Motorists should expect long delays in the northbound lanes of Interstate 5 at the Lewis and Thurston county line the week of June 24, according to a news release from the Washington state Department of Transportation (WSDOT).
From 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday, June 24, through Thursday, June 27, a 2-mile section of northbound I-5 will be reduced to a single lane.
Crews will work on northbound I-5 from the Lewis County line to Maytown throughout the week.
WSDOT is asking travelers to consider rescheduling discretionary trips and to travel early in the morning or late afternoon.
“If you must travel during the work hours, add two hours of extra time to help prevent delays,” WSDOT stated in a release. “Top off your tank or have a fully charged vehicle.”
WSDOT is projecting 10-mile backups due to I-5 being reduced to a single lane unless there is a major temporary shift in driver habits. Motorists are told to expect long delays.
“The lane closures allow crews to fill gaps in the surface of the roadway and fix potholes,” WSDOT stated. “Crews need warm and dry conditions to perform the repairs. Once complete, the repairs will help reduce the rate of deterioration on the roadway.”
Crews will close 2-mile sections of I-5 at a time to increase project efficiency.
Due to the time it takes to set up lane closures, the repair process would take more time, according to WSDOT.
“The work is scheduled during daytime hours,” WSDOT stated.
“This is when driver behavior is generally safer and crews and work zone signs are more easily seen. All work is weather dependent and could be rescheduled.”
