will be reduced to a single lane for road work.
Crews will start work near the county line and move north throughout the day.
WSDOT recommends motorists consider rescheduling discretionary trips and traveling early in the morning or late in the afternoon. The department also suggests topping off fuel tanks or fully charging vehicles before traveling on the interstate through the area.
“If traveling during work hours, add two hours of extra time to help prevent delays,” WSDOT stated in a news release.
“Unless people change their plans, WSDOT is projecting 10-mile backups due to I-5 being reduced to a single lane,” WSDOT stated. “If traveling through the area is necessary, expect long delays.”
The lane closures will allow crews to finish filling gaps in the roadway surface and fix potholes. “Crews need warm and dry conditions to perform the repair,” WSDOT stated. “Once complete, the repairs help reduce the rate of roadway deterioration. The work is scheduled during daytime hours. This is when driver behavior is generally safer and crews and work zone signs are more easily seen. Work is weather dependent and could be rescheduled.”
