Lane closures and delays set for I-5 in Lewis County through fall 2026

May 29-Travelers who use Interstate 5 in Lewis County should plan ahead for overnight delays as paving and bridge repair work continues through fall 2026, according to a news release from the Washington state Department of Transportation (WSDOT).

Beginning Tuesday, May 26, WSDOT's contractor, Granite Construction Company, will close lanes in both directions of I-5 for paving work between the Koontz Road and state Route 507 interchanges in Lewis County.

Crews will remove the top layer of old, damaged asphalt and replace it with new pavement to smooth the driving surface, extend the life of the highway and reduce more costly repairs in the future, WSDOT stated.

Travelers should expect a bumpy driving surface in the work zone until final paving work is complete.

What to expect:

-Weeknights from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m., up to two lanes in both directions of I-5 will close nightly from Koontz Road near milepost 71.65 to state Route 507 near milepost 81, for paving and bridge repairs.

-Most work will happen at night to help reduce delays, though some daytime work is necessary.

-In addition to paving work, crews are repairing several bridges along the same stretch of I-5: Newaukum River, just south of Rush Road; Rush Road, Dillenbaugh Creek, just south of state Route 6; and Salzer Creek, just south of state Route 507.

Bridge work includes replacing worn bridge surfaces and bridge joints. This helps extend the life of the bridges and keeps them in good condition, WSDOT stated.

During construction, the nighttime speed limit will be reduced from 60 mph to 45 mph. Travelers should slow down, stay focused and follow directional signs through the work zone, according to WSDOT.

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This story was originally published May 30, 2026 at 11:23 AM.